RADical DAZE: The RAD Spring Studio Stroll + More << May 20-22

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RADical DAZE: The RAD Spring Studio Stroll + More << May 20-22

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Burners & BBQ
This coming weekend, the River Arts District is the place to be. Not only is it time for the Spring Stroll, there are also two other events happening in conjunction with the biannual art walk: the Foundation Hellraiser and Burners & BBQ. Get in on the action from Friday through Sunday and experience the creativity, energy, and excitement of the RAD. The Studio Stroll happens officially on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm, but it's bookended by pre-parties, after-parties, and other events that can easily fill up your whole weekend schedule. The Stroll has become one of the most anticipated events in Asheville for artists, collectors, locals, tourists, and everyone in between. It's a two-day period when artists open their studios and celebrate their own work and the arts community here through special exhibits, demos, workshops, and more. Over 180 artists are participating this time around. Beyond just checking out the art, you can participate in hands-on workshops or watch demos of everything from painting to glass-blowing. If you don't want to walk along the full mile of studios and galleries, the Grey Line Trolleys will be offering complimentary shuttle service, dropping off and picking up at the studio clusters throughout the RAD.  The Stroll officially begins on Saturday, but you can also hit the pre-party on Friday from 5-8 pm at The Cotton Mill's FD Found Design Studio + Gallery to get a preview of the Stroll and beat the crowds. The Cotton Mill put on quite a spread for their recent Mother's Day celebration sale (pickled grapes in a summery cocktail, yes please!) and we have no doubt that this pre-party is going to strike that perfect balance between edgy and classy.   There are two other events happening in conjunction with the Stroll. Burners & BBQ is Friday through Sunday next to 191 Lyman St. It brings together over 50 "burners" (the term for advanced graffiti and street artists who create particularly complex designs and pieces) who will create a mural on the side of the Days Warehouse in the RAD. The finished project will be the largest public art installation in the city. The event is sponsored by PBR, so of course there will be copious amounts of it around for you to enjoy. And, as you might expect, there will be BBQ for sale. Saturday is also the Foundation Hellraiser, which runs from 12-8 pm. The Hellraiser is a fundraiser for Asheville's DIY skate and sculpture park, built by volunteers and supported by PUSH skate shop. The Hellraiser is being put on by the Asheville Skate Foundation with support from PUSH, Arts 2 People, and the RAD artists. They'll have live music, DJs, food, beer, activities, and a Skateboard Extravaganza. It's basically a huge party in support of a great cause, so bring a chair and your sun hat and get your fiesta on. A $20 suggested donation gets you a Hellraiser t-shirt and the feeling that you're doing something amazing with your money. It's happening at 530 Lyman St. Which event are you most excited about? Are you planning to hit them all?