In 2013, after 25 years as a gallery manager and art buyer, Sherry Masters decided to try a different approach. She started Art Connections, which offers curated, small group art and craft tours in Western North Carolina. Based out of Asheville, this relational customization of art tours allows visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative world of Western North Carolina. Sherry discusses the interests of her customers and utilizes the relationships she’s built with makers to gain unique access into studios and galleries.
Every Art Connections tour is different, because the tour is planned with the client’s input. With Sherry’s vast connections throughout the creative community, guests could find themselves in the studios of some of the leading artists and crafters in the world across an array of mediums. A typical half-day tour makes three stops of around 45 minutes each, and a typical full-day tour makes four to five stops of up to an hour and includes lunch.
Art Connections tours’ customization requires some advance scheduling, so reaching out beforehand is best for planning a tour. Short notice tours can be booked but may provide reduced options. The half-day tours travel shorter distances such as in and around Asheville, Black Mountain, or Weaverville studios. These shorter distances maximize the time spent with artists. Full-day tours can visit studios in the Toe River area, Waynesville, Hendersonville, Saluda/Tryon, or points in between.
Hours: Tours can be scheduled Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm
