Smart Bets: Come Hell or High Water Studio Tour

Posted on by Kay West

Plays in Mud is the whimsical name ceramic artist Kelsey Schissel gave the pottery business she founded in 2009 as well as the gallery she opened in West Asheville in 2021. Her Haywood Road space was not damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, but Schissel was moved by the disaster’s impact on Western North Carolina’s close-knit community of artists and decided to help. Collaborating with website designer Jenna Gengler, founder of the Handmade for Help (avl.mx/ecg) online sales platform for WNC artists, she created the Come Hell or High Water WNC Studio Tour. Taking place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the tour features more than 75 area artists representing seven WNC counties working in mediums including ceramics, woodcraft, fiber arts, sculpture and more. “This event celebrates our creative community and provides us a chance to connect directly with art lovers and supporters,” says participating jewelry maker Susan McDonough. Artists will receive 100% of the money from sales of their work. The Come Hell or High Water website has links to all participating studios, noting whether they are selling work online, in person or both. A map to studio locations will be available on the website. avl.mx/ecf Photo of handwoven, hand-dyed silk scarf by Neal Howard courtesy of the artist

Editor’s note: The story was updated on Dec. 12 to reflect that the tour is taking place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15.

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About Kay West
Kay West began her writing career in NYC, then was a freelance journalist in Nashville for more than 30 years, including contributing writer for the Nashville Scene, Nashville correspondent for People magazine, author of five books and mother of two happily launched grown-up kids. In 2019 she moved to Asheville and continued writing (minus Red Carpet coverage) with a focus on food, farming and hospitality. She is a die-hard NY Yankees fan.
View all posts by Kay West →

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