Midnight. Kent Ambler, artist
By Gina Malone
At American Folk Art & Framing (AFA), A Few of Our Favorite Things is a holiday tradition with a merry and bright array of artwork perfect for decorating home and tree, including miniature face jugs, wood carvings, ceramic baubles and vignette paintings. “Throughout the year, we tuck away the extra special pieces that come along on our artist visits and save them for this exciting show,” says gallery owner Julia Mills. Sixteen artists will present work for the event, which opens on the website and in the gallery on Wednesday, December 4, at 11 a.m. An evening reception will be held Friday, December 6, from 5–8 p.m., and the exhibition, with new work arriving throughout, runs through December 30.
A resident of Asheville, wood artist Jack Klippel has participated in this show for the past five years. “For obvious reasons,” he says, “this show always brings to mind Maria in The Sound of Music as she breaks out in song, ‘Raindrops on roses…’, to think about her favorite things when times are tough. As we recover from the impact that the hurricane has had on all our lives, I would hope A Few of Our Favorite Things brings some comfort and joy as we rebuild our lives.”
Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. Carl Block, artist
Klippel creates many charmingly detailed carvings of various birds, but admits to a special fondness for owls. “One of my pieces in the holiday show is a family of owls in a knot of trunk from a downed tree in Buncombe County,” he says.
In 2025, artist Liz Sullivan will celebrate 20 years of having her delightful, brightly colored work represented by AFA. “It has been an amazing experience to be a part of such a great gallery,” she says. “I have always enjoyed participating in the various themed shows throughout the year, particularly the holiday show.”
Sullivan paints with acrylics on wood. “Every holiday season I create a limited number of tiny, 4-inch wood block paintings focused on holiday and winter scenes,” she says. “I love painting Santas and even in the off-season, I will catch myself putting snow in a painting.”
Like many, Sullivan is heartbroken by Hurricane Helene’s devastating effects on our region. “However, in the midst of such a tragedy it has been beautiful to see all the people coming together to support each other,” she says. “Art is love. Art has always played a role in helping people express themselves and can certainly lift people up. I hope my art can bring a smile to someone’s face or bring them joy when hearts are heavy.”
Other artists participating in A Few of Our Favorite Things include Kent Ambler, Michael Banks, Carl Block, Winton and Rosa Eugene, Wayne Hewell, Peter Loose, Lonnie and Twyla Money, Karl Mullen, Ben J. North, James “Buddy” Snipe, Trés Taylor and Tim Whitten.
American Folk Art & Framing is located at 64 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. For more information, including updates on open hours, visit AmeriFolk.com or call 828.281.2134.
