The Essential Idea: Robert Motherwell's Graphic Works Opens Today at the Asheville Art Museum

Robert Motherwell, Mexican Elegy,

March 31 - April 26 at the Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square in Asheville NC - The Essential Idea: Robert Motherwell's Graphic Works.   A key figure in postwar art, Robert Motherwell was the youngest of the first-generation Abstract Expressionists. His graphic work distinguished him as an innovator and producer of stunning imagery. By the time of his death in 1991, his career had been widely celebrated with countless exhibitions at institutions including the Museum of Modern Art, NY and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.

The exhibition examines Robert Motherwell's accomplishments as a graphic artist while also exploring these works in the larger context of his artistic production.  A Special Reception and Lecture will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 7:00 PM with esteemed Motherwell scholar, Mary Ann Caws.

River Arts District - Feed the Spirit and the Body

The River Arts District is a haven of creation, a destination for the eye, a district for the dreamers, AND a hub for the hungry ...and thirsty!   While you're visiting studios take some time to  hop from restaurant to restaurant to bar to brewery giving our taste buds and tummies  as well as your other senses a treat. Get photos and a list of food and beverage stops on the River Arts District Blog.

Zen Doodle and Beginning Sodering at Random Arts this Weekent

March 30, 10 AM to 2 PM - Alpha-Bet Zen Doodle workshop with Catherine Langsdorf. This class will focus on making letters that are creative and a joy to look at. Letters can enhance many projects - journals, cards, books, etc. Learn how to create letters that are appealing by using some basic principals. Learn how to add touches of doodles(patterns) to give your letters a little piazzazz! No experience needed. Only $40.

March 31, 1 PM to 3 PM - a 2 hour basic, beginner style, soldering workshop. Create mini collages, assemble glass, copper tape and solder it all into a pendant or charm. It's basic information that will jump start your journey for more soldering adventures.
All the materials are supplied. Only $30. No experience needed.

Call to register: 828-749-1165. Random Arts is located at 481 Louisiana Avenue in Saluda NC. Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM; Sunday through  Wednesday by appointment.

ZaPow Opening Reception

March 30, 7 PM - 9 PM at Za Pow Gallery, 21 Battery Park Ave. Suite 101, in Asheville NC. Opening reception for  "Out of This World, Rockets, Robotsand Ray Guns".  Artist interpret the theme with their own individual works. Free French Broad Wee Heavier Beer and Live gypsy swing music performed by The Buskbox Players. Please RSVP.

Historic Cotton Mill Studios Hosts Special Event to Benefit the Asheville Art Museum

March 30, 6:30 - 9:30 PM at Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riveside Drive in Asheville NC: Art for Art's Sake, benefit fundraiser. Featuring works by 13 professional artists working from the River Arts District, 50% of art sales during this special event will directly support the Asheville Art Museum's capital campaign, Art WORKS for Asheville.

The  Cotton Mill Studios, is located in the remaining structures of the historic Cotton Mills Complex, devastated by  a 1995 fire.  In 2002 the building located in the River Arts District of Asheville NC,  was purchased by potters Eileen & Marty Black  working as The Potter's Mark Ltd., and is currently home to twelve artists.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Asheville Art Museum

East Wing:  With the recent addition of the Museum's new East Wing, we need volunteers to assist with greeting and directing Museum visitors, monitoring the New Media Gallery, as well as monitoring and keeping the new Art PLAYce well organized. This volunteer opportunity does not require skills for answering calls or using a computer.

North Wing:  In the Museum's North Wing, volunteers are needed to greet and orient guests, making sure that they have been properly signed in and have received a Museum sticker before exploring the upstairs galleries. North Wing volunteers are also needed to provide backup with

Central Visitor Services Desk:  This volunteer opportunity is perfect for the go-getter, outgoing personality type! Visitor Services volunteers proactively greet and interact with Museum guests, answering questions and providing our visitors with information about exhibitions on view and related Museum details. These volunteers will also answer phones, and sell tickets and Museum Shop merchandise. Cash handling and computer experience are a plus.

