Early spring is Jenna Marie Kesgen’s favorite time to explore the mountains of her native Western North Carolina. Walking the woods at “an unhurried pace,” she looks for trout lilies, trillium, mayapples, and bloodroot “popping up through the dark fallen leaves of the previous year.” These wildflowers “get their chance to shine before the forest canopy grows densely above them,” says Kesgen, who takes reference photos to later guide her hyperrealistic botanical paintings. “My process allows me to observe the shapes and forms of the plants, fungus, and lichen that I paint,” she says. “Through this intense concentration, I can come to a deeper understanding of them than I would strictly through a scientific lens.” On Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, Kesgen will demonstrate her process during the Spring Sip & Shop at Grovewood Gallery. She will be joined by other talented local artists, including Andrea Kulish, who will showcase the ancient Ukrainian art of pysanky (decorating eggs using a wax-resist method), and Christopher Mello, a master gardener and floral designer who will demonstrate his expertise in creating beautiful arrangements. Visitors will have the chance to watch these artists at work, learn more about their techniques, and enjoy complimentary wine while exploring the gallery.
Spring Sip & Shop: April 4-5, 11am-5pm
Grovewood Gallery / 111 Grovewood Rd., Asheville / grovewood.com