Parting of the Sea Menorah. Alicia Kelemen, artist
Grovewood Gallery will welcome shoppers on Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for its annual Sip and Shop, a relaxed, art-filled holiday event designed to highlight American craft. Guests can browse thoughtfully made works, enjoy seasonal beverages and take advantage of special discounts while meeting some of the makers whose work defines the gallery’s nationally recognized collection.
The gallery’s curatorial approach is a point of pride for participating artists, including woodcarver and wood turner Bill Apelian.
“Grovewood is one of the top fine craft galleries in the United States that carries work of craft artists from all over the country,” he says. “They display the works beautifully and the sales staff is knowledgeable about both the craft and the artists.”
Bill Apelian, artist
Apelian’s one-of-a-kind pieces are a natural fit for holiday giving. “My work makes a good holiday gift because the woodcarvings are often Christmas themed,” he says. His seasonal offerings include intricately carved Father Christmas figures and ornaments, and his range extends across traditions. “I also sell unique Hanukkah menorahs and turned and carved Advent wreaths through the gallery,” he says. “Grovewood also has several of my ‘rescued wood’ bowls, and who wouldn’t like a beautiful handmade wood bowl as a gift. Each of my pieces, whether carved or turned, is one-of-a-kind and completely handmade.”
Among the many artists featured during Sip and Shop is glass designer Alicia Kelemen, owner of K4Glassart, whose bold Judaic art brings contemporary vibrancy to ancient themes. “My art represents the festival of lights in bright, transparent and colorful colors to be celebrated not only during Hanukkah, but to be displayed all year around as a piece of art in their homes,” she says. “I focus my work on abstract geometrical forms, texture and pure lines, highly influenced by my architectural background. Being represented in the gallery is a way for customers to see my colorful creations and relate to my fused glass work, and is another way for them to research the other lines I design.”
Grovewood Gallery is located at 111 Grovewood Road, adjacent to and below the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville. Gallery hours are Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free parking is available onsite. To learn more, visit Grovewood.com or call 828.214.7768.
