On the Verge: An exhibition by emerging local artists

The work of 10 emerging visual artists who won WNC Magazine’s “On the Verge” art contest now adorns four galleries in the Phil Mechanic Studios, located in Asheville’s River Arts District. The second annual juried show offers local artists the opportunity to participate in a month-long exhibition, in addition to being featured in the magazine’s latest arts issue.

The most striking aspect of On the Verge is the diverse array of mediums represented in the exhibition. Climbing the narrow steps that connects the Flood Gallery to Mezzanine and Pump Gallery to the Library Studio, visitors travel from one dynamic display to the next. In one gallery, for example, textured geometric vases made of glass sit in front of abstract paintings inspired by dreams and mediation. In another studio, giant surrealist sculptures are perched in the corners, resting beside delicate ceramic plates that look like tropical flowers mounted on the wall. The unique amalgamation of art establishes an atmosphere of wonder: As if one is wandering through a world imagined by 10 extremely talented artists.

Here is a slide show of the exhibition taken at WNC Magazine’s On the Verge preview party held on June 3. 


Photos by Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt.

On the Verge artists include:

Emily Crabtree (abstract painting that “play on the perceptions of the past, memories, and time”)

Julie Robinson (abstract paintings inspired by dreams and mediation)

Angelique Tassistro (ceramic art and design)

Dustin Spagnola (paintings of cultural icons rendered through street-inspired, graffiti-reminiscent styles)

Justin D. Turcotte (geometric glass sculpture)

Maggie Jones (imaginative yet functional ceramic art)

Robb Helmkamp (wood and metal furniture/sculpture)

Sean Pace (metal installation art/surrealist sculpture)

Severn Eaton (paintings)

Wesley Corn (digital photography)

The opening reception for On the Verge will be held on Saturday, June 5, at 5 p.m. and will feature live music by funk/soul band WestSound and DJ Lance Wille. Light refreshments and beer provided. The Phil Mechanic Studio is located at 109 Roberts St. on the corner of Clingman Ave. in the River Arts District. Info: www.philmechanicstudios.com.

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About Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt
Aiyanna grew up on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. She was educated at The Cambridge School of Weston, Sarah Lawrence College, and Oxford University. Aiyanna lives in Asheville, North Carolina where she proudly works for Mountain Xpress, the city’s independent local newspaper.

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2 thoughts on “On the Verge: An exhibition by emerging local artists

  1. Joanne

    Yeah……it seems that emerging is just a word for rediscovering. Asheville’s art scene is on the verge of something. They just do not know what yet. A Bettie Page portrait. Really? We have some talent out there but sometimes it is what is less seen that is more innovative than the obvious.

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