Local Hearted: Asheville Artists | WNC Artists | Art Business

Whether painting still lifes or landscapes, in oils or pastels, Asheville artist Susan Sinyai's inspiration is light.  In this interview, Susan talks about her development as an artist and how she is now passing on her love of painting to others, as a teacher in a studio in Asheville. Susan is an award winning painter with a BFA from UNC Asheville.  When she graduated from UNCA, she worked for ten years as a portrait artist.  Susan shares her reasons for moving from portraiture to her light-filled landscapes and still lifes. Susan also talks about her relatively new art form--creating glass sculptures for the garden, which in turn, have their own mesmerizing way with light. To connect with Susan and see more examples of her work: SCROLL down visit her website at https://www.susanmeyersinyai.com Highlights of this interview include: discussion of a two-year collaborative mural project Susan worked on at UNCA after she had already graduated how a critique of an artist's work can either help or harm ways in which Susan and other people she knows were NOT positively encouraged in their artistic endeavors and how those experiences have caused Susan to take a very different approach as a painting teacher Local artists and resources mentioned during this episode: Tucker Cooke, now retired UNCA Art Professor Fleta Monahan, owner of 310 Art in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC (link takes you to her interview on Local Hearted Podcast!) Pam Granger Gale, owner of Majik Studios in Asheville, NC Beverly Kies The School of Athens collaborative mural at UNCA Other examples of Susan's work: And Susan's Latest Creations, her "Shiny, Happy Flowers"    

I am very excited to share with you this interview with watercolor artist Polly Gott.  Polly lives and works in the mountains in the far reaches of Madison County, North Carolina, near the Tennessee border.  She moved to the area in 1960 with her husband Peter, where they lived a very rugged life, raising their family for a number of years without electricity or modern plumbing, and learning to grow all their own food.  The Gotts learned from their neighbors how to play local mountain music as well as how to build their own home. They passed down the musical tradition to their children, and the Gotts became known for performing and for helping preserve the music. Also, Peter Gott became an authority on building hand-hewn log cabins, teaching many workshops on the subject. I know I digress, but as you will see in the interview, it is very difficult to talk about Polly's art without understanding the context of her family life. Polly has a degree in art, with a specialization in sculpture, but decided that painting fit her lifestyle better than sculpting. Not mentioned during the audio but explained during my pre-interview tour of her farm was that during her early years in Madison County, Polly used her creative skills to fashion the pottery her family needed for cooking and the baskets they used for harvesting.  Polly uses one of these baskets to this day, to carry her art supplies when she goes outside to paint. Polly is well-known for her watercolor paintings of mountains and big skies.  One trip to her farm studio helped me see where she gets her inspiration! Listen to the episode by hitting the play button below: To connect with Polly and see more of her work: SCROLL down! visit her Facebook page Follow her Facebook page for announcements of upcoming events. Polly will have a solo show of her work at Zuma Coffee in August and September on Main Street in Marshall, North Carolina! Highlights of this interview include How Polly came to this area and established a rural lifestyle Polly's admiration for her family members and their talents the role making art and attending art workshops has played in relation to Polly's rugged homesteading life the role of music in the family's life why Polly chose watercolor as her medium the mystery to me about Polly's art that will not be solved how painting in the Adirondacks is different for Polly than in the Appalachian mountains Artists mentioned during the interview: Tony van Hasselt Judy Wagner Jim Gray, the artist who inspired Polly to begin watercolor painting Gabriel Kohn, the sculptor Polly interned with Local links of interest mentioned during the interview: The link to Susi Gott Seguret cookbook, Appalachian Appetite Zuma Coffee, the venue in Marshall, NC where Polly mentioned showing her paintings More examples of Polly Gott's paintings (thank you to Susi Gott Seguret for providing the photos of the art):

Sue Dolamore is a plein air painter and an organizer of community with other artists.  She is the coordinator for the Asheville Urban Landscape Painters (AULP), a group of artists that meets weekly for painting demonstrations and painting together on-site from life.   Sue works in oils, watercolors, and acrylics, and she has developed quite the body of work over the past few years.  Listening to Sue, it is easy to understand why she is a natural at supporting the growing community of artists that is AULP.  During this conversation, she offers quite a few gems of wisdom about being an artist and about her approach to life in general.   To connect with Sue and see more of her work: SCROLL down! visit her website https://www.suedolamore.com follow her on Facebook check out her work at Asheville Gallery of Art Highlights from this episode include: Sue's belief that painting practice should be play! Sue's view on what the soul of an artist longs for her discussion of how an artist's experience is important, not just the painting that is created a discussion of how practice pays off Sue's involvement with a project Preserving a Picturesque America, with the goal to paint scenes that were originally painted in the 1800s. one hour to paint and then auction off your painting for a good cause?  