Asheville’s Arts Scene Has Deep Roots and a Bright Future

Asheville-based artists celebrate their unique heritage and backgrounds through a mosaic of mediums.

By Kelly Rogers on August 10, 2023

Oscar Molina

The arts scene in Asheville, NC, is thriving, and it draws an eclectic group of artists from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures.

Outpouring of Support

After taking a sewing class at Asheville-Buncome Technical Community College, Sala A. Menaya was overflowing with inspiration, so she began creating neckpieces out of African Ankara fabric, rope, leather, denim and African beads. She soon received an outpouring of support and demand from her community and decided to turn it into a business.

“The name of my business is based off my middle name, which is Swahili and means ‘queen’ or ‘princess,’” Menaya says.

Initially, Menaya mainly made bowties, earrings and handbags, but recently pivoted to focus on statement neckpieces. These wearable works of art reflect not only Menaya’s innate creativity, but also her African heritage.

“In 2022, I took an African Ancestry DNA test because I was very curious to see where my people were from,” Menaya says. “I discovered that they are from Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon (the Tikar tribe). I found that my ancestors are artisans and storytellers, and my tribe specializes in intricate masks.”

Throughout her time as an Asheville-based artist, Menaya has found support from organizations such as Mountain BizWorks and Asheville-Buncombe’s Small Business Center, not to mention an incredible community of other creatives in the area.

Menaya currently sells her creations at local events, but also offers private design consultations for those seeking to have a custom-made piece commissioned.

Lynne Harty

Indigenous Walls Project

When Jared Wheatley painted his first piece of public art — a bold yet simple mural with the Cherokee words “ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏰᎵ” — he had no idea that it would be the beginning of a powerful new movement, the Indigenous Walls Project.

“The way the public responded was very robust, in a way that none of us expected, so we ran with it,” Wheatley says.

Wheatley, whose education and contacts in real estate and land rights industry gave him unique access to wall space, began engaging with indigenous artists and inviting them to put their talent on display.

“I don’t claim to be an artist — I’m an activist,” Wheatley says. “The goal for me is never just a visual component, but actually to stimulate a physical, emotional and political response.”

The Indigenous Walls Project aims to raise awareness about the existence and identity of indigenous communities and to work with developers to bring land back to indigenous peoples.

In 2022, Wheatley organized an Intertribal Graffiti Jam, recruiting artists from multiple tribes around the country to participate in a week-long art takeover. In total, they produced around 8,000 square feet of murals in that short amount of time, receiving support from residents who drove and stopped by to offer encouragement and enthusiasm.

Mangum Pottery

Mangum Pottery

Based in historic Weaverville, just outside of Asheville, potters Rob and Beth Mangum continue the family tradition of ceramics that Rob’s parents began in the 1970s.

Rob and Beth met in design school at North Carolina State University, both studying various art mediums. Eventually, Rob opened his own pottery studio, Mangum Pottery. Rob’s parents often offered valuable guidance and advice, especially when the studio was just starting out.

“They were great supporters and taught us so much about working with clay and running the business,” says Beth, who now co-owns the studio with her husband. “They were so generous about sharing glaze recipes with us.”

Besides the signature glaze that Robin Mangum Sr. developed decades ago, Beth and Rob also created their own glaze recipes, including the signature green matte “Weaverville Green” that Mangum Pottery has become known for.

The studio offers a large variety of ceramics, from dinnerware to pitchers and platters and everything in between. Rob’s impressive animal sculptures have also become very popular as they’ve evolved over the last decade. He also makes ceramic clawhammer banjos in true Appalachian tradition.

“There is a lot of support here for what we do, and we have a great local following,” Beth says. “So many folks are drawn to the arts and crafts of this region.”

Take a Tour of Asheville Galleries

The arts scene in Asheville is full of great galleries, including the following:

Gallery of the Mountains
290 Macon Ave., Asheville
828-254-2068 • grovewood.com/gallery-of-the-mountains

Located in the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, this gallery exclusively features local and regional art and handmade goods. More gift shop than gallery, this is the perfect place to find unique items big and small.

Momentum Gallery
52 Broadway St., Asheville
828-505-8550 • momentumgallery.com

Curated and contemporary modern art are on display at Momentum Gallery, a 15,000-square-foot space with two levels. Highlighting the work of both emerging and mid-career artists, the selection at Momentum is regularly updated and typically features breathtaking paintings, sculptures and prints.

Ariel Gallery
19 Biltmore Ave., Asheville
828-236-2660 • arielcraftgallery.com

This gallery is owned and operated by a collective of artists, whose work in ceramics, fiber, handmade jewelry, furniture, woodwork and glass are exhibited. While visiting, it’s not uncommon for guests to meet and chat with an artist or two, since they’re so intricately involved in running the gallery.

Grovewood Gallery
111 Grovewood Road, Suite 2, Asheville
828-253-7651 • grovewood.com/grovewood-gallery

Set in the charming and historic Grovewood Village, this 9,000-square-foot gallery includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits and works by more than 400 artists. American craftsmanship is featured at every turn, with an eclectic variety of mediums and aesthetics to peruse.

New Morning Gallery
7 Boston Way, Asheville
828-274-2831 • newmorninggallerync.com

Nestled in the historic Biltmore Village, New Morning Gallery fills its 12,500-square-foot space with home goods-focused American art. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind tableware, lighting or even garden art (just to name a few), you’re bound to find something truly unique at New Morning Gallery.

Asheville Gallery of Art
82 Patton Ave. #2803, Asheville
828-251-5796 • ashevillegalleryofart.com

Each year, dozens of applicants apply to be one of the 31 members that form the Asheville Gallery of Art cooperative. Selected artists not only display their art at the gallery, but are slotted to work one day a month, guaranteeing that guests will have the chance to meet a featured artist during every visit.