UNC Asheville to Host "The Ariel Perspective" Art Exhibition

“The Ariel Perspective: Recent Works by Ariel Contemporary Craft Cooperative,” an art exhibition featuring some 50 works by the member artists of the Ariel Contemporary Craft Cooperative, will be on view June 10-August 31 at UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union Gallery. An opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 10, in the gallery, which is located on the lower level of the Union. All pieces will be on sale at the opening and throughout the show.

Two gallery talks are scheduled during the exhibition. Potter Ken Sedberry will conduct a pottery demonstration at 6 p.m. Monday, June 20. Book maker Dan Essig will speak at 6 p.m. Monday, July 11.

Exhibiting artists include Katherine and William Bernstein, Melisa Cadell, Ken Carder, Jim Charneski, Dan Essig, Nancy Fleming, John Geci, John Gernandt, Carmen Grier, Doug Lapham, Jane Peiser, Henry Pope and Mary Mikkelsen, David Scott, Ken Sedberry, Laura Sims, Ron Slagle, Janet Taylor, Robert Vengoechea, Vicki Vigee, David and Nissa Vrooman.

The Ariel Contemporary Craft Cooperative was formed by 20 local artists in 1999. In 2002, the Cooperative opened the Ariel Gallery at 46 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. The gallery is staffed by its members, who have a firsthand knowledge of their own work as well as the work of their fellow artists. In addition to working in the gallery, all members also serve on one of the committees which keep the business running, including executive, bookkeeping, advertising, maintenance, display and special events.

The Highsmith University Union Gallery is located on the ground floor of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union. The gallery is free and open to the public. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday when summer classes are in session.

For more information, call the UNC Asheville’s Office of Cultural and Special Events at 828/251-6990 or the Ariel Gallery at 828/236-2660.

Media Contacts:

• Ginger Spivey, UNC Asheville Assistant Professor of Art, 828/251-6011
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526