Togetherness. Amy Massey, artist
Throughout November, the artists of Wedge Studios honor a place near and dear to us all. Celebrating Asheville features the work of 20 artists capturing the city’s landscapes and wildlife, music and beer, and, of course, the people. The exhibition will be on display in the Spotlight Gallery on the second floor. An opening reception will be held Saturday, November 8, from 5–7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and artists will be present to talk about their work.
“After a year of focusing on the healing and resilience of the artistic community, we thought it would be a good shift to focus on what makes Asheville, Asheville,” says Elise Okrend. “Everyone who attends the show will relate to the spirit of Asheville.”
Blue Cover. Patricia Hargrove, artist
Jacqui Fehl hopes the exhibition reminds everyone of Asheville’s unique charms. “It’s really a love letter to the city we get to call home,” she says, of Celebrating Asheville. “My piece is a playful nod to Asheville’s thriving craft beer scene, something our city is famous for. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate Asheville’s unique spirit, creativity and sense of community, all poured into one.”
The piece Amy Massey will be exhibiting, Togetherness, is one she created after Helene. “While I would never wish a natural disaster on anyone, there was a silver lining: a glimpse into the myriad ways that people turn towards each other, sharing resources, support and love no matter their similarities or differences,” she says. “Even while existing in a state of need themselves, each person was looking out and caring for others around them. That sense of togetherness is something I will carry with me, a reminder that humanity is ultimately good, that people care deeply even through their sorrows and that they show up for their community.”
Bear in the Woods. Elise Okrend, artist
Patricia Hargrove has always regarded with amazement the beauty of the mountains above Asheville, and her work in the show reflects those iconic views. “Anywhere you are in Asheville, one looks to the distance at any number of mountain ranges that have stood for time eternity,” she says. “It is very grounding in nature, as if you are wrapped in a green-blue blanket.”
The artists agree that Asheville, after its hard year of recovery, is ready to show off its natural beauty and its cultural offerings once again. “We want people to understand that what happened was terrible, and that there are still areas in need of assistance, but we also want them to see and experience the enormous amount of amazing art, food, music and nature that Asheville still has to offer,” says Massey. “Asheville is a city of resilience, and we have come together to bring our unique offerings to the world with more passion and dedication than ever!”
Wedge Studios is located at 129 Roberts Street, in Asheville’s River Arts District. Learn more at WedgeStudioArtists.com.
