February 2024 Roundup: Artsville Special Announcement, New Podcast Drops, Engaging Art Talks, Chihuly and More!

Blog 4 min read

We’re kicking off this month’s newsletter with a special update from Artsville Executive Director Louise Glickman. Plus, mark your calendars: March 1st is the launch of our next cohort of Virtual Gallery Artists, and we have some special surprises in store!

A note from Executive Director Louise Glickman:

I am extremely excited to announce that Artsville has become part of a non-profit 501c3 company called Arterial, Inc.. Based primarily in Los Angeles, Arterial’s mission revolves around providing opportunities in the arts through mass media exposure. Arterial is at the forefront of democratizing art for the people.  

Artsville will continue our mission from Asheville retaining our own banner.  In fact, I look forward to expanding Artsville’s current slate of projects and its outreach in the community. The umbrella of Arterial will allow us to receive tax-deductible contributions from our donors; an amazing advantage for the artists we serve.

Arterial, Inc. was established by artist and producer Scott “Sourdough” Power, who is also the founder of Crewest Studio LLC, an entertainment media and production company dedicated to the visual and performing arts. Established in 2012, Crewest Studio along with its brand, Not Real Art, have developed and produced a plethora of contemporary art exhibitions, educational events, grant programs, stories, podcasts, blogs, books, tv shows and documentaries — all dedicated to the creative arts, in fields as diverse as the visual arts, street art, classical music, stand-up comedy, architecture and film from LA to Asheville to New York to Kathmandu.

Our new relationship with Arterial and Scott Power’s amazing professional team is warmly welcomed for the continued growth of Artsville, bringing greater opportunities to the flourishing arts and crafts scene in Western North Carolina.

We’re incredibly excited and thankful for this monumental step forward in serving arts enthusiasts through Artsville!


Crafting Success: The Rise of Elizabeth Walton and Amy Massey in Western North Carolina's Art Scene

In Artsville’s Podcast Episode 27, we had the privilege of spotlighting two emerging artists, Elizabeth Walton and Amy Massey, whose talents are making waves in Western North Carolina and beyond. Both graduates of Artsville's First Virtual Gallery of Artists cohort program, Elizabeth is a gifted jewelry designer with a passion for metalsmithing, while Amy is a versatile 2D abstract artist. Join us as we explore their artistic journeys, insights from the program, and the vibrant future of Asheville's arts scene. Delve more into their stories and listen here.

Meet two of our Virtual Gallery graduates in Episode 27

Chihuly & Glass +1: Meet Leading Artists in Asheville

Embark on an immersive journey into Asheville's vibrant glass art scene, starting with a mesmerizing exhibition of Chihuly's renowned masterpieces at the Biltmore Estate opening on March 25 through January 5, 2024. After booking your visit to Biltmore, contact art insider Sherry Masters at Art Connections for a more personal visit to meet an outstanding glass artist as well as one additional artist, each in their working studio. This provides a more personal look at how these makers create and a chance to see their work as you engage with them. With a roster of talented glass artists like Alex Bernstein and Carl Powell, alongside other leading artists in a variety of mediums, Art Connections provides distinctive and enriching experiences for art enthusiasts seeking handmade craftsmanship. Get more details about this opportunity with Art Connections here.

2018 Chihuly Exhibition at Biltmore

Artsville Art Talk with Cynthia Llanes Encourages Participation in the Arts

Cynthia Llanes, shared her expertise at Artsville's Art Talk gathering held in early February at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Demonstrating her techniques while recounting her experiences in the art world, Cynthia's warm personality fostered an engaging atmosphere. Attendees were invited to join her in creating a watercolor, encouraging a sense of community and appreciation for the creative process. Programs like Art Talks help facilitate connections between artists and art enthusiasts, spurring attendees to try making art on their own. On April 8th, join Artsville for our next Art Talk featuring a few of our Virtual Gallery artists. YMCA members and non-members alike are welcome to attend. Cynthia’s exhibit at the Ferguson Family YMCA runs through March 6th. Catch the full re-cap of Cynthia’s Art Talk here.

Participant Patricia adding her flair to the demonstration piece.

New Partnership Announcement! Artsville is grateful to Partner with Craft Your Commerce for Spring 2024

Craft Your Commerce and Mountain BizWorks

Craft Your Commerce (CYC) is a Mountain BizWorks economic development program designed to connect, elevate and advance creative and craft-centered companies through a series of business training and professional development workshops designed by makers for makers, 1:1 business coaching support, financing opportunities, and special projects.

Craft is a particular approach to making with a strong connection to materials, skill, and process. We support the entrepreneurial craft artists, product designers, and makers of all media building businesses that impact the WNC regional economy in meaningful ways. They create jobs, reactivate spaces, and revitalize disinvested communities in need of new and innovative economic activity.

CYC envisions a growing, engaged, and sustainable creative community that is a major economic driver to the WNC region. Our goal is to create a robust creative economy in WNC where craft-based businesses can become resilient, sustainable, and thrive.

A Special Thanks to more Artsvile partners

NOT REAL ART
Art Connections
Blue Spiral 1
Brunk Auctions
Center for Craft
Ferguson Family YMCA
Kenn Kotara
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