Raven’s Omen. Chris Bruno, artist
With summer nights and starry skies upon us, American Folk Art and Framing presents Night Visions, featuring the work of nine artists of various mediums and styles. The show begins on Thursday, June 1, and runs through Tuesday, June 20, with an opening reception on Friday, June 2, from 5–8 p.m.
Folk artists featured are Ellie Ali, Kent Ambler, Chris Bruno, Cornbread, Michael Gates, Lucy Hunnicutt, Ellen Langford, Brenda Lyday and Liz Sullivan.
“Several artists whose work is included—notably North Carolina’s own Liz Sullivan and Cornbread, who resides in the mountains of Georgia—find nature’s nocturnal rhythms especially gratifying to witness and take inspiration from,” says gallery owner Betsey-Rose Weiss.
Works range from Ali’s late night jazz scenes to the functional pottery of Gates who draws inspiration from the night sky and its constellations. Foxes, guinea hens and birds are among the favorite subjects for John “Cornbread” Anderson who uses bright acrylics and wood for his popular pieces.
Ambler’s creativity is sparked by his own surroundings. One of his pieces for the show is titled Fox and Moon. “I live on 12 acres of woods and see fox quite often.” The Night Visions theme fits his lifestyle, he says. “As it is with many artists, I am more creative at night so I tend to work late into the early morning hours.”
American Folk Art and Framing is located at 64 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit amerifolk.com or call 828.281.2134.