What?!  Listen to Sue talk about her participation in the Quick Draw event in Haywood county. Other Asheville artists and resources mentioned during this episode: Jennifer Pearson, owner of the Frugal Framer in Asheville and featured in Episode 9 of this show Asheville Urban Landscape Painters Lisa Blackshear Jo Ridge Kelly Ursula Gullow Colleen Hester Bryan Koontz Preserving a Picturesque America with Scott Varn Haywood County Quick Draw Art in the Park Community Grant Local Indoor sites mentioned by Sue in the interview (paintings below) Well Bred Bakery in Weaverville, NC Grove Park Inn lobby in Asheville, NC Sunnybank Inn in Hot Springs, NC And the site of Sue's daughter Kate, who lives in Florida: https://katedolamore.com More examples of paintings by Sue Dolamore:        

Host Meredith Adler speaks with Asheville pastel artist Karen Chambers.  Karen works out of a studio in Candler, NC.  She talks about her love for plein air painting and her longstanding history of painting plein air alongside her mother. Karen is the daughter of watercolor artist Lorraine King, and we hear in this interview how her mother's work was an influence on Karen's development as an artist. Karen's mother, by the way, does not have a website. One of the original founding members of the local Appalachian Pastel Society, Karen generously shared in this interview about her experience as  a competition artist and as a judge for art competitions. You will hear Karen light up when she talks about the benefits of her beloved medium, pastel!  And when she talks about how her style of painting is changing. To connect with Karen and see more of her work: SCROLL down! As mentioned in the audio intro, Karen needs to have a new website built, and the web address will be placed here when she has it completed Highlights from this episode include: how artists benefit from entering art competitions what judges of art competitions are looking for Karen's own experience as a judge of art competitions How she radically increased her enjoyment of the painting process by changing her style Karen's approach to teaching pastel painting why Karen and her students formed the Appalachian Pastel Society "I get up in my studio and I get to painting, I get to singing inside...all tension disappears..."                     Karen Chambers Local resources mentioned during this episode: Appalachian Pastel Society Art League of Henderson County Other resources available to pastel artists Karen mentions during the show Pastel Society of America International Association of Pastel Societies Other examples of Karen's work                       " Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Joining host Meredith Adler for this interview is Asheville’s own fine art appraiser, Terri Vano. Along with her training in art appraisal, Terri’s qualifications include an art history degree from UNC Charlotte and a background in conservation framing (she is a Certified Picture Framer through the Professional Picture Framer’s of … Read more and listen to episode…

While threatening weather might send other outdoor painters packing up, Asheville artist Cheryl Keefer is drawn to paint those rainy day landscapes and city scapes.  In fact, a delightful segment of this interview is hearing Cheryl laugh about a recent time she started painting with good intentions to "branch out" by depicting a sunny day. With a BS in Art Education and an MA in art history, Cheryl talks about having a long career in teaching, although not as a traditional art teacher.  Now that she has moved to Asheville in retirement, she is able to devote herself to her longstanding love of painting, creating her work both plein air (outdoors) and at her studio in the River Arts District at Northlight Studios. She also enjoys using her plein air skills to paint on-site at weddings. To connect with Cheryl and see more of her work: SCROLL down! visit her website at https://cherylkeefer.com follow Cheryl on Facebook visit her at her studio at Northlight Studios in the River Arts District of Asheville and also see her work in person at Asheville Gallery of Art, Seven Sisters Gallery in Black Mountain* and Up Against the Wall Gallery in Kingsport, TN (*Seven Sisters Gallery website is down at the time Cheryl's podcast episode is being released) Highlights of this interview include why Cheryl chooses to consider every painting an experiment how her childhood years living in a rural setting influenced her interest in cityscapes Cheryl's take on teaching others to paint and her advice on what it really takes to learn to paint Cheryl talking about one of her favorite painting classes she has ever taught Asheville artists mentioned during this interview Lorelle Bacon and her Local Hearted Podcast interview Sue Dolamore Wendy Whitson Elinor Bowman Molly Courcelle Bee Sieburg Other artists mentioned during this interview Jeremy Sams Ben Long Resource for artists mentioned during this interview The Painter's Keys -  Although artist/author Robert Genn died in 2014, his daughter, artist Sara Genn continues his site and his newsletter "Twice Weekly Letters to Artists" Other Examples of Cheryl's work         Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