Volunteer Shifts (Tuesday through Sunday):

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.  

*Afternoon shift only on Sundays

If you are interested in one or more of these volunteer opportunities please contact Erika McClintock, Visitor Services & Museum Shop Manager, at 828.253.3227 ext. 119 or email emcclintock@ashevilleart.org.

Featured Gallery: Grovewood Gallery

Enter the rustic iron gates of Grovewood Gallery and discover a magical experience of art, craft, history, and Old World charm. A visit to Grovewood can include a stroll through the beautifully landscaped sculpture gardens, or a visit tp working artists' studios. You will marvel at a fine collection of rare automobiles from yesteryear and discover a bit of Asheville’s early history. Grovewood offers an expansive collection of fine American craft and one of the nation’s premier galleries.
The current featured exhibit, Tradition Meets Innovation: Objects & Accents of the Arts & Crafts Home, continues through March 31. Grovewood Gallery is located at 111 Grovewood Road in Asheville NC.

2nd Annual Creative Sector Summit

The Creative Sector Summit is an initiative facilitated by the Asheville Area Arts Council, in partnership with the City of Asheville, and affiliate organizations and individuals within the Asheville/Buncombe area Creative Sector Coalition.

The Creative Sector Summit is an opportunity for networking and creative problem solving: for cross pollination, education, creation of sector advocacy, collaboration on initiatives and programs, to maximize funding opportunities, and as an opportunity for non-arts organizations to have a way to work with the sector effectively. With more and more national organizations realizing the incredible community building and economic development powers of creativity and the arts, it is imperative that Asheville (and beyond) galvanize and cooperate to make the most of the opportunities this recognition represents.

Creative Sector Summit 2012 facilitating partners include:
The City of Asheville, The Asheville Chamber of Commerce, The Economic Development Coalition, The Performance Center, The Asheville Art Museum, The Asheville Community Theater, Asheville-Buncombe Community College, Mountain BizWorks, The Media Arts Project, Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center, Cilla Vee Life Arts, Land of Sky regional Council, Asheville Design Center, OPEN, Pursuit of Happiness, Arts 2 People, Asheville Art in the Park, The Fine Arts League of the Carolinas, Handmade in America, Wendy Outland, and Joel Horne. Additional participation by arts, culture, and creativity related groups and those who serve a creative constituency is welcome.

March 24:

WHO: David Linton, NYC

WHAT: “Bicameral Research Sound & Projection System”

Workshop – Saturday March 24th, 1pm – 3pm

Performance – Saturday March 24th, 7.30pm

WHERE: The ARTery

HOW MUCH: $10 suggested donation

March 25:

Sunday, March 25: Family Day and Grand Opening: Art WORKS Primed

Free event. Audiences of all ages welcome. Families and educators, in particular, are encouraged to attend as we premiere the Primary artPLAYce, the Museum’s family art center, as well as other exciting new exhibitions and art installations in the Museum’s newly-expanded East Wing.

WHO: Claire Elizabeth Barratt

WHAT: Motion Sculpture movement workshop series

WHERE: The Artery – Asheville Area Arts Council, 346 Depot St. River Arts District

WHEN: Sundays in March, 4pm – 7pm

HOW MUCH: Sliding scale (based on income) $5 – $25

WHO: Grace-Anne Alfiero + ZaPow!

WHAT: Grant Writing for Artists & Designers

WHERE: ZaPow!, 21 Battery Park Ave., Suite 101, Asheville, NC 28801

WHEN: 7-9 pm

HOW MUCH: $30 general, free for ZaPow artists:

March 27:

WHO: Fine Arts League of the Carolinas

WHAT: Annual Gala

5-7 pm at the Grove Arcade Gallery: Wine Hors d’oevres, and gallery

8-11:30pm at 14 Pack Square Place : Dinner & Dancing with 42nd Street Jazz Band, hosted by: Corner Kitchen- salad, Bouchon- mussels, Storm- main course, True Confections- dessert, Dripolator- coffee/tea, Limoncello!!!

