As the son of Asheville’s own Ann Vasilik, Brian Vasilik has followed in his mother’s footsteps and is currently premiering his collection of watercolor landscapes and portraits. After graduating from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, he started Brian Vasilik Illustration and Design, bringing his business to North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. He has lived in Asheville for 20 years and is currently self-employed.
Vasilik does work on design projects for event planner, individual and company-sponsored events. He draws caricatures for special events that entertain with exaggerated characteristics of his models’ features. Some people may even know Brian Vasilik as Pickles the Clown, who may be found dazzling a crowd with his balloon twisting and body-painting abilities. He has done caricature work for the Grove Park Inn, the Biltmore Estate and Winery and the Biltmore Forest Country Club. He is a member of the International Society of Caricature Artists.
Vasilik’s current show features his work with watercolors, several of which depict prominent Asheville landscapes, including the bustling corner of Biltmore and Patton and the dusky skyline of downtown. His painting of Biltmore Avenue’s Hot Dog King sign surges with vibrant pale orange-yellows and purples, as the Asheville sky fades behind the infamous hot dog establishment that recently closed. His various talents can be seen from now until Feb. 28 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ Art Gallery where he is having his first Asheville Showing.