William Henry Price is a painter in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC.  Using watercolor, gouache (opaque watercolor), and acrylic, William paints the natural world, but not in the form of traditional landscapes, as he used to do. Being part of this conversation was quite the experience for me--listening to William talk about what he is painting, along with the how and the why of his work.  To be honest, I was spellbound.  Hoping you will have a similar experience when you listen, I'm going to try not to spoil it for you by telling you too much here, in advance. Suffice it to say, although William is well-educated as an artist (BFA from Boston University and MFA from Rutgers), when you hear the interview, you will understand that William's paintings are actually highly informed by on-going lessons he receives from a very different source. To connect with William and see more of his work: SCROLL down! Visit his website at http://www.williamhenryprice.com Follow his Facebook page Visit his studio in the River Arts District at Pink Dog Creative, 348 Depot Street, Asheville, NC (Wednesday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm, and by appointment) Highlights of this interview include: how William's dissatisfaction with painting landscape as scenery lead to his current approach the role of art in early cultures and why "art still wants to behave that way" (quoting William) William's discussion of the mystery of the life force how William knows that a painting is finished how he manages to do such intense work in an open studio in the River Arts District of Asheville Links mentioned during this interview: Will Behler, who taught William art when he was a child.  Will Behler died in 1994, but William found a link to his work here. Other examples of William's work: Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

When I think about Fleta Monaghan's interview, the word "evolving" keeps coming to mind.    Fleta talks about giving herself freedom for her work to evolve rather than remaining fixed in one style.  She is a painter presently working in oils and encaustics in an abstracted manner, referencing the natural world. As owner of 310 Art, an art gallery and art school for adult learners in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC,  Fleta shares how her business has also evolved, growing to meet the needs of the vibrant artist community she has nurtured in the space.  The community includes resident artists, gallery artists, students, and teachers. To connect with Fleta and see more of her work: SCROLL down! visit her art website http://fletamonaghan.com visit her gallery's site https://310art.com follow 310 Art on Facebook visit 310 Art at Riverview Station in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC Highlights of this interview include: Fleta's explanation of how she approaches painting abstractly why becoming mother to a daughter influenced Fleta to focus on her art career, even choosing jobs which allowed her to learn skills applicable to the business side of art Fleta's discussion of how failed pieces can become an artist's greatest works This gallery owner's impression of the element that helps an artist's work be most readily appreciated by the public a glimpse into the vibrant community of 310 Art lots of wisdom from this professional artist about the internal process of creating art and making a living as an artist Other artists mentioned during this interview: Jon Gnagy Joan Mitchell Hans Hofmann Examples of Fleta's work (contact Fleta at gallery@310art.com for availability and prices): Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

With the mastery that comes from 30 years in glass-blowing, Michael Hatch still experiences the process as a rush! In this interview, Michael gives us a look at what makes the medium unique and so exciting to him. Michael and his wife Hilary Hatch are the owners of Crucible Glassworks, in Weaverville, NC, where Michael creates vessels such as jugs, vases, and tumblers, as well as sculptural pieces.  Hilary handles the business end of things, freeing Michael up to focus on the creative side. Michael is available to teach glass-blowing to interested community members, and he offers demos at his Weaverville studio on a regular basis.  He has created a portable furnace, giving him the freedom to demo at events.  He is also a board member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, so as a bonus, he talks about the Guild's history and admission process. To connect with Michael and see some of his work: SCROLL DOWN the page! visit his website at crucibleglassworks.com follow his Facebook page and his Instagram Highlights of this episode include: what keeps Michael excited about the process of glass-blowing after 30 years Michael giving us an inside view of what it's like to work with a medium that is "trying to get away from you" the intensity of working with a team to create a sculptural piece hearing this artist talk about his appreciation for not only his own medium but for the work of other fine artists what it was like for Michael to be on the jury for the Southern Highland Craft Guild for people applying for new acceptance, and what exactly the jurors are looking for Resources mentioned during the show: Southern Highland Craft Guild Penland School of Crafts Examples of Michael's work:   Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

