March is coming in like a lion, roaring through Artsville as we announce *fifteen* new artists for our Spring Virtual Gallery. A new Q+ART series launches in conjunction with our partnership with NOT REAL ART. Virtual Gallery Alum Joseph Pearson received an award from the Ironwood Tribute for his role as chief artist for a large public mural installed in Downtown Asheville, and PBS debuted a new documentary from the visionary Preserving a Picturesque America with Asheville’s own Scott “Doc” Varn.
*NEW* Virtual Gallery Launches Fifteen Artists
After a record number of applicants, we expanded our virtual gallery of nine artists to include *fifteen* fresh and talented faces. These select artists and makers will enjoy three free months of marketing and mentoring with Artsville USA. You can view each individual’s gallery and contact here. Artsville is a zero commission gallery - all sales are made directly through the artists.
Each month we will also highlight five of these creatives with their own feature. This month we feature Anne Asplin, Sarah Garrard, Misty Kelischek, Isabelle Klauder, and Gail Powell. Click their link below to learn more!
Introducing Q+Art: Our Upcoming Interview Series Highlights the Art and Artists of Asheville
Beginning in April, ArtsvilleUSA hosts Q+Art, a new interview series designed to showcase the incredible depth and breadth of creativity in Asheville, N.C. This is done in conjunction with our partnership with NOT REAL ART. Read more here.
Congrats to Artist Joseph Pearson
Artist Joseph Pearson, recent graduate from Artsville’s Virtual Gallery of Artists, just completed a huge public mural installation at 45 Coxe Avenue behind the Funkatorium. Ribbon cutting will be a festive affair on March 19 from 10 am - 11 am. This three year project, awarded by Ironwood Tribute, was the result of a major competitive art award that Pearson won honoring Asheville's Black Southside neighborhood representing family, community and entrepreneurship. Pearson as chief artist was assisted by Charlotte artist Monique Luck who provided her signature mosaic style giving the work added energy and dynamism.
New Podcast Episode: Community Artists, Friendship, and Healing: Artsville’s Partnership with the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler
In this episode, Wendy Newman and Stephanie Munn discuss the transformative power of art in nurturing communities, with Stephanie sharing insights from her role as Director of the Ferguson Family YMCA and Wendy highlighting her experiences as a photographer and fashion designer. Together, they explore how creativity fosters connections, heals wounds, and builds vibrant, inclusive communities. Read more on the podcast here.
For more information on our partnership and opportunities with the Ferguson Family YMCA, please click here.
America: The Land We Live In: Picturesque America’s Documentary is streaming Through PBS Passport
Rediscover America’s hidden natural wonders starting with WNC sites with this outstanding PBS documentary. This bold pilot comes from the visionary Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA) with Asheville’s own Scott “Doc” Varn and co-host/ photojournalist Sophia Michelen plus many other regional personalities. This first show in a proposed series of a quest takes place first near Asheville and later in Charleston seeking the exact sites that inspired the original artwork of these same sites from the 1870’s. The contemporary versions by watercolorist and printmaker Varn, as well as other active PAPA members far and wide, are also on display at PaPa’s gallery in Saluda. For more information and to read about our previous coverage of PAPA and Varn, click here.
Click here to watch the series on PBS, and find additional footage here.
Having Guests in Town? Book an Art StudioTour!
Art Connections with arts insider Sherry Masters has partnered with ArtsvileUSA to provide pre-arranged Studio Art Tours to leading WNC Working Art Studios with its new Glass + 1 Tour. Especially timed for Chihuly Exhibit at Biltmore Estate, March 25- January 5, 2025, this morning tour brings small to large groups to the working studio of one leading glass artist plus one known talent in a different medium. Available on most Wednesdays and Fridays. Custom tours are also available for half or full day visits in glass, ceramics, fiber arts, wood sculpture, craft furniture, painting, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry and bookmaking with Sherry Masters at Art Connections. Book at artstoursasheville.com and 828-779-6808.