"The River Arts District (RAD) is the product of necessity. Local artists seeking cheaper rent for large spaces in which they could live and work created this trendy neighborhood and cultural hub. The formerly industrial space now houses more than 150 artists. Walk among the 22 buildings spread across the district’s two square acres to see the variety of local talent like painter Kathryn Abernathy or fiber artist Denise Carbonell. Note that some of the large, single buildings used to function as tanneries and cotton mills and now host multiple studios. If inspiration strikes, take a class at Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts." - MATADOR_NETWORK