Artsville

• ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Curators’ Panel: ‘Art is the Highest Form of Hope’

  In the wake of natural disasters, art can serve as a lifeline for communities in urgent need of healing. Today, we’re chatting with the curators behind A Tale of Two Cities, a cross-cultural exhibition commemorating the anniversaries of hurricanes Helene in Asheville and Katrina in New Orleans. Our guests include Kenn Kotara, an artist based in Asheville; Jan Gilbert, an artist from New Orleans; and Andrew Rogers, the executive director of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art (NOAFA), where the exhibition will be held. The discussion centers on the cultural impact and aftermath of both hurricanes on their respective cities. Each guest shares their experiences and insights regarding how art has played a critical role in recovery efforts. Ken Kotara reflects on the Asheville community’s resilience, highlighting how local artists have embraced collaboration and creativity to rebuild their cultural identity. Jan Gilbert adds to this narrative by discussing the unique challenges New Orleans artists face, emphasizing their commitment to using their work as a form of healing. Andrew Rogers emphasizes the importance of showcasing the interconnected stories of artists from both cities. He encourages listeners to engage with the arts and support local talent, underscoring the healing power of creativity in the aftermath of adversity.Through a shared platform, A Tale of Two Cities invites artists to reflect on their experiences with climate-related disasters and engage the public in meaningful conversations about hope and recovery. The exhibition emphasizes the importance of protecting and representing vulnerable artists, affirming that art can catalyze healing in communities facing existential challenges. With both physical and virtual showcases, this exhibition aspires to inspire ongoing connections between the two cities, promoting cultural exchange and reinforcing the role of art in building resilient communities.A Tale of Two Cities opens Sept. 13 and runs through Nov. 8, 2025, at NOAFA. For more information, please visit https://www.artsvilleusa.com/a-tale-of-two-cities-curators-panel

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• North Carolina Glass Center: Exploring the Studio Glass Movement With Executive Director Candace Reilly

  Editor’s note: This episode was originally published in April 2024. We’re revisiting our conversation with Candace Reilly, founder and executive director of the North Carolina Glass Center, as part of our July 2025 coverage themed around the Blue Ridge Craft Trails. This episode is also part of our partnership with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.North Carolina's crafts scene has long been celebrated, but its pivotal role in the history of America’s Studio Glass Movement often flies under the radar. Since Harvey Littleton's arrival in the late 1970s, Western North Carolina has flourished as a hub for glassmakers and enthusiasts alike. In today’s episode, we welcome Candace Reilly, executive director of Asheville's popular North Carolina Glass Center (NCGC), to discuss the contemporary studio glass scene in WNC. With nearly a decade of commitment to Asheville's arts community, Candace offers valuable insights into her role. As the leader at NCGC, she drives initiatives aimed at preserving traditional techniques while advancing the future of studio glass. At the heart of her vision is the belief in the transformative power of integrated arts education, which promotes not only creative expression but also social cohesion within the community.In our conversation, Candace discusses the NCGC's mission and impact, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to Asheville's leading public-access glass studio and gallery. She highlights North Carolina's rich connection to glass artistry, fueled by the state’s resources and landscape that support artistic innovation and collaboration. Candace details the center's educational offerings, including workshops and residencies that foster inclusivity and creativity. Additionally, she shares news of the center's expansion to a second location in Black Mountain, reflecting its growth and the increased demand for glass experiences. Candace underscores the diverse revenue streams that support the center, inviting community involvement to sustain its mission. For those interested, she provides ways to engage with the center online and in person. This conversation on the Artsville Podcast offers insights into NCGC’s commitment to education and creativity, enriching Asheville’s cultural landscape.For more information, please visit https://www.artsvilleusa.com/north-carolina-glass-center

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• Preserving a Picturesque America With Conservationist Scott ‘Doc’ Varn

