Here in June, we bring you, dear readers, stunning art that our region’s artists have created to share with us all as well as that wrought in intricate simplicity by Mother Nature. Just consider the summer-serene names of some of the many events this month as schools let out, graduations finally arrive, flowers bloom and travel plans are made: In Light of Everyday at Asheville Gallery of Art, Art in Bloom at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, Enchanted Garden Art Show at Grovewood Gallery and Mantra at BlackBird Frame & Art.
Gina Malone, Editor
June anniversaries include Teresa Pennington’s noteworthy achievement of 40 years creating fine art with colored pencils in Waynesville and Southern Highland Craft Guild’s marking of 70 amazing years at its Tunnel Road shop. The Guild also announces the opening of a brand-new location in downtown Asheville’s Grove Arcade. And, in Biltmore Village, New Morning Gallery rises and shines with a Grand Reopening after recovery from hurricane damage.
One of the things I love about this issue is how our Cover and Feature artists take us on fanciful journeys with their artwork—from Jon Sours’ playful collages composed of disparate animals and people who, yet, fit together in structurally beautiful ways, to Kimberly Thomas’ alluring miniature glass flying machines and other fantastical inventions. Thomas embraces storytelling in her art, and says, “[M]y vignettes draw people in as they examine every minute detail; they are invited to come on the adventure.” What a beautiful explanation of what artists do: they invite us along on their creative journeys, and when the art beckons enchantingly, how willingly we go.
Speaking of journeys, summer days are traditionally a time when we lay down our cares for a bit and take the time to seek out peaceful places along with some rest and relaxation. Your own adventure might be hundreds of miles away among lovely gardens in Maine, or a carefree drive down the road a piece to our own Little Switzerland or an exploration of the tiny jungle right in your own backyard.
Wishing you a joyous June, wherever you are.
Gina Malone can be reached at gina@thelaurelofasheville.com
