On this 'Black Friday' you'll find me at Echo Gallery at Biltmore Park, which is an artist-run gallery showing the works of Asheville area artists. Today I'll be there in my "Shop Local" best, and in the good company of many other fine locally-grown businesses. I have to say that even the larger chain stores that are located in Biltmore Park are very community oriented and involved in many events and programs that benefit the Asheville area, so if you come down 26 and get off at the Long Shoals exit, you have a win-win in many areas - here's just a taste of what we've got and who else you'll find:
At Echo Gallery: We've got our holiday lights out, a beautiful wreath on the door (courtesy of local artist Tonia Allen - you can get her info inside the gallery if you want to order one) and the windows filled with ornaments made by local artists - ceramic, glass and gourds, and we plan to keep adding to them!
Inside we also feature incredible gift options, and we'll be happy to help you find that perfect gift for friend, family, co-worker, teacher. Ceramics from cups, mugs and bowls to large service ware to tiles and whimsical sculptures. Textiles including beautiful wall quilts and gorgeous silk scarves in an array of hand-dyed and painted colors. Bold metal sculptures to adorn a large entry way or accent a dining room table with candles. Pencil drawings, paintings and encaustics in all sizes and styles to please the seasoned or beginning collector. Button flowers, Beetles-a-go-go, prints for the bike enthusiast and Monsters ... we've got monsters!! And if you're not too late, you might still find some of the limited edition 'Wizard Monsters' for the wizards in your life. And we'll be adding more artists and more incredible work throughout the month, so stop by often! For a full list of artists currently represented at Echo Gallery, visit our webpage and scroll down to the bottom of the home page.
And while you're at Biltmore Park, be sure to visit these other fabulous Asheville-grown neighbors (big pardon if I forget anyone!) ...
For cool fashion and accessories, try Moda Boutique, Bette and Shades of Green.
For treating yourself or others with incredible organic products, soothing facials, massages or just to take a mani/pedi break in your shopping day, try Sensibilities Day Spa or Sparrow Spa.
For the new holiday 'do', try Natural Impressions Salon.
For custom make-up consultation or make-over, try Lavender Fields.
For beautiful jewelry for a special gift or 'that' special gift ... Marthaler Jewelers.
For lush bedding and other home accessories, try The Natural Home.
For holiday flowers and arrangements for your home or to send ... Blossoms at Biltmore Park.
Want a cool place to take the kids or maybe to plan a special event? Check out Dino Kinetics.
Need to print off the 'end-of-the-year' newsletter, mail that big stack of cards (print that big stack of cards?) or help shipping to various corners? Visit Printville.
For anything from holiday family portraits to event photography, try Melissa Markis Studio.
And we have many others - Asheville grown of a regional parent and independently owned franchises:
O.P. Taylor's, Talloni Shoe Salon, Bon Bebe, Woof Gang Bakery, REI ...
And you won't starve! Brixx Pizza, 131 Main, Travinia Italian Kitchen, Roux in the Hilton, Hickory Tavern and PF Changs are in the Park!
I know I must have forgotten somebody (my apologies - add yourself in the comments!), but I should get ready to head down to the gallery - come by and say hi!
