Barbara Frohmader
Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League Offers Retrospective Show
Red House Studios and Gallery goes retro with an exhibit titled Looking Back, featuring work not exhibited in the last two years by members of Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League (SVFAL). An opening reception will be held Friday, November 4, from 5–7 p.m. and the show will run through December 31.
Red House Studios and Gallery is operated by SVFAL, which next year will celebrate its 50th anniversary as an organization of artists in and around Black Mountain. Artist Barbara Frohmader says that many members have been involved for all of the 49 years. “Talk about continuity!” She calls the organization “a grouping of wonderful talent.”
Born and raised in Mexico, Frohmader took a class in watercolors in 1991 and considers it her “calling.” She works in oils and acrylics also, with most of her work “created and inspired plein air.”
A Georgia native who has lived in Black Mountain for a year, Donna Davis is another of the artists whose work will be displayed in the exhibit. She paints in watercolors and is inspired by the beauty of the area. “My breath is taken away,” she says, “every time I see the mountain views, the cloud formations and the interplay of one with the other.”
She adds that she appreciates the sense of artistic community that SVFAL provides. “Everyone is very supportive and encouraging of one another—things all artists need!”
Darcy Orr, artist
Exhibitor Darcy Orr has been drawing all of her life and painting in watercolors and oils for 20 years. “As a member of the SVFAL, I am amazed at the diversity of talent in the league,” she says. “I am inspired by the creativity of other members over and over again.”
SVFAL’s biannual juried show at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts will run until November 22. This year’s show has been judged by Saluda artist Bill Jameson.
Red House Studios and Gallery is located at 310 W. State Street in Black Mountain. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 828.669.0351 or visit svfalarts.org.
