Leaf season is finally here in Ashe County and with it comes the last Gallery Crawl of the season along with the final “Friday Nite on the Back Street” at the Ashe County Farmer’s Market and a concert in the Back Street Park with bluegrass by Eric Hardin & Friends, sponsored by the West Jefferson Community Partnership.

The fun takes place Friday, Oct. 12 in downtown West Jefferson beginning at 5 p.m. and lasting until around 8 p.m. There are 13 galleries participating in the Crawl, offering a close up look at the wide variety of artwork found in the area. There will be refreshments, music, special activities and much to enjoy as the galleries stay open late for visitors.

The Ashe County Farmers Market on Second Avenue (the Back Street) will be open for its special Friday night event from 5 to 8 p.m. Originally, the last evening market was to be in September, but heavy rains that evening, while much welcomed, put a damper on vendor and customer turnout so it was decided that a “Nite Time” market be added for October. This evening event has primarily highlighted the market’s crafters although all registered vendors are invited to participate. There is no fee to set up. Customers will be treated to many of the handmade and homegrown items that can be found at the Saturday morning market. It’s a great opportunity to get a jump on holiday shopping.

The Farmers Market’s regular season will end with the Saturday, Oct. 27 market. There are Saturday holiday markets scheduled for Nov. 17 and Nov. 24 as well as holiday “greens” markets scheduled for Dec. 1 and Dec. 8.

Galleries participating in the Crawl include:

ACORN GALLERY that features the fine art originals and reproductions of nationally exhibited artist Raney Rogers. Her work includes representational landscapes, wildlife, and portraits, in various media. The gallery has handcrafts accessories and the Purple Chocolatier. Acorn Gallery is located on 103 Long Street and the phone number is 246-3388.

The ASHE ARTS CENTER is an historic WPA building featuring The Gallery and Gallery Shop. With eight exhibits a year and over four-dozen artists represented, there’s always something for everyone. Showing through Oct. 13 is the Best of the Blue Ridge. The Ashe Arts Center is on the corner of Main Street and School Avenue and the phone number is 846-ARTS.

ASHE STREET GALLERY AND STUDIO features a selection of fine contemporary arts including paintings, clay, sculpture, furniture, and jewelry. Formerly the Hartman music building, the gallery has been completely renovated to become the premier gallery space in Western North Carolina. Vicki Brown, the owner and studio artist at Ashe St. Gallery is known for her colorful and provocative abstract oil and acrylic paintings. During the year, there are a number of openings of exciting artists that have made important contributions in their field. Ashe Street Gallery is located at 19 East Ashe Street and the phone number is 846-8284.

ASHE CUSTOM FRAMING AND GALLERY, the oldest Gallery in West Jefferson, offers a fine selection of original paintings and prints by local and regional artists. Also featured is a wide array of decorative and functional pottery, note cards, wooden items, fountains, other art gifts, and custom framing. The gallery is located at 105 South Jefferson Avenue and the phone number is 846-2218.

BOHEMIA GALLERY features the work of owner Janet (Dowling) Brashear and other fine local artists. Bohemia’s selections include a unique mix of original artwork, artisan jewelry, and handmade crafts. Linoleum block prints with stunning work in black and white, prints, baskets, pottery, and woodcrafts are highlighted. Bohemia is located on 106 N. Jefferson Avenue and the phone number is 846-1498.

ORIGINALS ONLY features the work of Joan Stiles Bell. Her original oil paintings include Ashe County landscapes, still life, and portraits. The gallery also features handcrafted Scandinavian mountain furniture. Originals Only is located at 3B North Jefferson Avenue and the phone number is 846-1636.

THE QUILTED COTTAGE is a haven for quilters. Owner Gail Brandt has the largest selection of quilting fabrics, supplies and classes in the region. Featured in the shop are wall hangings, quilts, and clothing items all hand-quilted. The Quilt Gathering is located at Jefferson Station.

R.T. MORGAN ART GALLERY AND GLASS BY CAMILLE features a wide variety of original fine art. Award winning artists have been hand-selected and are among the best in their fields. Enjoy sculpture and paintings by owners R.T. Morgan and Glass by Camille Morgan. Other featured artists show pottery, blown glass, sculpture, baskets, garden creations, and paintings. Experience the elegance of a big city gallery nestled in a small mountain town. R.T. Morgan Gallery is located at 120 North Jefferson Avenue and the phone number is 246-3328.

RIVER ROCK GALLERY is Ashe County’s first artist cooperative featuring high quality craftsmanship from local artists. Co-op members and consignment artists are showing a variety of fine art and handcrafted works including jewelry, pressed flowers, weaving, painting, stained glass, handmade books, photography, pottery, wood sculpture, and wood turnings. River Rock is located at 101 North Jefferson Avenue and the phone number is 219-0089.

SALLY MAE’S EMPORIUM is located in the historic Ray Hardware Store Building and features the work of more than six-dozen artists and craftsmen. Included in this unique space are pottery, oils, pastels, prints, photography, toys, collectibles, fibers, quilts, furniture, and other handcrafted items. Sally Mae’s is located at 10 South Jefferson Avenue and the phone number is 246-9069.

SMART GALLERY owned by Gail Smart features over 50 artists in various mediums that include fine art, photography, jewelry, fine woodworking, pottery and glass. The Smart Gallery is located at 109 North Jefferson Avenue and the phone number is 246-7399.

STEPHEN SHOEMAKER STUDIO is the place to paint according to artist owner Stephen Shoemaker. Stephen is known as the “Train Man” in Ashe County with numerous original watercolor paintings and prints on his favorite subject. Stephen also paints landscapes and still life. Shoemaker’s Studio located in the AF Bank Office Building, 113 South Jefferson Avenue and the phone number is 846-3401.

TIN ROOF GALLERY is home to artist Catherine Altice. Her work is fun, whimsical, and thought-provoking. Enjoy contemporary mixed media paintings, jewelry, fiber arts, fine crafts, and handcrafted note cards. Catherine’s bright colors will brighten your day. Tin Roof is located at 103 N. Jefferson Avenue and the phone number is 246-3337.

Thirteen galleries are participating in the Oct. 12 Gallery Crawl. There will be something for everyone. Come out and join the fun on the streets of West Jefferson. Admission to Gallery Crawl is free. Maps will be available at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson and at other participating galleries and shops.

More information

For more information about the Gallery Crawl, call the Ashe County Arts Council at 846-ARTS.

For questions regarding the Farmers Market, please contact Market Manager Patty Shay at 977-4735.