It takes a very skilled artist to capture the likeness of a person in a painting or drawing.  Skip Rohde is a figurative artist who aims even higher.  He talks in his interview about his intention to capture something of the personality, the essence of his subjects. Skip has been in the unique position of painting not only models paid to pose, but also has done a good deal of creating art featuring people in real life situations, people most definitely not holding still for the artist.  And, notably, a good many of his subjects were in Iraq and Afghanistan.  I will let Skip explain for himself why he traveled to those war-torn countries and the artwork that resulted from his time there. In this interview, we talk about Skip's various series of paintings, sketches and drawings--Meditation on War, Faces of Afghanistan, Portraits of Iraq, and his latest series with studio models in which is he exploring a new approach (see example above). I am putting a parental warning on this episode, because the topic of war does come up, including the social/physical costs of war.  I know most children are probably aware of the reality of war in this age of information overload, but out of respect for parents who might be sheltering their children from such knowledge, I decided to give parents a heads up. To connect with Skip and see more of his work: SCROLL down! visit his websites http://www.skiprohde.com and http://ashevilleeventpaintings.com follow his Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/Studio.of.Skip.Rohde and https://www.facebook.com/Asheville.Event.Paintings follow Skip on Instagram: skiprohde Highlights of episode include: what on earth this artist was doing in Iraq and Afghanistan the very important message Skip aims to get across with his paintings from the Meditation on War series how Skip's work landed in the Smithsonian his exciting new venture, Asheville Event Paintings what it was like to serve as a courtroom artist Skip's suggestions for other artists on how to move forward in their own work Local resources and artists mentioned during this episode: Skip's workshops for artists are on this page of his website.  He also has information for artists about his weekly open studio figure sessions on the same page of his site. Leo Monahan's Local Hearted Podcast interview Asheville Urban Landscape Painters Cindy Walton's blog More examples of Skip's work:           Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Mary Filiss is a painter and quilter living in Marshall, North Carolina.  She attended art school, Cooper Union College in NYC,  and upon graduation, Mary and her husband shared studio space in the same neighborhood as some of the rising stars of the period's art scene. Life happened, and after many adventures and years of raising children, Mary is finally returning to her art in her retirement years. I will let her tell her own story, though, as it is too good to spoil by giving you many of the details here! This is another one of the original interviews I conducted; in fact, this one was held purely as practice for me and not intended for release.  Mary is a close neighbor of mine, so one day in January 2016, when we were both stormed-in on the same hill, she agreed for me to come over and pass some of that snowy day by chatting about her art.  I learned an awful lot about my neighbor! Months later, I listened to the recording, realized how much I loved the interview, and sought Mary's permission to air it.  I was a little concerned about some of the more personal things Mary had revealed, though, so I brought the recording to her house and we listened together, to make sure she was ok to go live with her story.  Mary graciously agreed for me to release this interview.   Her only concern is, she isn't quite sure she fits in with the company of the other great artists who have been guests on the Local Hearted Podcast. I have no doubt that you will find Mary's story every bit as interesting as some of the more well-known artists I have talked with.  I know I did!  And it was mentioned, but I want to highlight, that Mary and her husband came to Madison County, NC to raise a family in 1973, living among neighbors whose roots in these mountains all went back many generations.   Mary's family lived a rugged farming life in the far reaches of the countryside, the type of lifestyle Tim Barnwell was researching and photographing (although he did not photograph her family). To connect with Mary and see more of her work: SCROLL down!  Mary does not have a website, so the photos on this blog are the only place online to see her work visit the Laurel River Store, which carries quilts and aprons made by Mary Highlights of this interview include: Why Mary stopped painting for how many years?? Which art form she used to satisfy her need for creating with color during the period she wasn't painting Mary discussing her training and her influences and what purpose her art serves in her life now The story Mary tells of a woman in Columbia who showed how much she valued her own work when Mary's husband tried to purchase a handwoven poncho from her Local artists mentioned during this episode: Mary Maupin Joe Dudasik (no website found) Brit Oie Paula Parker (no website found, but she does teach art for AB-Tech Continuing Ed) Peter  Loewer Ursula Gullow Other artists mentioned during this episode: Franz Kline Jasper Johns Robert Rauschenberg Willem deKooning Pierre Bonnard Edouard Vuillard Henri Matisse David Hockney Other examples of Mary's work (with a huge thank you to Nan Sherry for photographing the art):         Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Joseph Pearson is an Asheville oil painter on a mission.  He paints pieces that convey his values and send a message to the viewer about societal issues.  He expressed during this interview that if he created work that didn't make a statement, he would feel that he was "talking to hear myself talking." I met Joseph during the Fall 2016 River Arts District Studio Stroll, where he works out of his studio at Pink Dog Creative.  I was quite taken with his piece "The Talk" and asked Joseph to tell me about it. He spoke strongly about the responsibility of adults to provide guidance for the next generation.  