April 2025 Round-up: Library Economics, Slavic Folk Art, Plus Hot Wax Painting

As spring blooms all around us, I’m reminded of the joy and vibrancy of the season, which persists in nature and our communities, despite—or sometimes in direct reaction to—what's happening in the rest of the world.

This month, in the spirit of renewal, we spoke with Andrea Kulish, a first-generation Ukrainian American artist and designer who specializes in pysanky, traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings. The theme of renewal is especially fitting during National Library Week (April 6-12), a time when we celebrate the resources that fuel our creativity and imagination. Building on this spirit, our April travelogue takes readers on a trip to Western North Carolina’s amazing makerspaces and unique craft libraries, which serve our community at little or no cost. Finally, we have one more treat for book lovers: an interview with bookbinder Erin Keane, a recent recipient of the Center for Craft’s Craft Futures Fund, who is also featured in our spring craft exhibition, Reawakening.

As we approach the final month of Reawakening—which you can explore online and at the Ferguson Family YMCA until the end of May—I’m also embarking on a new chapter in my life. I’m thrilled to share that my family is growing with the arrival of our second child! During my time away this summer, I leave the newsletter in the hands of our capable Editor-in-Chief, Morgan Laurens.

In this moment of personal change, I’m reminded of the importance of community support, which has always been a cornerstone of our work at ArtsvilleUSA. In lieu of diapers, why not shower ArtsvilleUSA with generosity and donate to the arts? Every contribution helps nurture creativity and keeps our arts community thriving.

See you in September ❤️🎨

It’s National Library Week. Celebrate by Exploring the Interactive Maker Spaces and Crafting Libraries of Western North Carolina

Imagine a library where the shelves overflow with tools and touchable materials instead of just books. As National Library Week (April 6 - 12) unfolds, we invite you to explore the unorthodox libraries of Asheville and Western North Carolina, where traditional notions of learning take a backseat to hands-on making, resource sharing, and artistic exploration.

From the Center for Craft’s mind-melting Materials Collection to the East Asheville Library’s all-ages craft kits, these libraries are redefining what it means to learn, create, and connect in the digital age. Each space offers more than just information—they're dynamic, interactive environments that encourage collaboration, spark innovation, and strengthen our community bonds. They provide not just tools and materials but also a sense of belonging.

As we celebrate the invaluable role libraries play in enriching lives, tip your hats to the unconventional spaces and hidden gems transforming our region, one creative collaboration at a time. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned DIYer, or a lifelong learner who’s simply curious about these innovative spaces, there’s truly something here for everyone—even those who still want to crack open a good old-fashioned book.

Learn about WNC maker libraries here.

From Egg to Art: Discovering the Tradition of Pysanky, Ukrainian Easter Eggs, With Andrea Kulish

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.

Listen to our conversation with Andrea Kulish here.

Layers of Hot Wax: How Erin Keane Blends Encaustic With Photography and Bookbinding

In 1999, when Erin Keane decided to shuck her Midwestern roots and relocate to Asheville, NC, the arts educator religiously dialed every school district in the area, asking the same question: "Every Monday, I would call and say, 'Do you have any job openings yet?'” Each time, the answer was the same: “‘Nope. The one art teacher hasn't quit yet, so you'll have to try again next week.’”

Erin's perseverance eventually paid off when she secured a position teaching art to middle schoolers in Brevard, a picturesque city known as "the land of waterfalls," located about 35 miles southwest of Asheville. Now, a quarter of a century later, Erin has carved out a reputation as a versatile regional artist and educator whose mixed-media works reflect a deep and abiding appreciation for the flora and fauna of Western North Carolina. Her work seamlessly combines photography and bookbinding with encaustic, an ancient hot wax painting technique that Erin "fell in love with" after attending a professional development class hosted by the Asheville Art Museum.

Read our interview with Erin Keane here.

News + Notes From Asheville and Beyond

Here’s where we share quick craft bites for hungry minds and busy hands.

Events + Exhibitions

• WNC Craft Futures: From Here: Presented by the Center for Craft (CFC), this exhibition celebrates the work of 40 regional craft artists impacted by Hurricane Helene. Each artist has received a grant or residency through the CFC’s Craft Futures Fund to support their recovery and artistic practice, highlighting the resilience and creativity of our community. From Here is on view at the CFC’s Bresler Family Gallery through Aug. 30, 2025. For more information, visit the Center for Craft.
• Appalachian Heritage Festival: Celebrate the traditions of Appalachia with a weekend full of culture, craft, and music. Experience engaging hands-on demonstrations such as basketry, spinning, quilt block painting, and blacksmithing, while enjoying art vendors and live music. Don’t miss the Quilt Trails Bus Tour, where you can explore the rich cultural history of Haywood County on a 1.5-hour journey. The Appalachian Heritage Festival takes place on May 2-3 on Main Street in Waynesville. Visit the Haywood County Arts Council for more information.
• A New Leaf: Patti Quinn Hill brings her unique approach to traditional basketry to Blue Spiral 1 Gallery in May. The exhibition showcases Patti’s meticulous creations, crafted from painted archival paper and adorned with metallic thread lashing. A New Leaf opens May 2 and runs through June 25, 2025, at Blue Spiral 1 Gallery in downtown Asheville. An opening reception will take place on May 2 from 5-7 p.m. Please visit Blue Spiral Gallery for more information.
• Pink Duck Pottery Studio Grand Opening: Located in Horseshoe, NC, just 30 minutes from downtown Asheville, Pink Duck Pottery opens its doors to the public in May. Hang out, play with clay, and make art from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 3, during the studio’s grand opening. For more information, visit Pink Duck Pottery Studios here.
• Fiber Day: On Saturday, May 10, the Folk Art Center in Asheville will host Fiber Day, a free community event organized by the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Local Cloth, as an educational Guild Member, will participate in this interactive event, providing insights into the art of fiber creation. Learn more about the event here.
• Reawakening: Fiber Artists of WNC: To celebrate National Craft Month and the pending arrival of spring, ArtsvilleUSA presents Reawakening: Fiber Artists of Western North Carolina, a spring exhibition created in collaboration with our sister organization and West Coast affiliate, NOT REAL ART. Reawakening runs through May 31 at the Ferguson Family YMCA and features work by Deb Herman, Kathie Briggs, and Ashton Zager.

In the News

• WNC Craft Futures Fund: We are thrilled to congratulate Erin Keane, Laura Lau Klein, and Laura Wood on receiving the Center for Craft’s Craft Futures Fund. Their remarkable talent and dedication to their craft shine through in their work, which you can see in our spring exhibition, Reawakening. We’d also like to congratulate ArtsvilleUSA collaborator Meg Ross and Virtual Gallery of Artists participant Elizabeth Walton.

Special Thanks to our Partners

This copy has been edited for length and clarity. All photos published with permission of the artist(s); featured photo: Max Cooper.