About Us
The Appalachian Trail actually passes right by ArtiSun Gallery’s front door!
ArtiSUN Gallery History
In 2005 three adjoining historic buildings in downtown Hot Springs were renovated to become The Iron Horse Station, which includes an inn, a restaurant, and what is now called ArtiSUN Gallery. The gallery was once a hardware store and, before that, a general-goods store. As such it has always been, and continues to be, an essential part of this Appalachian mountain town.
Sunny Riggs, owner of ArtiSUN Gallery, first came to Hot Springs in 2002 as a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail. Hot Springs is the first town a hiker comes through after leaving Springer Mountain, Georgia on the way to Maine. When Sunny crossed paths with Hot Springs it was love at first sight. And though she finished the entire Appalachian Trail she knew when she arrived at Mount Katahdin, Maine that she had left her heart in Hot Springs. Nine years later she is the owner of ArtiSUN Gallery and a full time resident in what she calls her “forever home.”
The Gallery Artists
ArtiSUN Gallery is home to over forty local artists who specialize in many of the old crafts such as woodworking, pottery, fiber, and gourd art. You will also find gorgeous photography, metal work, organic clothing, and up-cycled furnishings. We are pleased with the variety of crafts, the quality of the artistry, and how the combination showcases the creative beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For more detail about our artists and their crafts click on the ArtiSUN Family page.
Coffee, Espresso & Ice-Cream Café
ArtiSun Gallery is pleased to offer a specialty coffee, Appalachian Trail Blend, as well as ice coffee and specialty teas. We also feature locally made raw, unfiltered honey, Raw Shakti chocolate, local baked goods, and a wide selection of local Ultimate Ice Cream that has no artificial additives or preservatives. Free WIFI is available at our café.
Mountain Vino Wine Shop
The Mountain Vino Wine Shop is nestled inside of the gallery and offers a wide selection of local, regional, and imported wines, meads, dessert wines, and wine accessories and products. Free tastings are available as is wine by the glass.
Local * Sustainable * Ecological
ArtiSun Gallery believes it is important to support local and regional businesses who promote sustainability by using ecological principles and practices. We welcome doing business with and fully support this growing part of our gallery family of vendors. Some of these vendors include:
- Raw Shakti Chocolate
- Raw, Unfiltered Honey
- Ultimate Ice-Cream Company
- Backroads Less Traveled Maps
- The Pot Pie Shop
- Zuma Gold Cookie Company
- and books written by local authors
Visitor Services
ArtiSun Gallery believes it is important to show each and every person who walks thru our doors southern hospitality - mountain style. We offer:
- Local maps
- Free town maps to different attractions
- Public restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Most cell phones won't have service in our town so you're welcome to use the gallery phone
Located downtown across the train tracks at 16 S Andrews Ave, Hot Springs N.C. 28743 - (828)-622-3573