Tunnel Studios
Tunnel Studios, a new artist studio collective and gallery space in East Asheville, will open its doors to the public on Sunday, September 21, from 12–6 p.m. for its first Open Studio event. Located at 940 Tunnel Road, the historic building was originally constructed in 1948 by jewelry maker Stuart Nye, who also built the Southern Highland Craft Guild gallery next door, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
The event will feature the work of eleven artists in residence, including Katherine Caldwell (woven wheat), Sarah Carawan (mixed media), Lissa Friedman (oil paintings), Mitch Kolbe (oil paintings), Elizabeth Walton (jewelry), Deb Kolp (painting and mixed media), Aaron Rose (textiles), Chelsey Noel (mixed media and textiles), Wren Ribble (mixed media), Elena Ribble (jewelry), and Jude Stuecker (textiles).
Tunnel Studios is the result of a unique collaboration between neighbors and friends. Co-owners Jude Stuecker and Paul Dixon are married, as are fellow co-owners Will Eccleston and Allison Williams. The four decided to embark on the renovation project together, unified by their shared interest in preserving Asheville’s craft history and providing more space for artists to work and connect. All four owners have brought their own specific skills to the project, sharing the burden in a way that feels equitable and inspiring.
Studio of Mitch Kolbe at Tunnel Studios
“I really loved the building and the history of it,” said Stuecker, “specifically Stuart Nye’s role in the craft scene in Asheville starting in the 1920s and ’30s. The building was designed for making art, and I wanted to preserve its use and intention. I also thought we could bring more of the art scene to East Asheville and provide opportunities to artists who needed spaces, specifically those who were displaced during Helene.”
Dixon emphasized the architectural importance of the structure. “I was drawn to the building’s style of ‘Rustic Modernism’ and its role in Asheville’s craft history,” Dixon said. “Preserving this space for creative work just felt like the right thing to do.”
“I was excited to join Jude and Paul in this endeavor as it is an opportunity for us to connect with and even add to the creative community in Asheville,” said Williams. “I have loved being a part of it all and seeing the space evolve into what it is now.”
Eccleston adds, “When I think about all of the things this building could’ve become, it feels good to be a part of making it Tunnel Studios.”
Studio of Deb Kolp located at Tunnel Studios
Artists also share a deep enthusiasm for their new space. Jeweler Elizabeth Walton said, “Moving into this studio is particularly special to me because I did a summer internship for Stuart Nye Jewelry when I was 14. Getting to move into this building now with my own jewelry business feels so full circle. The building has so much history both personally and communally and I hope to carry that spirit forward through the growth I anticipate happening as a result of being part of Tunnel Studios.”
For painter Mitch Kolbe, this will be the first time in decades that he has had a working studio outside of his home. “It will be nice to once again have a space that is large enough that I can do both painting and sculpting in the same space,” he said. “We are even planning to use the front room as a little show space for those artists that are interested in a little retail store. The possibilities are endless really and I’m so grateful that this historical gem in East Asheville was saved as a real working artist space.”
Wheat weaver Katherine Caldwell reflects on the building’s legacy. “I love that it has always been used—in fact was designed—for craft work,” Caldwell said. “Although we are creating different things in different ways, I love that the vibe has always been to maintain a business from working with one’s hands. There is so much history of steady handiwork there. To me it is a testimony to the focus being on the daily work going on inside and not the trappings of trendy stylings to work environment. Everything is simply functional, like a muted canvas for which creative work can be done without distraction or interruption.”
The public is invited to tour the studios, meet the artists, and view a wide range of artwork during the September 21 event.
For more information, find @tunnelstudiosavl on Instagram.