HOW MUCH: $75/person-Gallery Only, $125/person- Gallery & Dinner/Dancing, $225/couple

Contact: 828-252-5050 or kahn@fineartsleague.org, to RSVP by March 23rd

March 28:

FREE PUBLIC LECTURE

SUSTAINABLE URBANISM

LIVING CITY BLOCK – Building the future one block at a time.

March 28th, 7:00 PM, Diana Wortham Theater, Downtown Asheville

http://www.livingcityblock.org

March 29:

Morning Session    10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Location  –  Asheville Community Theater

35 East Walnut street Asheville NC 28801 (828) 254-2939

 

Creative Sector Presentations by:

• Asheville Art Museum – Pam Myers
• The Artist’s Curriculum  - Susan Halliday- AB Tech, Victor Palamino-Mountain Biz Works
• Land of Sky Regional Council – GroWNC
• Handmade in America – Gwynne Rukenbrod
• Special Events – Jon Fillman – The City of Asheville
• City of Asheville Cultural Arts Division – Artist Opportunities and Programs – Diane Ruggiero
• Arts 2 People – HARP- Andrew Montrie
• Asheville Area Arts Council – AAAC 2012 Provisional Strategy: Programs and Services – Kitty Love

Lunch Break

12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

 

Afternoon Session 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

location  –  Asheville Art Museum

2 South Pack Square Asheville NC 28801  (828) 253-3227

 

Cultural Resources Forum

Networking for deeper insight into initiatives and opportunities for creative sector partners

 

Break out sessions with:

• Diane Ruggiero -Superintendent of Cultural Arts – The City of Asheville
• Artists Opportunities and Programs
• Kitty Love – Executive Director -Asheville Area Arts Council
• Programs and Services
• Victor Palamino – Programs Manager Mountain Biz Works
• Artists Alliance and Artist’s Curriculum
• AB Tech – Susan Halliday – Workforce Outreach & Student Recruitment Coordinator, Economic & Workforce Development / Continuing Education, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
• Artist’s Curriculum at  Workforce Development and Continuing Education
• Luly Gonzalez-OPEN, Meka Bunch-Artisan Builders Collective, and Chris Joyell-Asheville Design Center
• Creative Placemaking and the Bus Shelters Project and Design Forum
• Pursuit of Happiness – In the New Media Room
• Beta Version of the Cultural Resources Database/Web portal and Cultural Arts Calendar.
• Arts 2 People  Andrew Montrie, Jennifer Gordon
• Handcrafted Artisan Revitalization Program
• Handmade in America – Gwynne Rukenbrod
• Economic Development Coalition, Asheville Chamber of Commerce – Heidi Reiber – Director of Research
• Special Events – Jon Fillman – The City of Asheville. Special events have grown into a multi-million dollar industry with strong economic and social benefits.  Whether you’re interested in participating as a vendor at an event, becoming involved as a sponsor of an event, or taking on the challenge of producing your own event, the City of Asheville makes available a variety of outdoor public spaces that are frequently used for special purposes.  In this brief overview, I’ll touch on the costs, limits and the permitting requirements in producing an event.  I’ll share a few suggestions of Asheville’s most popular events for venders, artists and entertainers.  And we’ll consider how integrated, creative and strategic sponsorships of events can help you achieve your goals.

March 30:

WHO: BMCM+AC and MAP

WHAT: {Pre}-Happening

WHERE: The ARTery

WHEN: 6-9pm

HOW MUCH: $5 suggested donation

March 31:

WHO: Wendy Outland and Stephen Ham

WHAT: WNC artist Showcase at Hilton

WHERE: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park

WHEN: 5-7pm

HOW MUCH: free

 

Exhibition Opens:

The Essential Idea: Robert Motherwell’s Graphic Works

On view in the Museum’s Appleby Foundation Gallery (North Wing) from Saturday, March 31 – Sunday, August 26, 2012. Learn more at www.ashevilleart.org.

