Artist, Josh Coté
Two Imaginative Art and Craft Exhibits at Grovewood Gallery
Grovewood Gallery has two exciting offerings this month: Meet Your Maker and Wild Hares and Other Phantasmagoria. The gallery is housed in the historic weaving and woodworking complex of Biltmore Industries, located adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn in north Asheville.
For the entire month, Wild Hares and Other Phantasmagoria will display the intricate large-scale work of Bakersville sculptor Josh Coté. This exhibition will begin with an opening reception on Saturday, October 1, from 3–6 p.m. at which viewers can enjoy light refreshments and meet the artist.
The work is a fantastical collection of anthropomorphic animals (predominantly wild hares) as well as shape-shifters, spirits and antique time machines. Each sculpture—some of which took months to complete—is unique and painstakingly handcrafted from recycled wire, epoxy clay, found objects and welded steel.
“This show is the culmination of my life’s art,” Coté says. “The largest sculpture I have ever built will be there: a 13-foot unicycle I welded together from antique farming equipment and, riding the unicycle—made from wire—are three rabbits balancing on each other’s shoulders.”
On Saturday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Meet Your Maker will showcase open studios and craft demonstrations in celebration of American Craft Week. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the artist studios on the Grovewood grounds, meet makers who work in a variety of mediums and browse original works of art ranging from jewelry to pottery to sculpture. Demonstrations include those by Coté and by contemporary basketry artist Matt Tommey, who has a studio in Asheville’s River Arts District.
“Meet Your Maker presents an opportunity to gain insight into the creative process and range of techniques these artists use as well as the skill and commitment required to make something by hand,” says Ashley Van Matre, Grovewood Gallery’s marketing manager. “We want it to be a fun experience and hope that viewers will walk away inspired to buy more items that are unique and handmade verses factory made.”
Events and exhibitions are free and self-guided. Free parking is available onsite. To learn more, visit grovewood.com or call 828.253.7651.
[…] Chicago, and Roots Up Gallery in Savannah. Throughout October, Coté has his first-ever solo show, Wild Hares and Other Phantasmagoria, at the Grovewood Gallery, with an opening reception on Saturday, October 1, from 3–6 p.m. at […]