And he showed me other pieces that reflect the same message. I was very impressed with Joseph's explanation and mission and invited him to be on the show, telling him I would be in touch in the Spring.  I didn't really need to do anymore interviews until then.  However, the very same day I met Joseph, I also happened to meet a young man at a local health food store who was absolutely despondent over the state of our society.  He was despondent and inconsolable... I could not shake the connection of meeting both of these men on the same day, so I invited Joseph to be interviewed sooner than later, and he graciously agreed. To connect with Joseph and see more of his work: SCROLL below! Visit his website at http://www.josephart.net Follow his public posts on his Facebook page Joseph is available for commissioned portraits, both human and pet Highlights of this interview include: Joseph's talking about the meaning behind several of his paintings Examples of how Joseph has used his art and his life to do good for children in need How Joseph compares his art to medicine Joseph's history of receiving numerous artist grants (including full scholarship 4 out of 5 years at the Art Students League of NY) Joseph's tips for other artists who may be interested in seeking grants themselves More examples of Joseph's work (discussed in the interview): Because Joseph has been recently awarded a grant, he asked me to mention that his work is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency, with funding from local arts councils in Buncombe, Madison, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties, and with support from Avery County. Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Jim Stilwell is a painter of visions.   The images originated from some intense experiences he has had on Vision Quests.  Hence the parental warning at the beginning of the audio.  I wanted parents and other adults with children in their care to come here and read this post before deciding whether to listen to Jim's interview in the presence of children. The issue is that Jim very generously shares the details of his Vision Quest during the audio, including some events that could be frightening or confusing for children.  Jim was out for four days fasting in the desert and describes feeling visited by a demon.  He also alludes to his enactment of being in a coffin (his sleeping bag), and there area other references to death in the interview.  Also, because Jim has collaborated with veterans to paint their visions, there are mentions of post-traumatic stress disorder in this interview. Ironically, out of an experience that included intensely frightening events came work that many find extremely uplifting and beautiful.  Some of the paintings do send strong messages about societal behavior and consequences (see below "Tipping Point" and "Welcome Home").   Others include Native American imagery and imagery involving the natural elements and spiritual world. Like many artists, Jim began his career as a commercial artist.  He became known for his architectural renderings and worked with developers and architects in Florida.   Along with examples of his paintings, below you will also find one of his architectural illustrations. Soul Gift Jim's intention during his Vision Quest was to discover his soul gift.  Surprisingly, the answer was not art, even though creative images flowed as a result of the Quest.  A true highlight of this interview is hearing Jim reveal what he learned about himself and the purpose of his art. To connect with Jim and see more of his work: SCROLL down the page visit his website http://www.jimstilwell.com visit his educational website for all his tips on drawing proper perspective follow his Facebook page Jim is available for hire to paint images others would like to see created as paintings, what he refers to as collaborations Jim also is available to create drawings of private residences (example below) Other Highlights of this interview include: Jim walking us through what his Vision Quest was like what Jim refers to as "collaborations" in which he works with someone else to understand and then paint the other person's vision.  Jim has worked on collaborations with members of the military and generously donates his work to veterans organization Jim's journey from architectural illustrator to creating the inspired types of paintings he does now Jim's love of sharing his knowledge of perspective drawing via classes his website and workshops. He has a whole separate website dedicated to sharing his methods.  He will be teaching an already-sold-out and wait-listed class at Olli (at UNC Asheville) called "Easy Steps to Creating Perspective in Art" beginning in January 2017.  Other opportunities to learn from Jim will be posted on his website as they arise. Links mentioned during this episode: Hero's Journey Foundation (the organization that conducted Jim's first Vision Quest) Animas Valley Institute (the organization that conducted the Vision Quest Jim describes in-depth) The Warrior Connection, a retreat center in Vermont which helps returning military veterans process their experiences and adjust to being back home.  Jim plans to donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of his painting "Welcome Home" (the first one below) to the Warrior Connection and has also donated prints to them to sell. his class at Olli (Osher Lifelong Learning Center at UNC Asheville) Zapow Gallery, which carries Jim's work Other work by Jim Stilwell  (Some pieces are noted as available for sale.  Prints of all of the pieces in this article are availa...

