Before coming to Asheville, John lived and worked in Murano, Italy- the Venetian Island fully devoted to glass art making. Murano is renowned across the world as the premier location for glass art, with origins in glass dating back to the 1200s. As a glass artist in Asheville's River Arts District, he saw an opportunity to invite others into this creative space, and launched Asheville Art Experience.
About Us
Meet John
Meet Alicia
Alicia is the connector and the curator behind Asheville Art Experience. Married to John, she knows firsthand how incredible a live studio can feel – so she's committed to designing experiences which truly capture this for visitors. When she's not organizing or leading tours, Alicia is in open studios connecting with artists, contributing endlessly to the creative community.
My heart in starting this company is to give people an enriched experience into the arts in Asheville. With nearly 200 artist studios, I don’t know of any other art district in the States like it as diverse and all within walking distance.
Founded by a River Arts District Artist, the personal connections we have with artists and studios can help you maneuver into the heart of this ever evolving area. Our heart is for the artists- we love to connect people with the people behind the art. Our heart is for you to experience what it’s like to be an artist! – We know that when you take the seat of an artist, and make art yourself, you come alive inside. You express yourself, dream again, and let go of what you need to.
Family owned and operated, glass artist John Miguel Almaguer developed Asheville Art Studio Tours. Then in 2021, together with his wife Alicia, they merged it into Asheville Art Experience in order to focus on giving people more opportunities to both see the arts, meet artists, and even explore being an artist themselves. John is the creative talent behind Almaguer Glass. Specializing in fine art and lighting, Almaguer Glass has been a maker in the Asheville art scene for nearly a decade.
Our Guides
Asheville Art Experience is an incredible journey thanks to the artists who lead these experiences. We are artist led, artist informed, and determined to share our creative community in a meaningful way.
Meet Tony
Tony is a River Arts District artist who is actively working and connecting in studios across the District. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tennessee Tech University | Appalachian Center for Craft – and enthusiastically shares his passion about the art and craft movement in Asheville.
As the lead guide for Asheville Art Experience, he has been leading groups through the RAD since our early days. He's been a torch-work instructor at John C. Campbell Folk School for many years, and teaches at the NC Glass Center, while continuing to work with Clay at the Odyssey here in RAD.
Meet Fariba
Fariba was born in Germany to a multicultural household where exposure to art and diverse perspectives shaped her worldview. This foundation has driven her great passion for art education and its power to inspire and engage others.
Fariba has been an enthusiastic educator and professional mixed-media artist most of her life. She earned her master’s degree in visual arts education in order to become an art educator. The artist has received two awards for Outstanding Artwork and the Don Howard Award in the Boston area.
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