Not to Scale: Exhibit by Arrowmont’s Artists-in-Residence Opening

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is exhibiting works by current Artists-in-Residence in Not to Scale – the final exhibition from Charlie Ryland, Drew Davis Johnson, Julia Gartrell, Sarah Rachel Brown and Skye Livingston.

The Artists-in-Residence Program provides early career, self-directed artists time, space and support to experiment and develop a new body of work in a creative community environment. Each year, five artists of different media are selected for the eleven-month program, which begins mid-June and continues through late May of the following year. Participants receive exhibition opportunities, teaching experience, professional development and a private studio.

Not to Scale showcases works in a range of media including ceramic, woodworking, basketry, fiber, mixed media and drawing. This cumulative exhibition features work made during the artists’ residency at Arrowmont. The exhibit is on view from March 19 – May 14, 2016 in the Sandra J. Blain Gallery. The opening reception is Friday, April 15, 2016, from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free and the community is encouraged to attend with their friends and family. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Charlie Ryland

Charlie Ryland is a woodworker specializing in tools and techniques traditionally used in green woodworking. His work draws heavily on historical examples of utilitarian objects – exploring and comparing past and present cultural narratives through everyday objects. Charlie received his BA in Intellectual History from Harvard University before completing the Cabinet and Furniture Making program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. He served an apprenticeship with Windsor Chair maker Peter Galbert and has worked with a number of well respected green woodworkers including chair maker Curtis Buchanan and traditional craftsmanJarrod Stone Dahl.

Drew Davis Johnson

Drew Davis Johnson received his BFA in ceramics from University of Florida in 2012. Drew’s work is influenced by his time spent living in Central Florida during the real estate and construction boom. Characteristics of land development, construction and exposed framework are shown in his sculptural work. Drew’s work has been exhibited nationally and has pieces in the Rosenfield Permanent Collection.

Julia Gartrell

Julia Gartrell is a sculptor whose work explores Southern identity, family lore, evolving relationships to materiality and salvage. Born and raised in Durham, NC, Julia has focused her research on historic rural Appalachia, where her paternal ancestors settled in the mid-1800s. She primarily uses found and scrounged material including native North Carolina clay from significant sites in her hometown. Julia received her MFA in sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2015 and her BA from Kalamazoo College is 2008.

Sarah Rachel Brown is an adornment and metals artist. She completed a two-year Core Fellowship at the Penland School of Crafts from 2013-2015 and a 3-year apprenticeship with Seattle based jeweler, Sarah Loertscher from 2010-2013. Sarah’s work has been selected for exhibitions such as Touch at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (TN), Encompass at the Lillstreet Art Center (IL), Metal IV at Light Art+Design (NC), and The Contemporary Jewelry Show at the Penland Gallery (NC). In this exhibit,Sarah explores her multifaceted response to loss by creating mixed media time capsules.

Skye Livingston is an interdisciplinary artist working in textiles, paper and organic materials. She has received several awards including “Best of Show” in the Kansas City Art Institute’s 2012 BFA Exhibition. After completing a yearlong studio residency at the Charlotte Street Urban Culture Studio Project, she spent a year attending artist residencies around the country. Residencies include The Post Contemporary in Troy, New York, Brush Creek in Saratoga, Wyoming, and Art Farm in Marquette, Nebraska. Skye received her BFA in Fiber and BA in Art History from the Kansas City Art Institute.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a national art education center. The school enriches lives by developing aesthetic appreciation and fostering self-expression with hands-on experiences in a variety of media, classes, conferences and seminars. On the leading edge of arts education, Arrowmont utilizes contemporary and fine arts techniques to build upon a foundation of traditional arts and crafts.