Dixie Damron is an oil painter living and working in Marshall, North Carolina.  Her pieces are rich with imagery of the natural world, both landscape and plant forms.  She is inspired by the natural beauty of Western North Carolina, and when she moved here 11 years ago from a more urban environnment, Dixie familiarized herself with her rural surroundings by working from life outdoors. Dixie now uses what she learned from her plein air work to create paintings mainly from imagination, starting with an idea or plan.  But when she abandons her plan, which she inevitably does, WATCH OUT!  That's when the fun begins! I think the gift of this interview is that Dixie gives us a genuine look at what it can be like inside the mind of an artist--how it actually feels while she is immersed in her work.  She tells the truth.  While she is painting, it's not always a beautiful experience.  But she accepts every aspect as part of the creative process. To connect with Dixie and see more of her work: SCROLL DOWN the page! Visit her website at http://dixiedamron.com Highlights of this interview include: Dixie taking us along for the wild ride that her painting process usually is how she seeks to silence the inner critic why she has consciously chosen not to support herself through her art More of Dixie's work:     Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

In this week's episode of the Local Hearted Podcast, I talk with Asheville photographer Tim Barnwell.  When I decided to do a show with Asheville and Western North Carolina artists and people who have services for local artists, I thought of Tim, because he is qualified on both counts.  He is a fine art photographer, and you may know him through one or more of his books.  Three of them showcase portraits and other photographs that document the Appalachian heritage of farming and traditional crafts and music.  Tim's other two books provide mountain peak idenfication of the views from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smokies, helping us to orient ourselves in relation to the mountains and to area attractions. And for artists, Tim provides high-quality photographs of their work, which the artists then use for submissions, publications, and reproductions. Not discussed in the interview but I wanted to mention here is that several times a year, Tim conducts workshops of benefit to artists.  They are "Making Better Images with your Digital Camera" and "Basic Photo Management."  I have taken both classes, heartily recommend them, and will make announcements when he runs them. In this interview, you will hear Tim talk about how he spent 25 years working on his book The Face of Appalachia.  I feel he has done a tremendous service dedicating himself to preserving a slice of time, a way of life that is rapidly becoming history with all the changes our area has seen in recent years.  Tim's books give us a look at what life was like for people whose families have lived here for many generations. To connect with Tim and see more of his work: SCROLL DOWN this page! visit his website at http://www.barnwellphoto.com I want to direct you to his events page here:  http://www.barnwellphoto.com/book-signings-talks-and-shows and his workshop page here: http://www.barnwellphoto.com/workshops wonderful examples of his commercial work for local artists here:  http://www.barnwellphoto.com/crafts and his Facebook page Links mentioned during the show: Lens Work magazine-Tim talked about how photographers can submit six of their pieces to be displayed as a small body of work in this publication.  I am actually linking to the Sept-Oct 2016 Issue, because Tim's work is on the cover. George Tice, one of Tim's mentors Norton Books, publisher of his first three books Please note, there is NO link for "Mountain Living" magazine (Tim mentions that his book The Face of Appalachia started as an article for this publication).  The magazine no longer exists.  If you do a search, you will find a publication with the name "Mountain Living," but it is NOT the one mentioned during this interview! Highlights of this interview include: discussion of the methods Tim used to create his fine art black and white photography books as well as his motivation and inspirations for these and his vista books The Face of Appalachia--25 years in the making! the documentary book Tim is working on presently, and why he broke with his own tradition of using black and white photos for this one Tim discusses what makes a photograph a work of art and how few photographs actually qualify over the course of a photographer's lifetime Tim's ideas on why an artist should have great professional photos taken of their own work how this photographer goes out of his way to help his artist clients Other examples of Tim's Barnwell's work:       Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Asheville artist Amanda Heinz-Stevenson makes shrines in matchboxes, adding teeny objects and inspired messages that often call out to people who need to hear them.  They are frequently given as gifts and touch the recipient deeply. Amanda works out of a shrine-like studio in her attic.  Even the care with which she chooses and stores her supplies reminds me of her tagline: "Bringing reverence to every day." In the intro, you will hear me talk about how Amanda was reluctant to be interviewed, due to her being shy by nature.   She didn't know how well she would be able to present her art in an interview, so this conversation was conducted with the understanding that it was a practice run for me as an interviewer.  