ArtsvilleUSA

In this episode of Artsville, we welcome one of the driving forces behind this Asheville-based project, the inspiring and wonderful Daryl Slaton. Daryl is a lifelong artist, having worked in many different spheres, including periods as a commercial artist for some of the biggest names in corporate America! As is apparent throughout our conversation, Daryl is young at heart and full of fun and laughter. He is also husband to our very own Louise Glickman! In our chat today we chart some of Daryl's journey as an artist, all the way up to the new and exciting work he is now doing with the latest augmented reality technology. Our guest talks about the hard work and long hours that go into developing a creative skill, and how he approaches finding inspiration. We also touch on some of the exciting things happening in Artsville right now, and his involvement in these, so to hear all of this and a whole lot more, tune in!

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/tails-of-whimsy-with-daryl-slaton-ep8/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Daryl's goal of bringing positivity into the world through his art and characters.
• The importance of community and the amazing network of artists in Asheville.
• Daryl's early years in North Carolina, and his childhood fascination with cartoons.
• The first drawing that Daryl remembers; depicting a trip to the toy store with his mother.
• Daryl's career working as a commercial artist in corporate America.
• The revealing of Gallagher's character; Daryl speaks about how he discovered the tiger.
• The themes that Daryl likes to explore through Gallagher's adventures. 
• How the global pandemic impacted Daryl's work and creative routine.  
• The new dimension that augmented reality brings to an artwork; Daryl explains his excitement.  
• Unpacking Daryl's creative process and its beginnings in pencil drawing.  
• Daryl's investigation into the world of NFTs and environmental improvements in the space. 
• The work that Daryl is currently exhibiting in the Artsville Gallery Space. 
• Thoughts on the warehousing of unsold artwork, and what this means for digital artists. 
• Where to find Daryl online, and more information about the Artsville Gallery Space in Asheville.  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Daryl Slaton on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/darylslaton/

Tails of Whimsy — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Artivive — https://artivive.com/

Marquee — https://marqueeasheville.com/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Crack open the world of pysanky, or Ukrainian Easter Eggs, with today’s guest, Andrea Kulish. Andrea, a first-generation Ukrainian-American artist and designer, specializes in pysanky eggs, a traditional Ukrainian art form created with a wax-resist or batik technique.

In this episode, Andrea reveals the deep cultural significance of pysanky, which are adorned with motifs rooted in Slavic folk art and have been crafted for centuries. Join us as we explore the detailed process of creating pysanky, from selecting the perfect egg to choosing vibrant color palettes. Andrea shares her insights into the history of this art form, including the meanings behind common symbols often seen in her work. We also delve into her mission to spread Ukrainian culture and good wishes through her art, shedding light on the importance of eggs as symbols of hope and renewal in Ukrainian traditions. 

Additionally, Andrea discusses her River Arts District studio, Studio A, located inside Pink Dog Creative, highlighting the creative community that inspires her. Our conversation touches on Andrea's efforts to fundraise for Ukrainian relief, showcasing the power of art as a means of support in challenging times. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that not only celebrates Ukrainian culture but also emphasizes the role of artists in fostering hope and resilience. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/andrea-kulish

In today’s episode, we’re taking a dive into the history behind how Asheville became Artsville, with Tom Anders from Grovewood Gallery! Located in the historic Grovewood Village, which once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries, Grovewood Gallery is nationally recognized for its dedication to fine American art and craft. With 9,000 square feet of artisan-made jewelry, textiles, pottery, glass, and more, Grovewood highlights the important contributions of over 400 artists and craftspeople from across the United States. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the important contributions that the Vanderbilt family made to the artistic hub that Asheville is today and gain some insight into the handmade legacy that the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum preserves and continues. We also touch on how the history of Grovewood Village started with a malaria remedy, the fascinating story behind the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum and Harry Blomberg’s passion for automobiles, what you can expect from your visit to Grovewood Village in the present day, as well as Tom’s personal history in Asheville, and so much more! Tune in today to discover this local treasure that offers a glimpse into an important part of Asheville’s story!

