A Short (but needed) Get Away

Danielle and I had a fabulous weekend in Asheville! The Biltmore was amazing. It was difficult to get good night time photos with the camera on my phone. I had a lot to delete when I got home.

Quite the fancy library ladder!

We spent the entire day on the estate. Lunch at the Bistro at Antler Village and Winery was delicious. There were lots of little shops, as well as stables to visit. The wine tasting included with admission was sort of a joke. They gave you samples in tiny plastic cups... like the pill cups in hospitals. The line for the "tasting" was very long and we didn't bother. We had a nice glass of their viognier with our lunch, no need to wait a half an hour for a few sips!

We spent Sunday in downtown Asheville. Of course I had to take a photo of Danielle sitting on the ginkgo leaf bench...

Our choice for brunch was Rhubarb's. We both had the duck confit hash and bloody Mary's too.

The weekend flew by way too fast. We timed our work schedule so that the kiln would be cooling while I was away. Monday afternoon we unloaded it before taking Danielle back to the airport. We packed Etsy orders until quite late on Monday night. The postal carrier picked up our first batch of boxes in the morning. By 3:00 pm we had the rest packed and delivered to the post office. It was a huge relief to get all orders shipped in time for the Priority Mail deadline. Everything is now in the hands of USPS and out of our control. Knock on Wood for smooth deliveries!

24 hours

Our friend Rob was visiting from Murfreesboro, NC and asked us if we would go to Asheville with him. His friend Leigh Anne has a solo exhibition of her paintings at the Flood Gallery and the reception was last night. We really had no business leaving town, with a big show coming up, but with this oppressive heat who could say no to a trip north? and I had NEVER been to Asheville!
Rob (also a potter) generously helped us out in the studio for two days so that we could hit the road. At 2:00 on Saturday we packed our bags, closed the shop, and we were off on an adventure.
The gallery is on Roberts St., next door to the Wedge building. This old building is home to various artist studios, as well as a craft brewery. So of course the first stop was for a couple of beers on a hot afternoon...

Rob, Leigh Anne, Shelley - a fun group to hang with!

very cool railing along the walkway, leading the Wedge Brewing Co....

and look... Rob found Element Ceramic - Design Studio!

Mexican Style Korean food?

Back at the Flood Gallery... Floor to Ceiling - Leigh Anne Chambers

All of these works are painted on linoleum... as in linoleum you would put on your floor! Leigh Anne incorporates the imprinted design of the linoleum in these paintings. In some, the linoleum was left uncovered in areas, I think if you click on the photos to enlarge, you can see how well that works into the painting. Most are VERY large, although I do think the grouping of six is my favorite. The show runs through July 31st. If you have the opportunity to visit Asheville, you really should check it out.

Then it was time for a night on the town. We started off with a yummy dinner and drinks at The Market Place... then a walk through the streets.

 we looked in the window, but didn't go in... maybe Rob did.

(but only to buy a lighter)

 I think Jeff is explaining the wonderful qualities of Himalayan salt to Rob

The shop window was filled with salt lamps

Next trip we will do breakfast here, heard it's really good.

 We wanted to go to Jack of the Wood to hear Shovels & Rope but couldn't get in. We ended the night with music and drinks at Tressa's instead. After a few hours of sleep at the Holiday Inn we hit the road for home. 

It was a whirlwind 24 hours, but man did we have fun!