In 2015, when friends Michael Allen Campbell, Julie Ann Bell, and Lynn Stanley opened Trackside Studios in the River Arts District, they created much more than a workspace — they created a community. “One of our goals was, and remains, to support emerging artists who are just beginning to share their art in a public space,” Bell tells Asheville Made. “Mentoring is a natural outgrowth from an open space shared by seasoned and new artists.” To support these goals, Trackside has been under construction for the better part of six months. According to Bell, the remodel began when Deborah, Sam, and David Hellman acquired 375 Depot Street last summer. Intent on preserving the building, they replaced the decaying floor, restored two windows, and exposed ceiling beams. The second phase called for overhauling the mezzanine into additional studio spaces. And the final phase, which was just completed, required more modifications on the main floor. “All of these changes create a brighter … space for artists and visitors,” says Bell. On Thursday, Feb. 29, Trackside will unveil the renovations during a grand reopening celebration. “Our main goal is to welcome visitors to our renovated spaces, celebrate the creativity of our 60 artists, and show our gratitude to the Hellmans for their commitment to supporting the artists of the River Arts District,” says Bell.
Leaping Forward, the venue’s grand reopening celebration, happens Thursday, Feb. 29, at Trackside Studios (375 Depot St., Asheville, tracksidestudios.com). Festivities run from 4-7pm.