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/grovewood-village-gallery/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get a glimpse into the history of Grovewood and Downtown Asheville from Louise and Daryl.
• Tom shares his perspective on how the Vanderbilts helped Asheville become Artsville.
• Learn more about George Vanderbilt, who founded Biltmore Estate in 1895.
• What Tom’s role as curator, manager, and local historian at Grovewood entails.
• The genesis of Biltmore Industries and how they came to be known for their woolen fabric.
• The history of Grovewood Village, which starts with Edwin Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic.
• What led to the decline of Biltmore Industries and how the textile industry shifted.
• How Fred Seely made Biltmore Homespun fabrics popular with people nationwide.
• The story of the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, founded by Harry Blomberg in 1966.
• Hear about the collection of vintage cars and horse drawn carriages that Tom oversees.
• Tom reflects on the market value of this collection, which includes some very rare cars.
• How Grovewood Village offers a little something for everyone, no matter their interests.
• Tom introduces us to some of the artists and artisans working in Grovewood today.
• Tom shares his own personal history in Ashville, where he was born in 1958.
• Unpacking Edith Vanderbilt’s progressive approach and the YMI Cultural Center.
• Parting thoughts from Tom on how George and Bill Cecil have transformed Asheville. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tom Anders on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-anders-152032152/

Tom Anders Email — [email protected]

Grovewood Village — https://www.grovewood.com/

Grovewood Gallery — https://www.grovewood.com/grovewood-gallery/

Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum — https://www.grovewood.com/biltmore-industries-homespun-museum/

Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum — https://www.grovewood.com/antique-car-museum/

The Abell Flute Company — https://www.abellflute.com/

YMI Cultural Center — https://www.ymiculturalcenter.org/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Black Mountain College has long been acknowledged as the birthplace of the true American avant-garde. The experimental school was founded in 1933 on the principles of attaining a perfect balance between academics, arts, and crafts within a purely democratic society, where all members, students, and teachers were considered to be equal. Legendary even in its own time, Black Mountain College attracted and created maverick spirits, including Williem and Elaine de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly, Merce Cunningham, and Buckminster Fuller, to name just a few! Its history and legacy are now preserved and extended by the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC), located in Downtown Asheville. To tell the incredible (and sometimes scandalous) story of Black Mountain College (BMC), we welcome Kate Averett, a writer and curator based in Asheville, where she serves as Staff Historian, Project Coordinator, and Board Member at BMCM+AC. In today’s episode of Artsville, you’ll learn about the historical synchronicity that informs the connection between BMC and the Bauhaus, the legendary parties that were thrown at the college, and the role that the BMCM+AC plays in keeping the BMC legacy alive, as well as how they create space for the artists, scholars, and curators who uphold the open-mindedness that BMC was built on, plus so much more! Tune in to learn more from remarkable storyteller, Kate Averett!

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/black-mountain-college/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Louise and Daryl introduce today’s guest: Kate Averett from BMCM+AC.
• Learn about some of the major influential figures who attended BMC.
• Kate starts by sharing a bit about herself and her role at BMCM+AC.
• Hear the origin story of BMC which, like all good stories, starts with a scandal!
• Insight into BMC founder John A. Rice’s educational philosophy on hands-on learning.
• How the rise of the Nazis and the closing of the Bauhaus led Josef and Anni Albers to BMC.
• Some of the influential figures that attended BMC and the relationships that developed.
• The legendary Greek Party that Jean Varda threw at BMC, complete with a Trojan Horse!
• Kate highlights the communal, democratic structure between faculty and students at BMC.
• How avant-garde artists like Robert Rauschenberg were influenced by their time at BMC.
• Learn about one of the many famous student revolts at BMC known as The Split. 
• The impact that cultural and political pressure had on BMC toward the end of the 1950s.
• Kate reflects on the role that BMCM+AC plays in keeping the BMC legacy alive.
• How BMCM+AC came to be a museum and arts center as opposed to just a museum.
• The different stories that BMCM+AC hopes to tell about BMC, not just its history.
• Looking to the future in the ReVIEWING Black Mountain College conference.
• Kate reflects on the history of identity intersection and integration at BMC.
• Kate ends on an anecdote about Harriet Sohmers Zwerling and sexual liberation at BMC.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kate Averett on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-averett-b5466568/

Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center — https://www.blackmountaincollege.org/

