Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

Artists Alley Open House and Sale

On Labor Day weekend, Artists Alley in Blowing Rock will continue its long history of opening its doors to the world. The Artists Alley Studio Tour and Sale is back again this year with some new additions. Resident artists and their guests will present works in acrylics, oils, oil bar, ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, mixed media, jewelry, wood, fiber and mosaics.

The event begins on Friday, August 31, with a reception that is open to the public from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Studios will be open on Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Four homes/studios will be open with 12 artists displaying their work.

Artists include Highland Craft Guild members Lucy Hamilton, Pam Brewer and Rodger Jacobs.

Hamilton, a functional potter who has been working in ceramics in this area for more than 30 years, has her studio in Newland, NC. Besides providing fine dinnerware for her clients, Hamilton teaches and mentors upcoming artists at the John C. Campbell Folk School and ASU. Her work is available in the Guild shops.

Brewer specializes in mosaics, architectural pieces and sculpture. Her animal sculptures captured the attention of the Alley visitors last year and have been featured in the book 500 Animals in Clay as well as on the publicity for the Alley show. More of Brewer’s work is on display at the Art Cellar in Banner Elk.

Many people who have visited the museum at Grandfather Mountain recognize Jacobs’ name. His large bowl hewn and turned from the bole of a tree felled on Grandfather Mountain was a commission presented to Hugh Morton and is featured in the museum. In addition to such large works, Jacobs has some new works this year, including his guardian sentinels, masks, bowls and pots. Jacobs explores various cultures in his works including African and Native American themes. His work is available at The Blue Spiral Gallery in Asheville and the Art Cellar in Banner Elk.

John Bond, owner and teacher at the Art Mart and Academy in Boone, will have his work on display, and he and some of his students will demonstrate painting and sketching techniques on Saturday afternoon. Bond shows his work at the Art Mart and has been featured at the Jones House, along with some of his students. Two of Bond’s students, Sharon Moore and Marie Hosfield, will also be in the Artists Alley show.

Painter Toni Indicott who has had shows at Abingdon Arts Depot in Abingdon, Va. will also exhibit.

Alley resident Kate Colclaser, a ceramic and fiber artist, will exhibit stoneware and porcelain with new surface treatments, as well as sculptural work inspired by her stay at the Penland School of Crafts. Alley resident Barbara Ballesty will present functional ceramics and appliqué. Returning to the show this year is jeweler Elissa Graff, watercolorist Adeline Sauer and ceramic artist SaraBeth Metzger.

Artists Alley is located off Highway 221 S, 3.5 miles from downtown Blowing Rock. For info about the annual Artists Alley open house and sale, call 828-295-8042.

Want To Go?

Dates: Friday, August 31, to Sunday, September 2
Times: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday/10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Location: Artists Alley off Highway 221 S, 3.5 miles from Blowing Rock
Cost: Free