  Editor’s note: This episode was originally published in June 2024. We’re revisiting our conversation with Scott “Doc” Varn, founder and executive director of Preserving a Picturesque America, as part of our outdoor art-themed coverage in June 2025. What’s more exciting than an epic treasure hunt, searching for America’s wild places? Today’s guest, Scott “Doc” Varn, is the founder and executive director of Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA). Based in Asheville, NC, this unique organization upholds the conservation work begun by Victorian artist-explorers, who documented America’s unspoiled natural beauty with prose and illustrations. Their expeditions paved the way for PAPA and its contemporary conservation efforts, which are equal parts adventure and art.The idea for PAPA emerged when Doc, a woodcut and watercolor artist, stumbled across a popular 19th-century book of scenic engravings while searching for prints of his home in Western North Carolina. Edited by the famed Romantic poet William Cullen Bryant, Picturesque America features 900 wood engravings and 50 steel engravings, accompanied by colorful essays that describe the scenery. Initially serialized before being bound into two volumes, the bestselling book helped popularize tourism in America and sparked the country’s conservation movement following the Civil War. It also inspired Doc to found PAPA and discover the forgotten secrets of the county’s first travel guide.Using maps and original illustrations from Picturesque America, Doc and his team of writers, historians, and artists hunt for the exact location of the book’s images. These spots are sometimes hard to find, but Doc uncovers clues by chatting with locals and absorbing regional history as he travels. Tracing Picturesque America’s footsteps, artists and writers working with PAPA document these rediscovered places with prose, sketches, and plein air paintings.Watch the PBS episode on PAPA, The Land We Live In, to learn more about Doc and his expeditions through scenic America. The episode delves into Doc’s quest to find locations along the French Broad River, which flows through Tennessee and North Carolina, his home state. Doc uses the French Broad chapter of Picturesque America as a guide, supplementing his trek with word-of-mouth clues from residents and local historians. PAPA’s book, Rediscovering a Picturesque America, is their version of the original French Broad chapter, a modern retelling of the classic Victorian travelogue.For more information, please visit https://www.artsvilleusa.com/preserving-a-picturesque-america

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• Community Through Clay: A Conversation With Sarah Wells Rolland of The Village Potters Clay Center

  Editor’s note: This episode was originally published in April 2022. We’re revisiting our conversation with Sarah Wells Rolland, owner, founder, and resident potter of The Village Potters Clay Center, as part of our clay-themed coverage in May 2025.In the face of adversity, creativity has a remarkable way of shining through. No one embodies this spirit more than Sarah Wells Rolland, owner and founder of The Village Potters Clay Center, which was once an iconic gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District.After Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to their facilities, The Village Potters is navigating the challenging journey of recovery while looking forward to exciting new beginnings. They’re temporarily operating out of a warehouse as they prepare to open a brand new 18,000 sq. ft. facility this summer. In this episode, Sarah shares her inspiring story of resilience, detailing the critical support needed to rebuild, replace kilns, and transform their new space into a thriving hub for creativity and collaboration. Help The Village Potters cover the significant costs of rebuilding by making a tax-deductible donation through their new fiscal sponsor or visiting their GoFundMe campaign.In today’s episode, Sarah reveals the path to becoming a professional ceramic artist, reflecting on her 30-year career and the challenges she’s encountered along the way. She discusses the founding of The Village Potters as a shared gallery and collective, emphasizing how its educational initiatives nurture the next generation of artists. Tune in to discover why the River Arts District is integral to their mission and how the local arts community has rallied together to support one another.Sarah also shares her top recommendations for first-time visitors to Asheville, offering insights into the rich artistic landscape and the many ways to enjoy the local culture. From tips on expanding your ceramic collection to the best barbecue spots in town, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight. As The Village Potters solidify their future, you’ll learn how every donation—big or small—can make a significant impact in their recovery and growth.For more information, please visit https://www.artsvilleusa.com/village-potters-clay-center

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• The Healing Power of Art in Community Recovery

  What do New Orleans and Western North Carolina have in common? Both regions were rocked by historic hurricanes, which left lasting impacts on their communities and environments. Today, host Louise Glickman explores the transformative role of art and creativity in community recovery, comparing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans to the recovery efforts following recent storms in Western North Carolina. Louise is joined by Jan Gilbert, an artist and activist who co-founded The VESTIGES Project, and DeWayne Barton, founder of Hood Huggers International in Asheville. The VESTIGES Project, established in 1984, is a collective of artists and writers inspired by New Orleans. For its members, the city represents more than just a location; it embodies a rich tapestry of culture composed of remnants, rituals, memories, and myths, blurring the lines between fiction and reality, past and present. Hood Huggers develops sustainable strategies to support historically African-American neighborhoods in Asheville, NC, focusing on community capacity building and creating spaces that mitigate trauma while enhancing existing services.Don't miss this episode, and be sure to check out the links referenced in the conversation listed below for more information:jan gilbertart.comthebestigesproject.orgbluenotejunction.comhoodhuggers.comArtsvilleUSANOT REAL ARTFor more information, visit https://www.artsvilleusa.com/vestiges-project-hood-huggers

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