ReVIEWING Black Mountain College International Conference — https://www.blackmountaincollege.org/reviewing/

Black Mountain Days — https://www.amazon.com/Black-Mountain-Days-Michael-Rumaker/dp/1933132663

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Not Real Art — https://notrealart.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Today on the Artsville Podcast, we hear from Michael Manes, Gallery Director and Co-Owner at Blue Spiral 1, an art gallery in the heart of Downtown Asheville that represents up to 120 contemporary artists and the estate of turn-of-the-century modernist, Will Henry Stevens. Blue Spiral 1 exhibits the work of artists and makers in a light-filled 15,000 square-foot gallery spanning three floors. This spacious setting allows the gallery to offer considerable diversity and, in today’s episode, Michael shares how Blue Spiral has historically elevated the work of local artisans to a broader audience thanks to the legacy of the gallery’s founder, John Cram. We also touch on the rise of the studio craft movement in America, the influence that Ashville’s natural beauty has on its creative community, and gain some insight into the logistics of running and programming a gallery space on such a large scale. Michael also shares some words of wisdom for artists seeking gallery representation and art lovers building their collection. Plus so much more! Tune in today for an enlightening and engaging discussion with another key member from Asheville’s thriving creative community!

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/blue-spiral-elevating-artisans/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get to know Michael Manes and hear about his role at Blue Spiral 1.
• Learn about John Cram, who founded the gallery in 1990, and the early days of Blue Spiral.
• Micheal shares his personal journey to Asheville and what led him there.
• He reflects on the historical differentiation between art and craft and the rise of the studio craft movement in America.
• How John Cram and other art leaders paved the way for Asheville to become Artsville.
• Challenges Blue Spiral has had to overcome, including keeping up with Asheville’s growth.
• The influence that the natural environment in Asheville has on the creative community.
• Find out how Michael approaches programming and curating a 15,000 square-foot space.
• Some insight into the logistics of running a gallery that represents up to 120 artists.
• Michael’s advice for artists hoping to approach a gallery for representation: be prolific!
• His suggestion for art lovers building their collection: start by buying what you love.
• Why Blue Spiral strives to remain affordable, approachable, and accessible for all.
• What Michael wants listeners to know about Ashville; everyone is welcome!
• The beautiful sense of community that Michael believes makes Ashville unique.
• Accessibility and e-commerce; how to buy art on the Blue Spiral website.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Michael Manes on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-manes-97379a8b/

Blue Spiral 1 — https://bluespiral1.com/

Blue Spiral 1 on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/bluespiral1/

Blue Spiral 1 on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/BlueSpiral1/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Welcome back to another episode of Artsville, where we celebrate American contemporary arts and crafts from Asheville, North Carolina, and beyond! In today’s double-whammy episode, you’ll hear from two special guests: Stephanie Moore, Director of the Center for Craft, and Jordan Ahlers, Director and Owner of Momentum Gallery, both of which are located on Broadway Street in Downtown Asheville. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the vision and mission of both these institutions, including how they crossover, collaborate, and share knowledge to promote contemporary art and craft for the future of Asheville while also honoring its rich cultural history. We discuss what makes Asheville Artsville, the fundamental differences (and similarities) between art and craft, and how the art and craft community in Asheville is coalescing to create the Broadway Cultural Gateway, as well as how Jordan and Stephanie are using education to tell the stories of the next generation of artists and makers in Asheville and beyond. We also touch on the power of material-based traditions, how to buy art as a newbie, and so much more, so make sure to tune into this episode of the Artsville Podcast today!

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/center-for-craft-momentum-gallery/

