So we threw together a little photo contest that took place during the recent River District Studio Stroll, November 14th-15th, 10am-6pm. The contest was open to all...  Judges will select first, second, and third place winners. The first place winning photographer will receive $100, second and third place each receive $50. Not many submissions as of this posting, but we'll see... the deadline to post pictures is November 20th.  If you got some good shots at the Stroll, put them up on the flickr group and you just might win a big fat hundred dollar bill.

I just returned from NYC. I went to as many museums as possible and walked for miles everyday. I made a little gallery of pictures and mementos from the trip. You can see it here.

Change Of Season, Jonas Gerard Jonas Gerard Fine Art, in the River Arts District, will perform live painting sessions during the bi-annual Studio Stroll on November 14th and 15th, starting at 2 p.m. each day. These spontaneous painting performances have become a signature of the artist here in Asheville, NC. His intense level of gestural energy and theatrical style of painting is an experience and an event.

Cuff Bracelet, recycled door kick plate, raised and forged with dimond and 18k gold, Q Evon On November 7th-8th, 10am-6pm, the artists of the Weaverville Art Safari invite you to visit the town of Weaverville and the surrounding rural areas. Weaverville, located just a few minutes north of Asheville in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers visitors a unique small-town atmosphere with several street side cafes and eateries to compliment the many galleries and studios. Meet participating artists and preview their work on Friday, November, 6th at the Reems Creek Golf Course clubhouse from 7-9pm. This ticketed event includes a lively silent auction, door prizes, a cash bar and snacks. Tickets available at the door for only $10. This Fall, the Weaverville Art Safari is thinking 'green'. Many of the artists and craftspeople of the Safari who call Western North Carolina home choose to live and work here because they are inspired by the beauty of the world renowned landscape. In reverence of this environment, they choose to reuse, renew, recycle, and conserve. They encourage you to get on the green bandwagon too, by carpooling. Get a map online, or find one at the info booth on Main Street during the event, and share the adventure of the Safari. When asked what makes their work 'green', this is what some of the Safari artists told us: Q Evon is a leader in the handcrafted jewelry world. Her new collection, named “D.I.G,” is built on the concept that jewelry doesn’t have to be made from materials unethically and harmfully extracted from the earth. For Q, making socially responsible jewelry is not just the “in” thing to do, it has been the foundation of her work for a decade.

"As far as 'green' goes." Diane English of the Great Cosmic Happy-Ass Card Co. reports, "My new prints are printed on recycled stock that has been approved by the Forest Stewardship Council and is printed locally at a Rainforest Alliance Certified Printer." Alicia and Beatriz Kelemen of K4 Glassart use reclaimed travertine, granite, slate and marble in creating their mirrors, art for the wall mosaics, sculptures, and Menorahs. "We go to stone, marble, and granite suppliers and ask for the material that they can't use. They usually give us the scraps that are piling up on the floor. "We are selective in choosing the pieces that will fit our work," says Alicia. "It's worth the effort when we find a beautiful stone that inspires a new design." Phil Atwood uses at least 50% - 60% recycled and used materials, and sometimes more, in making his metal birdhouses. "In fact my biggest source for supplies are thrift shops," says Phil. He shares his recycling philosophy with buyers who love to find out his work is made of recycled materials. The Weaverville Art Safari was founded nine years ago with the goal of drawing attention to the artisans & craft workers of Weaverville and surrounding areas. Over the years the event has drawn thousands of visitors from the southeastern United States and beyond. For more information and for a complete list of participating artists please visit www.weavervilleartsafari.com.