Asheville’s Gallery of the Mountains is celebrating 40 years! They will mark this milestone anniversary by hosting a customer appreciation
weekend on July 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., where guests can enjoy local artist demonstrations, complimentary wine (while supplies last), and pick up unique gallery items at a 10% discount.

Founded in 1984 by Jim and Jane LaFerla, Gallery of the Mountains is more than just a gallery. It’s a testament to the artistic spirit of the Southern Appalachian region. After the LaFerlas’ retirement in 2004, the gallery’s ownership was passed on to Asheville natives Barbara Blomberg, Marilyn Blomberg Patton, and S.M. “Buddy” Patton. Today, their family continues the tradition of supporting local artists and connecting people to the region’s rich craft heritage.

The gallery is nestled within the Omni Grove Park Inn, a hotel that boasts the largest public collection of American Arts & Crafts style furnishings in the world. Opened in 1913, the hotel was built by the legendary E.W. Grove and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has become a present-day mecca for Arts & Crafts enthusiasts who travel from across the country to attend the National Arts & Crafts Conference hosted there annually.

For four decades, Gallery of the Mountains has celebrated Appalachia’s inherent artistic talent. It’s an ideal destination for tourists looking for special gifts and souvenirs, but it also appeals greatly to locals looking to pay homage to their hometown. The gallery currently represents around 70 artists and craftspeople and showcases a wide range of work, including artisan-made jewelry, ceramic tableware, baskets, blown glass, handwoven scarves, and much more. All of the gallery’s handmade collections are responsibly made in small American studios, minimizing their environmental footprint and providing customers with a sense of satisfaction and pride in their purchases.

Bryan Koontz, a local artist tracing his ancestry to Western North Carolina in the late 1700s, will be one of the artists demonstrating during the gallery’s anniversary celebration weekend. His deep appreciation for mountain culture, heritage, and scenery is evident in his paintings, which often begin en plein air and are finished in the studio. Beyond his fine art paintings, Bryan’s portfolio includes pen and ink drawings for the Mast General Store and book illustrations for Nadia Dean. Notably, he was chosen to design the Biltmore Estate’s Christmas wine labels in 2018 and did the recent artwork for the Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines.

Another demonstrating artist will be Kathleen Doyle. She and her husband, Tom Reardon, are known for their unique artisan jewelry that marries gold, sterling, mixed metals, and gemstones. Their “Pisgah View” mountain rings are a highly favored item among customers.

Gallery of the Mountains believes that the future is local, and by supporting American makers, we are investing money back into the communities where we live. The gallery is grateful for all the wonderful artists they have represented over the years and for the
continued support of the Asheville community. Please join them in celebrating local craftsmanship and 40 years of patronage on July 27 and 28.