We decided to see how it went and air it later only if we both agreed to do so. Based on the groundwork we had set for the interview, I was utterly unprepared to be dazzled, as I was, at how Amanda spoke from the heart and shared so deeply about what she is doing with her art!  And I have since attended a shrine making workshop with Amanda, which I would wholeheartedly recommend.  I will make announcements when she offers future workshops, which will usually be dedicated to making shrines about our ancestors. To connect with Amanda and see more of her work: Visit her website http://www.firestartershrines.com Follow her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/firestarter.shrines Any updates on Amanda's galleries and shows will be found on this page SCROLL down! Visit aSHEville Museum on Wall Street in downtown Asheville Highlights of this interview include: Amanda's emphasis on how she is guided to create her shrines--and learn who she experiences as her collaborators how these teeny shrines go out and do important work in the world--and how Amanda later gets to hear stories about the impact the shrines have on the people they land with why make shrines?  and stories Amanda shares about how her work has influenced other to make shrines, too Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

This week's guest is Jennifer Pearson, owner of the Frugal Framer and Framer's Chop Service at 95 Cherry Street in Asheville, North Carolina and Frugal Framer's second location at 2145 Hendersonville Road in Arden. Many of us who are lucky enough to have discovered her business fondly refer to the Framer's Chop Service as "The Chop Shop," ironically removing the word service from the name.  Jennifer is, indeed, providing quite the service to local artists by supplying us with affordable, high-quality frames and framing supplies.  And artists who frame 2D or 3D work know that the right frame can make all the difference in the presentation of a piece. This episode has something to offer anyone with framing needs, whether you have already discovered the Frugal Framer or not.  If you are already one of Jennifer's customers, you may find that she and her very helpful staff offer way more than you realized.  Plus, you will have the opportunity to better get to know this kind, welcoming woman who works with you when you enter the Chop Shop or the Frugal Framer. If you listen, you will learn, as I did, how much Jennifer cares about ensuring Asheville and WNC artists present our work at its best! Highlights of this interview include: the differences between the Frugal Framer and the Framer's Chop Service, to help you understand which might be best for you the history of how artists came to be served so generously by this business items the Frugal Framer has worked with that you might never have thought of framing learning that Jennifer is an artist herself.  In this interview, you will hear her explain that she is not presently active with her art, but she also gave permission for some of her paintings to be displayed below! Links for this episode: Frugal Framer Framer's Chop Service Nan Sherry, the artist whose work appears in the framing example above Public view of the Framer's Chop Service Behind the Scenes   Original Watercolor Paintings by Jennifer Pearson: Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Elise Okrend is an Asheville artist with a clear intention for her paintings:  she wants to inspire a sense of healing, peace, and serenity for the viewer of her pastel landscapes. Elise works out of a shared studio/gallery space in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC at Wedge Studios, 129 Lyman Street.  In this interview, you will hear Elise talk about how and why she is receptive to visitors to her studio, not just during the formal Studio Strolls, but also on her regular working days. To Connect with Elise and see more of  her work: SCROLL down this page! check out her website at http://eliseokrend.com/ visit The Kress Emporium in downtown Asheville visit The Shuptrine Gallery Highlights of this interview include examples of how Elise's work has impacted people visiting her studio, and, in turn, what it feels like for Elise as she witnesses the powerful effect her work has upon others how "happy accidents" resulted in two creative collaborations with her husband, Phil Okrend: their own greeting card company, Mixed Blessing, and their book Messages to the Heart how Messages to the Heart, (combining her paintings, his words) does its own work in the world an in-depth look at how Elise and Phil Okrend started and continue to manage their greeting card business, offering interfaith, multicultural holiday greeting cards which Elise designs how building the greeting card company actually allowed Elise to leave her job at an advertising agency and gave Elise and Phil an independent income Messages to the Heart by Elise and Phil Okrend The book is available in Asheville at Elise's studio, Kress Emporium, Malaprops, Mountain Made, the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and in Black Mountain at Chifferobe Home and Garden. Links mentioned during the interview: Mixed Blessing (the Okrends' greeting card company) Their book's website Messages to the Heart Messages to the Heart's Facebook page Phil Okrend's life and business coaching services http://www.steppingstonescoaching.com Pastel Paintings by Elise Okrend:         Examples of Greeting Cards from MixedBlessing.com     Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Black Mountain artist Lorelle Bacon speaks with host Meredith Adler about Lorelle's life as an artist, art teacher, and highly involved member of community art groups. Lorelle works with many art mediums and teaches at various venues in Asheville, other parts of Western North Carolina, and nationally.  