From left: Donny Brazile, Nina Kawar, Raphaella Vaisseau, Zach Hinkle, Gina Malone, Annette Kinship and Andrew Patterson
By Andrew Patterson
My journey with The Art of Rising began on a cold winter’s day at New Belgium Brewing, just after it reopened. Sitting with Chalkley Matlack, the first artist in the series, I couldn’t have imagined how this column would unfold. Each story since has been a humbling look into artists’ responses when life changes overnight.
Again and again, when stories of loss and uncertainty were shared, I heard the same quiet strength: gratitude that it wasn’t worse. No self-pity. No victimhood. Just honesty, courage and an unwavering decision to rise, through art.
A year later, I wanted to close the circle—365 days after The Laurel featured my book My Journey Beyond the Summit. The idea was simple: gather all the artists for a reunion. Having met Tim Barnwell at New Belgium midway through the year, it felt serendipitous for the end to land here.
Our reunion was blessed by Gina Malone, The Laurel’s editor, whose trust made this column possible. Watching her meet the artists whose stories she helped share felt like a beautiful full circle.
In another twist of fate, Annette Kinship and her partner Mark recognized Raphaella Vaisseau from workshops they’d taken together in Sarasota, FL, over a decade ago. What are the odds? Especially when I think back to how it began: a cold December night, waiting for a Lyft, saying aloud,
“I think there’s a reason this person’s meant to pick me up.” That ride led me to meet Mark, hear about Annette and schedule the interview.
It was also a chance for my wife Jessie—and our dog Zoey—to meet the artists she’d heard so much about. Their warmth reaffirmed why Asheville is our home. This city isn’t defined by geography—it’s defined by people who bring their stories, their courage and their belief in community.
Everyone was thrown into disarray on September 27, 2024, but Asheville rose to the challenge together. The road ahead is long, yet by listening to one another’s stories, we ensure no one is forgotten.
Every challenge—personal or collective—starts with a single step. And though we must take it ourselves, it’s better when we take it together.
Each of these artists reminded me that resilience wears many faces—and that rising isn’t always loud or easy.
• Chalkley Matlack reminded us that creativity can transmute pain into purpose—his art proving that when we keep our hands moving, our hearts keep healing.
• Annette Kinship showed that healing and creation can happen hand in hand—her sculptures a testament to love’s ability to reshape what was once broken into something enduring.
• Raphaella Vaisseau taught that true art flows from surrender—joy and color returning through the courage to begin again.
• Donny Brazile revealed how music can hold both grief and grace in a single note—his songs a prayer for a community learning to breathe again.
• Nina Kawar reminded us that embodying resilience means allowing ourselves the space to grieve what was and trust in the flow of life.
• Tim Barnwell embodies legacy—his photographs capturing not just faces, but the soul of a place that still believes in belonging.
• Zach Hinkle showed that vulnerability is strength—that by sharing his creative truth, others found permission to heal their own.
• Lyric East proved that art doesn’t always hang on walls—it can live in the soil, grow through our hands and feed both body and spirit.
• Annie Kyla Bennett brought it home—showing that art is how we live each day: tending beauty, belonging and belief in one another.
For me, the storm created an unexpected opportunity to connect not just with artists but with people following their soul’s calling. It has been a constant reminder that time is my friend. Time allows me to transform pain into beauty, to appreciate how blessed I am and to remember—whenever I feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do—to simply take the next step in front of me. In trust. In love. In faith that one day yesterday’s storm will reveal tomorrow’s treasure.
Until next time, keep rising.
Andrew Patterson is an experience curator and published author. His latest book, My Journey Beyond the Summit, is available on Amazon. To connect, reach out on ap@andrew365.com.
