Who We Are
The Red House is the home of the Swannanoa Valley Art League (SVAL), a non-profit organization of local artists and art patrons. Founded in 1967, SVAL is one of the longest-established art leagues in Western North Carolina. We welcome all established and aspiring artists, and those who love and support the arts, to join us!
Our Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive artistic community, providing a unique space where creativity flourishes, artists thrive, and the transformative power of art enriches the lives of all who engage with us. We strive to be a vibrant community hub providing engaging art experiences through our gallery, our classroom learning for all ages, and our studios where visitors can see art in creation. We aim to instill a lifelong appreciation for creativity and empower the next generation of artists to express themselves confidently.
The Red House Vision
Provide a creative, collaborative, and supportive environment for our community artist members. Build a unique connection between our local artist members, the community, and visitors through curated exhibitions, artist studios, wall displays, interactive workshops, and educational initiatives that promote understanding, appreciation, and participation in the artistic process.
Opportunities for Our Members
- Enter and display your art in up to six Exhibitions each year!
- Display and sell your work in the Red House Print Bins and Card Rack!
- Rent studio and display space in our prime location!
- Attend low cost Life Drawing Open Studio Sessions!
- Attend low cost educational workshops led by standouts in their mediums!
- Attend monthly social events in the Red House to meet other artists!
- Participate in art interest groups where artists share fellowship and support!
- Receive our informative newsletters!
- Subscribe to be a Featured Artist and sell art on our website!
- Volunteer in the Gallery to host our guests and show them all we have to offer!
Membership Responsibilities
- Annual $60 membership fee is due July 1st.
- All members are expected to volunteer with the league. Most volunteer commitments are filled by being a Gallery Attendant at The Red House. Involvement with other league operations also provide volunteer opportunities.
- When you enter your work in an upcoming Red House Exhibition you are required to be a Gallery Attendant at the reception desk during the exhibit. You will sign up for those shifts as part of the registration process for the exhibit.
- For your 1st Gallery Attendant shift you will be assigned a seasoned member to mentor you. Guidebooks, online resources, instructional videos and our casual atmosphere make this an easy and fun responsibility! And every day, Gallery Attendants meet and better understand dozens of current and prospective art buyers - our guests!
It takes many people and many volunteer hours to make the Swannanoa Valley Art League a success! We encourage you to find your niche and help make it a success for all to enjoy!
Communications & Publicity
- SVAL members are added to our EMAIL LIST at the time of registration. Emails about show deadlines, openings, and special events and opportunities are sent out regularly.
- Our NEWSLETTER is emailed to all members and comes out at the beginning of each month.
- We have a regularly updated WEBSITE designed to meet the needs of our members and our patrons.
- We have a presence on Social Media with an established FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM page. *See links at the bottom of this page.
- SVAL maintains an active publicity campaign. Monthly articles and events calendars appear in local arts and news publications. We also maintain an active relationship with the Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce and have ads in local visitor and relocation guides.