A Reflective Moment at the Water’s Edge Rippled into a Painting Career
Cynthia L. Wilson was a young grad student at the University of Alabama when her mother died. “I didn’t have a very good way…
Surrealism is Ideal for Pacifist Who Fights to Save the World
Ken Vallario doesn’t spend much time laboring over his personal brand. “I’m absolutely opposed to the concept,” the painter declares. Instead, Vallario says, he…
What the Weaving World Lost, Weaverville Gained in Miya Gallery
The year was 1980. Jennifer Jenkins had decided to preview the weaving program offered at Haywood Community College, but she didn’t stay for the…
Controversial Classical Fresco Won’t Need Cherub Wings to Take Off
Haywood Street Congregation, founded in 2009 by Rev. Brian Combs, welcomes everyone, especially those living on the fringes of our society — the homeless…
The Success of this ‘Family’ Business was Set in Stone
Despite what its name suggests, Seven Sisters Craft Gallery in Black Mountain isn’t owned by an artsy mob of siblings. Instead, the name honors…
If You Don’t Change Up the Scenery, it’s Hard to Fly
David Sheldon has loved birds ever since he was a kid. He calls them “nature’s magical faeries,” and still owns his original copy of…
Trial and Error Pointed Knife Maker in the Right Direction
An early attempt at making a knife ended in a painful lesson for Ryan Pepper. Sharpening the blade too early in the process, “I…
Endless Accessibility has Kept Woolworth Walk True to its Roots
A few years ago, an overly exuberant dancer — apparently moved by a busker’s lively music — fell through the large plate-glass window of…
Not Being an Architect is One Way to Make Famous Buildings
For an art show early in his career, Holden McCurry made a two-foot-tall clay structure, topped it with clasped hands, and titled it “Prayer…
Porcelain Potter has Secured an Unbreakable Legacy
Michael Hofman took a lot of clay classes in college because, he jokes, the potters had the best parties. “They were always walking around…