by Maggie Minor
Five artists located in Asheville’s Riverview Station building will participate in the American Craft Council Show, held March 11-13 at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Riverview Station building located in the Asheville’s River Arts District is abounding with talent. Five artists located or who show their work in the building will be exhibiting in the American Craft Council Show at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta. The show is the largest juried, indoor craft show in the southeast and a coveted invitation by any fine craftsman. The five participating artists include:
Maggie Minor (Studio #116) creates bold ceramic sculpture, wall sculpture table lamps. Her unique hand-building technique with clay gives her pieces the feeling of fluid movement. “I rarely cut straight edges on my work allowing the clay to move and flow how it wants. I work with the clay instead of against it, often allowing the clay to ‘fall’ off the mold while in the drying process, this creates an organic and raw feel, bringing many interesting pieces to life.”
Matt Tommey (Studio #160) creates sculptural art baskets that reflect the rustic elegance of nature for luxury mountain homes and those who enjoy contemporary basketry with a nature-inspired aesthetic. “For me, every basket begins with a walk in the woods as I choose materials and become inspired to create works that bring the simple beauty of the natural world into the home. I especially enjoy collaborating with my clients to create exquisite works for the fireplace mantel, wall and table.”
Barbara Zaretsky of BZDesign (Studio #104) creates decorative textiles rooted in the aesthetics of simplicity and intentionality. “I’ve always been fascinated with textiles and the influence they have on our culture. Inspired by the things around me—color, movement, light, nature, architecture and design—I am moved to create art for everyday use. Functional textiles can enhance our lives in subtle yet powerful ways—from expressing who we are to communicating emotion.”
Cara May (Studio #104) creates artisan hand-knit clothing with natural fibers. “My pieces are understated, natural fiber creations. The subtlety of each piece belies unique textures, remarkable fibers and sculptural shapes. I handcraft every garment from start to finish – selecting yarns, designing, knitting, sewing seams, felting, blocking finished pieces, (or not blocking, just leaving deliciously crumpled & deconstructed).”
Suzanne Gernandt (for sale at the Village Potters) combines fabric she weaves on her loom, with paper and canvas, as well as paints, dyes and stitching to create her trademark “mixed media textiles”. “The colors and moods and shapes of the Appalachian Mountains surrounding my home are my never-ending source of inspiration: the colors of the wildflowers, and the shapes of the winter trees, the singing of the birds, and the music of the mountains. I carry these echoes and visions into my studio.”
The goal of the American Craft Council Show is to provide a path to connect makers with buyers and educate the public about high quality crafts. This show attracts a diverse audience giving visitors and other artists a glimpse at the inspiration behind the work.
Riverview Station is a 110,000 square foot building featuring over forty artists located in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina’s River Arts District across from the shores of the French Broad River. Open year round, we welcome collectors, shoppers, makers, and art enthusiasts from all over the world.
Riverview Station is located at 191 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC, 28801 – in the heart of the River Arts District. Galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10-4 pm.