All photos by Erin Fowler. The Asheville Urban Loft + Art Tour raises funds for the Asheville Art Museum by allowing participants to peek inside private homes and loft spaces across downtown. The museum is currently undergoing an expansion and has plans for a pop-up gallery space that will open downtown. Proceeds from this year's loft tour, which raised over $12,000, go to the direct support of these projects.  Over 200 people walked through gorgeous, art-filled lofts located throughout downtown Asheville. Six lofts were featured on the tour, each with unique details and character. While several of the homes were on the market, all were furnished and showcased owners' private collections. Several homeowners were onsite to talk about the features of their lofts. One studio loft, located on N. Lexington Ave, is currently unoccupied. Marshall artist Francesco Lombardo displayed his beautiful oil paintings and sketches there.  50 volunteers were on hand to lead tours, provide information, and keep the event running smoothly. The evening started and ended at a reception located inside the museum, with live music, beer and snacks from the LAB, and small bites catered by Corner Kitchen.  Two lucky winners were the recipients of raffle prizes: an "Away-cation" package for Charlotte, NC, which included a stay at the Aloft Ballantyne Charlotte, passes to the Mint Museum and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Allsport passes at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, and more, and a "Stay-cation" package for Asheville, which included two nights at the South Slope Loft on Biltmore Ave., passes to the Biltmore Estate, a private tour at Old Wood Co., a session at the Asheville Salt Cave, and more. The Museum will move out of its current space late this year to allow for major construction and to keep its Permanent Collection safe and secure. The Museum will continue an active schedule of programming for all ages off-site with community partners across WNC, and will open a small Pop-Up Museum that will house a gift shop and a rotating intimate exhibition gallery.