This popular guided walking tour allows visitors into Asheville urban homes to see how each incorporates art and city living. Tours will begin at 5:00 p.m. with groups of 20-25 visitors starting the downtown route in 15 minute increments. At the conclusion of the walking tour participants will enjoy a special reception at the newly renovated S&W Building, Asheville’s art deco landmark by architect Douglas Ellington.

“Viewing the array of extraordinary homes in historic buildings like the Castanea Building, Oxford Place in the Rogers Plumbing Building and in contemporary buildings like South Lexington and Lexington Station showcases the diversity of downtown living options,” said Pamela Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum. “During the past 20 years, many dedicated individuals have helped make Asheville the vibrant city that it is. We thank these dedicated downtown residents for sharing their homes and experiences with us.”

Among the stops on this year’s tour will be condos owned by local artists Eli Corbin and Lynne Harty. As is true with the other participants on the tour, these local residents have homes that showcase their art while infusing the space with the creativity for which Asheville has become synonymous.

“Our lofts not only showcase our work but our city,” Corbin said. “We are able to show visitors a slice of the culture our city offers before they step out the front door.”

“We are excited that we were chosen to be included in the Urban Loft + Art Tour,” added Harty. “We are excited to be a part of such a vibrant local art scene and we look forward to sharing that with others.”

Space on this tour is limited and pre-registration is required. The deadline to reserve a spot on the tour is Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. and no refunds will be available after that time.