Painter Deona Fish re-envisions nature and its various life forms, including humans, through a lens of youthful fantasy — a colorful habit she picked up after moving to Asheville from Alabama and landing a job teaching young schoolchildren. Local artist Celia Barbieri, too, draws inspiration from life’s small joys. But in her case, it’s buttons that spur creative thinking. From seed pods to belt buckles, any tiny object can become a design stamp for Barbieri, who combines her DIY clay buttons (and vintage ones) with recycled sweater felt to create whimsical, wilt-free flower arrangements. Both artists’ work will be featured in Woolworth Walk’s FW Front Gallery throughout the month of August, and their opening reception takes place Friday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. Free. woolworthwalk.org. Image courtesy of Fish
Smart bets: Deona Fish and Celia Barbieri
![Deona Fish](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/lady-1100x692.jpg)
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