Western North Carolina continues to be an epicenter for the production of studio craft in the United States. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains shelter a number of internationally renowned artists and many more are inspired by an ever-growing creative community.
Forging Futures surveys 24 emerging and established artists shaping the future of studio craft in this region. Their work represents the range of forms, techniques and materials employed to create handmade works of art, including functional and sculptural works in wood, metal, clay, glass, and fiber.
Exhibition on view at Blue Spiral 1, 38 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.
Featured artists include: Dean Allison, Alex Bernstein, Brian Boggs, Elizabeth Brim, Lisa Clague, Josh Copus, Heather Mae Erickson, Dustin Farnsworth, Jessica Green, Hoss Haley, Andrew Hayes, Eric Knoche, Stoney Lamar, Rachel Meginnes, Jaydan Moore, Zack Noble, Mark Peiser, George Peterson, Amy Putansu, Michael Sherrill, Tom Shields, Pablo Soto, Kathy Triplett, Hayden Wilson
All events are free and open to the public (suggested donation $3-5)
Registration recommended, drop-ins welcome
Spectacular Failure Panel
Thursday, June 29, 4 – 5 pm
Asheville Fine Arts Theater (36 Biltmore Avenue)
Three successful, highly regarded artists tell us about their biggest failures and how they use these setbacks as a tool to continue their work. Lisa Clague, Andrew Hayes, and Jaydan Moore provide information and inspiration for creative types everywhere.
Forging Futures Opening Reception
Thursday, June 29, 5 – 8 pm
Blue Spiral 1 (38 Biltmore Avenue)
Why Craft, Why Western North Carolina? Lecture by Anna Fariello
Thursday, July 20, 6:30 pm
Blue Spiral 1 (38 Biltmore Avenue)
Anna Fariello, Research Associate Professor at Hunter Library at Western North Carolina University, will reveal why craft has thrived in our region.
Teaching Craft Panel
Thursday, August 17, 6:30 pm
Blue Spiral 1 (38 Biltmore Avenue)
A panel of artists including Elizabeth Brim, Heather Mae Erickson, and Michael Sherrill will discuss the various methods of teaching a craft – from the classroom and the craft school, to apprenticeships and DIY — and the pros and cons of each approach.
Celebrating Stoney Lamar (Annual Benefit – Ticketed Event)
Thursday, August 10, 4:30 – 10 pm
CCCD honors artist and board member Stoney Lamar at a special afternoon/evening event, including a private tour of Forging Futures at Blue Spiral 1 followed by a seated dinner and after-party at CCCD. Tickets and more information: www.cccdnow.org/celebratingstoney
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Forging Futures was curated and organized by Blue Spiral 1 and The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Pursuing Excellence, the first survey documenting the rise and prominence of studio craft in the region.
Read more here: http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org/forging-futures