WHO:  Cilla Vee Life Arts

WHAT:  “KOLORZ” – a Motion Sculpture Movement Installation

WHERE:  The ARTery

WHEN: 3pm – 9pm

HOW MUCH:  $10 suggested donation

April 1:

WHO: Joel Horne

WHAT: The Labyrinth. New media installation art and music celebration

WHERE: The Artery

WHEN: Event: April 1 7:30pm-10pm, Display: April 2 – April 3 from 10am-4pm

HOW MUCH: free

Celebration of Artworks PRIMED at the Asheville Art Museum

March 23, 7:30 - 11 PM:  Members and Friends PRIMED Launch Party this Friday night, think creative cocktail (a little dressed-up or dressed-down, whichever your preference), with white embellishment for a little added flare! For men: white necktie or bow-tie suggested, but not required.

March 25, 1 PM - 5 PM:  FREE Family Day + Grand Opening of the Museum's East Wing and Art PLAYce.  To RSVP call (828) 253-3227. FREE admossion.

This new family art center will expand the Museum's already vital educational programming and will provide a new opportunity for the children of WNC to grow and learn through hands-on, interactive art activities. The Art PLAYce will be self-guided and open during Museum hours for families to enjoy as part of their Museum visit.  

The Asheville Art Museum is located at 2 South Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC.

Reservations Deadline March 24 for Random Arts Sue Pelletier Workshop

One of the "main attractions" this year at Random Arts is Sue Pelletier.   You've seen her on the outside cover of Cloth Paper Scissors, as well as on the inside pages, for a few years and now you can soak up the creativity that radiates around her at Random Arts in Saluda NC.

Since Sue is coming in all the way from MA, that means there will be a deadline for registrations of March 24th.  In addition to the deadline for Sue's workshops, there is also a limit of 12 per class so if you are interested,  it would be a good idea to register as soon as possible.

Each workshop is $110 for a full day instruction, 10 AM - 4 PM
Thurs. April 12th Flower Garden Clays
Fri. April 13th Textured Birds
Sat. April 14th - Paris Party Dress

Sharyn McCrumb & Michael Hardy at The Market on Oak

April 2, 6 PM at The Market on Oak, 262 Oak avenue, Spruce Pine NC -  Sharyn McCrumb and Michael Hardy will be guests at The Market on Oak. Sharyn McCrumb's New York Times best-seller The Ballad of Tom Dooley and the new J.F. Blair edition of her award-winning Civil War novel Ghost Riders with foreword by NC Historian of the Year Michael C. Hardy will be featured.

Michael Hardy's book "North Carolina and the Civil War," will also be featured and discussioned during the event.

ZaPow Hosts Grant Writing for Artists and Designers Workshop

March 25, 7 PM at ZaPow, 21 Battery Park, Suite 101 in Asheville NC.Workshop: Grant Writing for Artists and Designers. Learn the best way to tackle creating a grant-writing plan for individuals, artists and nonprofit programming. You will learn grant writing 101, how to research for grant opportunities and actually leave with a fully executed sample document. You will be ready to begin applying for future grants once you have completed this course. Students are advised to bring a laptop/digital notebook to class.

The Workshop will be conducted by  Grace-Anne Alfiero, MFA,  Executive Director Emeritus and Founder of Creative Clay, Inc., Cultural Arts Center. Alfiero has worked in diverse creative industries for over 20 years. She is on faculty at the University of Phoenix, Ringling College of Art and Design and Eckerd College and is the CEO of the Arts In Action Consulting Firm in Bradenton, Florida & Newtown, Pennsylvania. Ms. Alfiero, a professional interdisciplinary artist working with encaustic painting, photography, digital imaging and drawing, has artwork in several museums and corporate collections in the Southeast.

