The Open Studio Tour in Henderson County considers all the corridors. (Work by Keith Berner)
Besides showcasing the talent of dozens of fine artists and fine crafters working in everything from oils to felt to steel, the Open Studio Tour of Henderson County is fun (and important) in the way it presents the county in microcosms of regionalism.
The tour is split into “corridors,” including the niches of North Hendersonville, Flat Rock/Zirconia, Downtown/Kanuga, Horseshoe/64 West, Laurel Park/5th Avenue. Because each of these areas, like the work of the artists who create there, has its own look, its own stamp and personality. And supporting the arts through events like this is also about getting to know your community better.
In this month’s print issue, we highlight Kelly G. Chelena of the Downtown/Kanuga Corridor. Her mixed-media, oil, and watercolor paintings lean toward the abstract, but the color and energy displayed within emote like performance art. Viewers are rewarded every time they look back at one of Chelena’s paintings and additional layers are revealed.
Every corridor of the tour, every studio, is well worth visiting, but we’ve got a keen eye on the recycled-chic metal sculpture of Keith Berner (Horseshoe/64 West), the intricate basketry of Carla Filippelli (5th Avenue/Laurel Park), and the sculptural decorative pottery of Honey Burrell (Flat Rock/Zirconia). September 19 and 20, 10am-5pm both days.
Visit www.openstudiotourhc.com for a guide to all participating studios.
