Home. Anastasiia Avramchuk, artist
On Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, River Arts District (RAD) artists will gather as a creative force for the district’s annual RADFest.
“Born in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, RADFest quickly became our biggest annual event,” says Tim Reaves, marketing co-chair of the River Arts District Artists (RADA), “a gathering that celebrates not only the incredible artists who make the RAD what it is, but the strength, creativity and resilience of our entire community. This year, expect regional vendors featuring the best of the RAD alongside special guests, live music from favorite local artists and interactive demonstrations that bring the creative process to life.”
Reindeer ornament. Andrea Kulish, artist
Among the participants is Studio A, where artist Andrea Kulish creates intricate and ornate pysanky eggs. “I’m so excited to be presenting three Ukrainian folk arts this fall,” Kulish says. “These are all very special, fun and beautiful, and I’m thrilled to be offering workshops in all three as well.”
On November 14, from 2–4 p.m., Kulish welcomes special guest artist Anastasiia Avramchuk who will be demonstrating vytynanky, the traditional Ukrainian folk art of decorative paper cutting. (A class on the art taught by Avramchuk is planned for Sunday, December 6.)
On November 15, from 12–5 p.m., Kulish will demonstrate the Ukrainian wax resist pysanky egg process and discuss the meanings of ancient symbols used in her designs. On both days of RADFest, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a display of zirka, or Ukrainian caroling stars. “Ukrainian caroling stars are colorful, spinning decorated stars atop a long stick which are carried during caroling or parades,” says Kulish. She and Avramchuk will teach a class on the art of these festive stars on Sunday, November 29, and Sunday, December 13, at Trackside Studios.
Raphaella Vaisseau
ArtPlay celebrates its five-year anniversary during RADFest with Harvest: A Guided Open Studio & Anniversary Celebration. The event is planned for November 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “This special guided open studio invites you to pause and reflect on the themes of abundance, gratitude and new beginnings through the tactile process of printmaking,” says Kristin Edge, owner of ArtPlay. “Led by local artist Miranda Wildman, participants will be invited to carve their own stamps and create prints on paper and fabric, inspired by the images, symbols and words that hold meaning for them—maybe something they’ve nurtured, a word of gratitude or a reminder of seeds they’re preparing to plant.” Cost for the event is $35.
For Raphaella Vaisseau, this year’s event is a reminder of hope during dark times. “I’ll always remember the first RADFest two years ago, just after Hurricane Helene, when the whole city came out to support Asheville’s arts community,” she says. “Since the flood washed away all but a handful of my watercolors, my journey in acrylic continues this November. In painting abstract flower gardens, I share my love of flowers and bold color with everyone who climbs the stairs to my second-floor gallery at the far end of Depot Street, within Trackside Studios. I’ve also created hand-painted holiday ornaments this year, small pieces on wood featuring hearts, flowers and stars that you can hang on your tree. What I’m most looking forward to, though, is seeing the RAD full again and welcoming back everyone who showed up for us when we needed them most.”
At Phil Mechanic Studios, all five floors will be open to the public on November 14 from 5–9 p.m., offering visitors an opportunity to stop by working studios, meet and talk to artists, and see works in progress in a variety of media. During the event, the Kevin Andrew Gallery/Studio will present a special exhibition titled Deep Purple.
Learn more at RiverArtsDistrict.com, AshevilleStudioA.com, ArtPlay-Studio.com, HeartfulArt.com, Facebook.com (Phil Mechanic Studios) and KevinAndrew.Art.