The Workshop is free for ZaPow Artists and $30 for the general public.

Zenn Doodle Class this week at Random Arts

March 20, 10 AM  - noon at Random Arts, 481 Louisiana Avenue, Saluda NC. ZenDoodle Drop-in. This is the bi-monthly event that takes place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Join Random Arts for this 2 hour session of zen doodling/zen tangling with other fun loving artists. NO registration necessary.

Featured Gallery: The Artists' Theatre

The Artists' Theatre, located in the charming town of West Jefferson NC is owned and operated by Steve and Lisa Willingham. It is a unique gallery experience housed in an early 1900s building. Over the years the building was home to a variety of businesses including the first local Ford auto dealership in the 1920's; a movie theater in the 30's and 40's; a used furniture store in the 50's - 80's;  an office in the 90's.

Today the building is perhaps the most unusual gallery you'll find in the mountains, offering both beauty and an aesthetic environment. The art deco style structure needed extensive  restoration, the perfect project for the Willinghoams to let their creative juices flow, creating an unusual space people would love experience.

NC Artist Tonya Bottomley

The restoration created a stunning art and antique gallery which has helped to rejuvenate the small but active local art community. The mix of old and new, traditional and funky, past and unexpected artistic pleasures has created a real buzz and excitement in the high country.  A variety of artists and media are available for viewing and purchase at The Artists' Theatre, 8 East Main Street, West Jefferson NC.

WNC Textile Study Group at HandMade in America

March 21, 5:30 PM -  HandeMade in America WNC  Textile Study Groups.  These study groups will be held at 5:30-7 PM on the third Wednesday of every month on various topics in textiles. All are welcome. Meeting will take place at HandMade in America, 125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 101. Entrance is on Hilliard Avenue near Church Street, two blocks from the Orange Peel.

Morland Room Drapery Project 1998-1999 - In 1997 Heather was approached by the Biltmore Estate to make a replica of a set of textiles in their collection to create a bed canopy and drapes for the Morland Room, one of the women's guest rooms that were restored and opened to the public in 1999. Her talk will illustrate how she undertook this interesting and challenging project. Heather (Allen) Hietala has worked with textiles for over 20 years in a wide range of techniques and materials. Although her work has expanded into ceramics and mixed media, her sensibilities remain grounded in textiles.

Penland Classes: Painting with Gold

Miles Bair, Trees with Snow

May 27 - June 8 at Penland School of Crafts - Painting with Gold with Miles Bair, sesson 1.  This class will explore the brilliant effect of gold's glittering light combined with landscape painting. Step-by-step techniques are covered for incorporating metallic leaf and powder into acrylic paintings.

Using composition gold and silver, students will practice gilding techniques that can be applied to any painting style or medium including collage, oil, and watercolor. The exciting possibilities for combining contemporary landscape painting with gilding are also explored. The result will be a series of small landscape paintings and a new visual vocabulary. Students of all levels are welcome.

Featured Gallery: Crimson Laurel Gallery in Bakersville

Crimson Laurel Gallery has one of the largest selections of contempoarry studio ceramics in Western North Carolina, or anywhere else. In addition to ceramics, the Gallery offers fine jewelry, hand crafted furniture, glass, sculpture, and paintings.

Alex Matisse Ovoid Vase

Owned and operated by working artists John Lara and David Trophia the Gallery represents artists who have been recognized locally and nationally, from Bakersville Creek Walk Best in Show to the Smithsonian Collection.

The current featured exhibit is "Encore: New work by Alex Matisse", March 15 - April 7. The works are available for purchase online as well as in the Gallery.

Word of the Month in the River Arts District

"green"photo by Laurie McCarriar

The good folks down in the River Arts District  are continuously inspired by their surroundings. So inspired, that they have decided to dedicate a week each month to an adjective. This month GREEN seemed the obvious choice.  The trees are budding, the grass is vibrant and this weekend,  there just mights be a green beer or two in hand. 

