In today’s episode, we’re taking a dive into the history behind how Asheville became Artsville, with Tom Anders from Grovewood Gallery! Located in the historic Grovewood Village, which once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries, Grovewood Gallery is nationally recognized for its dedication to fine American art and craft. With 9,000 square feet of artisan-made jewelry, textiles, pottery, glass, and more, Grovewood highlights the important contributions of over 400 artists and craftspeople from across the United States. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the important contributions that the Vanderbilt family made to the artistic hub that Asheville is today and gain some insight into the handmade legacy that the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum preserves and continues. We also touch on how the history of Grovewood Village started with a malaria remedy, the fascinating story behind the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum and Harry Blomberg’s passion for automobiles, what you can expect from your visit to Grovewood Village in the present day, as well as Tom’s personal history in Asheville, and so much more! Tune in today to discover this local treasure that offers a glimpse into an important part of Asheville’s story!

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/grovewood-village-gallery/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get a glimpse into the history of Grovewood and Downtown Asheville from Louise and Daryl.
• Tom shares his perspective on how the Vanderbilts helped Asheville become Artsville.
• Learn more about George Vanderbilt, who founded Biltmore Estate in 1895.
• What Tom’s role as curator, manager, and local historian at Grovewood entails.
• The genesis of Biltmore Industries and how they came to be known for their woolen fabric.
• The history of Grovewood Village, which starts with Edwin Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic.
• What led to the decline of Biltmore Industries and how the textile industry shifted.
• How Fred Seely made Biltmore Homespun fabrics popular with people nationwide.
• The story of the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, founded by Harry Blomberg in 1966.
• Hear about the collection of vintage cars and horse drawn carriages that Tom oversees.
• Tom reflects on the market value of this collection, which includes some very rare cars.
• How Grovewood Village offers a little something for everyone, no matter their interests.
• Tom introduces us to some of the artists and artisans working in Grovewood today.
• Tom shares his own personal history in Ashville, where he was born in 1958.
• Unpacking Edith Vanderbilt’s progressive approach and the YMI Cultural Center.
• Parting thoughts from Tom on how George and Bill Cecil have transformed Asheville. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tom Anders on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-anders-152032152/

Tom Anders Email — tom@grovewood.com

Grovewood Village — https://www.grovewood.com/

Grovewood Gallery — https://www.grovewood.com/grovewood-gallery/

Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum — https://www.grovewood.com/biltmore-industries-homespun-museum/

Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum — https://www.grovewood.com/antique-car-museum/

The Abell Flute Company — https://www.abellflute.com/

YMI Cultural Center — https://www.ymiculturalcenter.org/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/