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why the Center for Craft and Momentum are considered ‘new kids’ on Broadway Street.
• An introduction to Stephanie, the Center for Craft, and their mission.
• Get to know Jordan, Momentum Gallery, and their focus on material-based traditions.
• How he believes Asheville became Artsville thanks to its rich cultural history.
• The inherent reverence and respect for art and craft that Stephanie has found in Asheville.
• Stephanie and Jordan reflect on the difference (or lack thereof) between art and craft.
• The unique framework of partnership that exists among makers and creatives in Asheville.
• Learn about the Center’s grant, fellowship, and craft research programs.
• Turning Broadway Street into an arts corridor known as the Broadway Cultural Gateway.
• Jordan’s advice for navigating and exploring the rich art landscape in Asheville.
• Find out from Stephanie how the Center works with national art school programs.
• Jordan’s words of wisdom for those new to buying art: start with something meaningful.
• Educating his clients and collectors about local artists who may be less well-known.
• Stephanie on how the Center is connected with Indigenous and Native craft traditions.
• Reconciling the sometimes uncomfortable history of craft through education.
• Some insight into the glasswork of Harvey Littleton and his relationship with Dale Chihuly.
• Stephanie highlights self-taught artists like the Bringle Sisters and Michael Sherrill.
• Learn about Stoney Lamar, the Windgate Foundation, and their contributions to craft.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Stephanie Moore on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-moore-65b4256/

Center for Craft — https://www.centerforcraft.org/

Jordan Ahlers on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-ahlers-b82a789/

Momentum Gallery — https://momentumgallery.com/

Lexington Glassworks — https://www.lexingtonglassworks.com/

East Fork — https://eastfork.com/

Makers: A History of American Studio Craft — https://www.amazon.com/Makers-History-American-Studio-Craft/dp/0807834130

Chihuly — https://www.chihuly.com/

Cynthia Bringle — https://www.cynthiabringlepottery.com/

Michael Sherrill — https://www.michaelsherrill.com/

Windgate Foundation — https://www.windgatefoundation.org/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Welcome to the first-ever episode of the Artsville Podcast, where we celebrate American contemporary arts and crafts from Asheville, North Carolina, and beyond! Today, Crewest Studio's Scott "Sourdough" Power is joined by Louise Glickman and Daryl Slaton from the Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) to introduce you to Mia Hall and Robin Dreyer, the Executive Director and Communications Manager of the Penland School of Craft, an international center for craft education dedicated to helping people live creative lives. Located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Penland offers immersive workshops along with artist residencies, a gallery and visitors’ center, and a variety of community programs. Tuning in, you’ll learn why Penland is an integral part of the history of art and craft in Asheville and Mia and Robin weigh in on the age-old art versus craft debate (spoiler alert: it’s not as black and white as you may think!) We also touch on Mia’s mission to “turn Penland inwards,” how the campus fosters a sense of community, and gain some insight into Penland’s robust scholarship program, as well as how the school seeks to foster a spirit of inclusivity and accessibility for all. For all this and so much more, make sure to join us for this episode of Artsville!

For our full show notes, please visit: https://www.artsvilleusa.com/penland-school-of-craft/

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Penland is essential to the legacy of art and craft in Asheville.
• An introduction to Mia and Robin and their roles at Penland.
• The distinctive structure of Penland and why they historically do not have a faculty.
• Art versus craft: Mia weighs in on the fundamental differences (and similarities).
• Robin on why he believes that art and craft exist on a continuum.
• Mia’s mission as Executive Director to turn Penland inwards and focus on accessibility.
• Some of the obstacles she has to overcome to make the school more inviting.
• Get an idea of what it feels like to visit the Penland campus from Robin.
• How the layout of the campus itself fosters a sense of community.
• Learn how occupancy and class size has been thoughtfully considered.
• Insight into the application process and Penland’s robust scholarship program.
• Robin reflects on Penland as an inclusive rather than an exclusive organization.
• Hear about their new gallery and visitors’ center and how it promotes their program.
• Celebrating the patrons, donors, board, and selfless instructors of Penland.
• Mia and Robin share their favorite stories from their time at the school.
• Parting thoughts from Robin on the power of craft and continuous learning.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mia Hall on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-hall-112b4011/

Mia Hall on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/penland_director/

Robin Dreyer on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-dreyer-7180b9129/

Robin Dreyer on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/robinrdreyer/

Penland School of Craft — https://penland.org/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Not Real Art — https://notrealart.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/

Our song says it all.

Performed by Richard Donovan and the Owls

“Artsville Theme Song” (Written by Dan Ubick)

Produced by Dan Ubick for DanUbe Productions

Richard Donovan : vocals

Jordan Katz : banjo

Adam Moss : fiddle

Ben Peeler : mandolin

Dan Ubick : guitars

Dave Wilder : upright bass