Check out the River Arts Blog to find what photographer and green gal, Laurie McCarriar found on her get green photo hunt...you should try one too...

Folk Art Center March Exhibits

Current Gallery Exhibitions at the Folk Art Center: Alain Mailland Main Gallery  - featuring The American Association of Woodturners: An International Invitational of Turned or Sculpted Wood (work shown at right: Alain Mailland, Chamborigaud, France) Focus Gallery  - featuring Cheryl Hevrdeys (glass) and Martine House (fiber) Craft Traditions: - The SHCG Collection - an ongoing exhibition featuring traditional Appalachian crafts from the 19th and 20th centuries   Special Events  - National Quilting Day Celebration with Connie Brown and Robin Brooks, March 17 Plus -   Daily Craft Demonstrations The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville NC

New Exhibit at the Asheville Art Museum

March 23 - July 8, East Wing Galleries at the Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square in Asheville NC: Fire on the Mountain: Studio Glass in Western North Carolin. Fire on the Mountain: Studio Glass in Western North Carolina examines the first 30 years of the Studio Glass movement and its ties to the region, providing an overview of the aesthetic and technical developments of the movement and focusing upon early Studio Glass pioneers working in Western North Carolina during the 1960s.   Read more...

Opening Reception  March 23 from 7:30 - 11:00 PM in conjunction with all new gallery spaces and exhibitions opening as part of the Art Works PRIMED interim expansion project  of the Museum's East Wing. White Tie attire recommended. Free for Members, $5 non-Members.

Upcycle Workshop at Random Arts

March 24, 10 AM - 4 PM at Random Arts, 481 Louisiana Ave in Saluda NC -"Creative Green" with Kate Stockman. Don't recycle: Upcycle! Set aside those really neat papers/teabag envelopes/file folders that you normally would toss into the recycle bin and turn them into cool simple-to-make handmade books! There will be a day full of fun and creativity making 3 or 4 different styles of journals and notepads... and save the planet at the same time!  Bring your own recycled bits to toss in with those provided to create your "younique" books!  $60.

Art for Penland Sales Program Supports Penland Classes

Art for Penland is a web-based art sales program designed to support Penland School of Crafts classes, programs, studios, and scholarships through the sale of art contributed by artists and other donors.

Funds from the sale of these items go directly to Penland School of Crafts. Penland's fees for tuition, room, and board cover less than half the annual expense for classes, outreach programs, and services to artists. Your contribution directly benefits the artists and students who study and work here. Help us sustain Penland's exceptional programs and the school's leadership in the field of craft education.

Here's a look at one of the fabulous items available now through Art for Penland:

Gary S. Griffin, Rock with Anomaly Verde Steel with powder coating , 16 x 16 x 14 in. $1,500

Gary Griffin is one of the nation's most esteemed metalsmiths and educators. For 22 years, he taught at Cranbrook Academy of Art and headed its metals department. He has influenced hundreds of students and encouraged them to study at Penland. His Rock with Anomaly Verde is a wall-mounted sculpture made of steel with a powder-coated green appendage. If you know Gary, you'll appreciate the humor in his description:

"It is one of a series of fabricated steel rocks mounted to the wall. In its context on the wall, the rock is odd and the lime green flower/science model is more so."

Gary Griffin has generously given this work to Penland in support of the scholarship fund for metals students.

Upcoming Classes at The Stecoah Valley Center for the CUltural Arts

Appalachian Art Classes at the Stecoah Valley Center for the Cultural Arts:

March 24, 9 AM - 5 PM    Wet Wool Felted Hat (NEW). Tuition: $50.00 (includes wool)  This is the class you asked for. This workshop will give you hands on experience to create your own unique wet wool felted hat. Karen Taylor will teach the felting techniques needed for three dimensional felting. No prior experience necessary.