She has  been a mentor to many budding artists, and her love of teaching shines through during this conversation. It is hard to believe that this very active artist is 75 years old, but she says so during the interview, so I think it's ok to tell you here! I am thrilled to present to you this interview with an artist who paints everything from miniatures to murals! To Connect with Lorelle and see More of Her Work: SCROLL DOWN this page! Visit her website: lorellebacon.com Visit Arrowhead Gallery in Old Fort, NC Visit 310 Art Gallery in Asheville, NC Highlights from this show include: Lorelle's opinion about having a set style with one art medium (hint: she personally uses many mediums!) How teaching art has improved Lorelle's own work How so many years of teaching have brought Lorelle to the conclusion that anyone can create art A discussion of Lorelle's view that the subject "tells her" what art medium to use The importance for an artist of being involved in community with other artists How one local art group is helping revive the small WNC town of Old Fort, NC How an accident and a comment from a doctor gave Lorelle her start as an art teacher Examples of how Lorelle has personally seen art transform the lives of her students Local resources mentioned during this episode: Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League in Old Fort, NC 310 Art in Asheville, NC Florence Thomas Art School in West Jefferson, NC Battle of the Brushes in Old Fort, NC Woolworth Walk in Asheville, NC Black Mountain Center for the Arts Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Asheville, NC Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League Monte Vista Hotel in Black Mountain, NC Local Artists mentioned: Fleta Monahan Cheryl Keefer Upcoming Events for Artists mentioned: Battle of the Brushes, in Old Fort, NC Resources from outside this area mentioned: Lorelle's upcoming workshops at Naples Art Association in February 2017:  Scratchboard and Painting on Silk Bonita Springs Art Center International Society of Scratchboard Artists             Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

This is Part 2 of the Local Hearted Podcast interview with Asheville social media expert Dawn Chitwood.  If you are running a business page on Facebook and find that your posts are not reaching many of the people who have liked your page, this episode is for you. Dawn Chitwood is the Marketing Director for Bravado Creative, a full-service digital marketing company located in the Flat Iron Building of downtown Asheville, NC. Dawn has experience providing consulting and social media management for small to medium-sized businesses, including Asheville artists, as well as artists and galleries from her prior hometown at the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  This episode applies to all businesses looking to increase their exposure on Facebook, not just to artists.  Much of the discussion does use the art business as an example, but can be easily translated to any other type of business, too. During our conversation, Dawn shared so generously that I broke the interview into two episodes. For the most part, this episode does stand alone from Part 1, but I do encourage you to listen to Dawn's first episode, even if you go back to it later. There are so many marketing tips in that episode. Part 1 covers the importance of creating a Facebook page for your business separate from your personal profile page, as well as best practices for managing the page.  Plus, if you own a business, Dawn's talk on branding in Part 1 is not to be missed! Here is the audio for Dawn Chitwood, Part 2 Connect with Dawn and learn more about her work: Check out her website at http://bravadocreative.com Like her company's Facebook page by visiting  http://facebook.com/gobravado Highlights of this Interview, Dawn Chitwood Part 2 Why Dawn recommends businesses do advertising on Facebook Dawn's detailed tips about the best way to structure Facebook ads When you can do-it-yourself and when it would really be best to consult with a social media expert What to look at if you are not getting the response to your ads that you are looking for How to deal with negative feedback on Facebook Links for Dawn Chitwood's Interview Most links from this interview were actually mentioned during and provided in the show notes for Dawn Chitwood Part 1 In the current episode, Dawn mentions "Jen."  She is referring to her client, Asheville jewelry artist Jen Aly.  Dawn talked about her work with Jen Aly more extensively in Part 1 (and the link is in the show notes for that episode). For the Discussion Below If you have any experience with running ads on Facebook, I would love to hear how it went for you When a sponsored post on Facebook shows up in your news feed, do you give it consideration?  Do you ever click on a sponsored post?  Or do you view them merely as advertisements and scroll past them? Did you hear Dawn agree at the end of the episode to come back and speak on other social media topics?  Weigh in on what you most need to hear her talk about next time! And of course, anything that you would like to comment on or ask about regarding the episode     Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save