River Arts District Artist
Rapid River Magazine: Tell us a little about the artists at 375 Depot.
Julie Bell: First, I’d like to tell you about my great studio-mates in Suite 107 at 375 Depot. They have helped me release creative energies that were inside me waiting to explode. Some of the joys of sharing space are the laughter, stories, and positive encouragement to learn and grow.
Four of us share working studio space in Suite 107 at 375 Depot Street. Michael Allen Campbell retired from a career in health care to create vibrant, fluid abstracts with acrylic gels and pigments.
Lynn Stanley is a classically trained Sumi-e Asian brush painter at Silver Poem Studio. She’s always willing to talk with studio visitors about her technique, brushes, papers, and lessons learned from the process. Barbara Frohmader, of Abbi’s Brush Studio, paints bright, colorful landscapes and florals in acrylic, watercolor and oil. She’s often joined in Suite 107 by her dog, Teddy, and her granddaughter Anna, a budding artist.
Our suite is at the end of a hallway filled with an amazing diversity of artists. Four women, including Scot Cameron-Bell, create ceramics. They have known each other for a dozen years and each have a unique approach to their arts, from jewelry to useful objects to whimsical pieces.
Our building is owned by Steven Keull, a professional photographer who has been in the River Arts District for over 20 years. His works are displayed in a large gallery space along with oil paintings by Gary Duda. Next, down the hall is Diane English, creator of the cards, posters, and original paintings of the Great Cosmic Happy-Ass Card Company.
RRM: I understand you’re a nurse. How did you end up at Studio 375?
JB: A few years ago, Michael and I moved to Asheville for the art, hiking, food, and changing seasons. Michael was painting and keeping our home together while I attempted to balance a busy career and graduate school.
I would do homework in the studio and started itching to play with all the colors and textures. I started creating multi-media pieces with my photos, paper I made in our kitchen, and found objects like rusty metal. My studio is “Stories and Whimsies” because I try to blend past and present with fun and joy.
This past year, as I wrestled with some issues, that energy came out in pieces featuring weights, wires, and fences. Now, I’m exploring wire sculpture and discovering how the wires move and interact with one another and space.
In 34 years as a nurse, I’ve developed great respect for the partnership between the patient and the healthcare team. As professionals, we often have a vision of what is right for the patient, just like I might have a vision of what I want wires or photos or colors to do.
But, in the end, it is the patient who must decide on the right course for herself or himself. And, it is the wires, photos, papers, gels, and colors which ultimately decide where they intend to go. I am a participant and cheerleader for the process. And, I’m blessed with studio mates who are cheering for me!
RRM: What are your hours?
JB: Please come visit Michael, Lynn, Barbara and me! We are open many days of the week. Count on finding us open on Fridays, Saturdays & Strolls. Feel free to make an appointment if you’re coming at another time and want to make sure we haven’t stepped out for a moment!
All our contact information is in the River Arts District printed guide, or go to www.riverartsdistrict.com. We also have a Facebook page for Studio 375 Depot and most of us have studio websites. Find mine at www.storiesandwhimsies.com.
Studio 375 Depot
375 Depot Street, Asheville
in the River Arts District
