Local artists honor Asheville’s wild and wonderful spirit
From her River Arts District studio, pastel artist Elise Okrend has watched black bears amble past her window — an everyday reminder that creativity in Asheville often begins with a brush against the wild. Her piece “Bear in the Woods” grew from one such encounter and now anchors Celebrating Asheville, a November group exhibition that captures the city’s enduring dialogue between art and nature. On view this November in the Spotlight Gallery at Wedge Studios, the show brings together more than 20 artists working across a range of media. Each interprets the mountain city through a different lens — from its rolling landscapes and native wildlife to its bustling music scene and craft-beer culture. “Every time I see a bear, it reminds me that we share this place with these majestic creatures,” Okrend says. That sense of shared space — between artist and environment, maker and community — defines the exhibit, which opens with a reception on Saturday, November 8.
Celebrating Asheville: November 1-30; Reception: Saturday, November 8, 5-7pm
Spotlight Gallery at Wedge Studios / 129 Roberts St., River Arts District, Asheville / wedgestudioartists.com