April 27, 10 AM-2 PM  Make Your Own Journal! (NEW)   Tuition: $35.00 (includes materials)   Phyllis Jarvinen, creator of artist’s books will teach you how to make a 5.5 x 4.25 book using her handcrafted book cloth and paste paper. At the end of the class you will take home your own handmade book with long stitch binding.

Phyllis will provide handcrafted book cloth for cover, paste paper, and text weight paper for pages as well as all other tools and materials needed to complete your book. Feel free to bring your own personal embellishments like ink stamps and lightweight materials to decorate your pages.  For more information about Phyllis go to www.phyllisjarvinen.com

August 20, 22, 24, 9:30 AM-2 PM   Landscape Quilt Workshop   Tuition: $48.00   Learn the basics for planning and laying out a design for a small landscape quilt, considerations for selection of fabrics, and constructing the quilt using Karen Tunnell’s unique quilt-as-you-go method. Don't have a portable sewing machine to bring to class? Let us know & you can reserve one of the Textile Studio's machines.

The Stecoah Valley Center for the Cultural Arts is located at 121 Schoolhouse Road  in Robbinsville, NC

Featured Artist: Akira Satake

Artist: Akira Satake
Media: Clay

Location: Curve Studios, 12 Riverside Drive, River Arts District in Asheville NC

About: Satake was a music producer in New York City, overworked and stressed-out. In search of a little relaxation, he took a pottery class and as the expression goes, the rest is history. Thanks to an invitation from a cousin for a visit Asheville Satake and his family discovered the "community" they were seeking. Two years ago he moved his studio to Curves at the River Arts Districe.

His work shows the power of nature's forceswith a style representing the collaboration between himself, clay and fire. He thinks of landslides, the wind dusting through the desert, volcanoes and other natural occurrences nature continually surprises the human eye with. He is influenced by and respects traditional pottery, but strives to create his very own style, with depth over his creations. Read more about Akira Satake HERE.

Special Lunchtime ArtBreak tomorrow at the Asheville Art Museum

March 9, 12:00 - 1:00  PM at The Asheville Art Museum, 2 South  Pack Square, Asheville NC - Art Break led by Museum Executive Director, Pamela Myers.  Free with Membership or Museum Admission. This special Art Break will offer visitors an inside look at the planning and programming of Art works PRIMED, the Museum's interim expansion project.

New Arrivals at Gallery Minerva

Kim Rody-Kopp Looking Up

Spring is around the corner and Gallery Minera is celebrating with the arrival of new work from Asheville artist, Kim Rody-Kopp

Two new series of works have just arrived from artist Kenn Kotara. The Paysage Collection features works on paper available framed or unframed. Also, just in are a series of demure 8"x8" panel boxes from the artist's Asheville studio. 

Gallery Minerva is located at 8 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville NC.

March Madness at Quilters' Quarters

Every time you shop at Quilters Quarters during the month of March, you are eligible to earn extra dollars. For every $10 you spend, you get $2 bonus dollars stamped on your receipt. It includes all you buy, including sales items. It does not include classes, gift certificates or sales tax. (For example: if you spend $43, you get $8 stamped on back of receipt.)

Then during the month of April you can spend them...can also add them to your regular receipts, this doesn't change the current rewards program. The bonus dollars expire on 4/30/12.
New Fabrics:
"Garden Go Round" by Studio E...aqua & brown bold prints...bo-ho type flowers
"Communique" by Wilmington Prints...retro postage, telegraph all-over
"Summer Breeze II" by Moda...yellow & blue flowers...charms, jelly rolls & layercakes.
"Sweet Shoppe"...cupcakes and baked goods
"Caterwauling Tales" by RJR...bright cat panel with fabrics that are flowers and dots.
Wide backings....several new bolts of your favorite colors...

