One of the country’s oldest arts councils invites you into its richly collaborative space
Originally incorporated in 1952 by the Junior League, the Arts Council partnered with developers in 2016 to create a production collaborative and collection of showrooms called the Refinery Creator Space. This 15,000 square foot former warehouse on Asheville’s south side contains 10 individual artist studios and six arts organizations ~ home to Local Cloth, The Bright Angle, Asheville Darkroom, Majik Studios, Swann Creative Designs and the Arts Council itself.
The building on Coxe also houses three galleries, including the 1800 square foot Thom Robinson and Ray Griffin Exhibition Space. In this largest venue, the Arts Council promotes group exhibitions ~ lately, gatherings of photography, glass, ceramics, mixed media, paintings, and textiles.
At the same time, the Front Gallery provides a venue for each Refinery artist to exhibit work over a two-month period, while the Hall Gallery displays the artwork of local public school art programs. As a collective voice for the arts in Buncombe County, the AAAC delivers resources, develops innovative collaborations, fosters and honors creativity on a continual basis.
For hours and current exhibits, visit ashevillearts.com.