Quilters' Quarters is located at 1510 Dellwood Road in Waynesville NC

Free Admission to the Asheville Art Museum on Wednesday - 3-7-12

The Asheville Art Museum offers FREE admission this Wednesday, March 7 2012 from 3 PM to 5 PM. Current exhibits include The New Materiality: Digital Dialogues at the Boundaries of Contemporary Craft;    Homage2 (squared);     The Elemental Arts: Air | Earth | Fire | Water    The Museum is located at 2 Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC.

Sutherland Handweaving Studio Workshop

March 17, 9 AM - 4 PM  at Southerland Handweaving Studio, 122 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC - A Good Yarn: A One-Day Hands-On Seminar with professional handweaver and author Laura Fry.This is a great opportunity for local weavers and sewers to learn from a nationally recognized instructor.

A Good Yarn is designed to help weavers better control their end results. Laura discusses fiber characteristics, yarn spinning and how weave structure and density affect the finished textile. This is a tabletop workshop with no loom required. Extensive handouts are provided.

 

Laura Fry has worked as a full-time professional handweaver since 1980. Her focus has evolved from a concentration on table textiles to weaving yardage for a fashion designer. She teaches throughout Canada and the U.S., and earned certification in 1997 as one of Canada’s Master Weavers. Her meticulous approach to weaving is characterized by her attention to wet finishing, and she shared her expertise derived from years of research in the book Magic in the Water, which includes actual fabrics before and after wet finishing.

Class Fee: $120; Materials fee: $10; Maximum participants: 20   For more complete details about either workshop, email info@sutherlandhandweaving.com or call 803-513-1814.

Understanding Quiltmaking Workshop at Cloth Fiber in Asheville

March 24, 31 14   Cloth Fiber Workshop, 122 Riverside Drive, Studio D • Asheville, NC  - A Hands-On Approach to Understanding Quiltmaking in American Culture with Richard Caro,. This class strives to answer the questions: why do we make quilts the way we do and how do we understand quiltmaking culture?

While working with diverse fabrics, basic tools, simple block structures, and reading craft and quiltmaking research, you'll begin to identify and engage with the many approaches (material, social, commercial, spiritual, symbolic) used in quiltmaking. In-class hand sewing affords the opportunity for each quiltmaker to work on her or his own quilt-top while talking and sharing as a group and learning about quiltmaking in American culture. Level of Expertise: all levels. Fee: $145 + materials fee.

Read more about Richard and his workshop in the March issue of the Laurel of Asheville.

River Arts District Second Saturday

March 10 - Second Saturday in the River Arts District: artists open their doors and host openings, events classes and workshops on the second weekend of each month.

Highlights this month include:

- Get lucky at the Odyssey (an ode to the Irish, we believe.) There will be live artists demonstrations from 11-1ish around the pottery wheel. Also, surprise musicians to serenade guests, and a chance to win a piece from one of the Odyssey artists.

- A very RAD opening, Nature: Three Perspectives on Depot at Desert Moon Designs from 5-7PM featuring three of Depot Street photographers; Cleaster Cotton, Laurie McCarriar and David Simchock.

- Visit Planet Art in Studio 375 for a chair caning class open house from 12-2 and a framing sale from 2-5. You can bring a chair to have inspected and learn some cool information along the way!

HandMade in America Craft Lab - Wholesale 101

March 13, 6-8 PM at HandMade in America, 125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 101 in Asheville NC Wholesale 101 - Are you interested in creating a product for the wholesale market? Do you want to better understand the aspects of wholesaling your work? What things do you need to consider? How do you know your product is a good candidate for wholesale? Learn about the wholesale market and the various aspects that need to be considered before you decide to enter the wholesale market.

RSVP at (828) 252-0121 x307 or email jwienke@handmadeinamerica.org


Craft Labs are a series of professional development classes for craft artists that cover topics of How to Engage a Visitor in your Studio, Pricing your Work, Budgeting, Social Networking, Critiques, Artist Statements and many more. They are held from 6-8pm the second Tuesday of each month at HandMade in America's office.