untitled by Cade Carlson

"Salsa Snack!" an exhibition featuring 22 mixed media and spray paint pieces by UNC Asheville senior economics major Cade Carlson, will be on view March 10-30 in the Third Floor Gallery of UNC Asheville's Ramsey Library. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in the Library Lobby.

Carlson, who has no formal artistic training, has been experimenting with spray paint for three years. He began using hand-cut stencils of his friends' faces, eventually shifting focus to producing vibrant gradients of color. Carlson sees his collection as a narrative. "My work doesn't contain deep messages or abstract symbols hidden within these narratives that I am personally aware of," said Carlson. "The narratives are meant to be seen at face value: loosely constructed and straightforward."

The gallery is open during regular library hours. Admission is free. For more information or hours of operation, call UNC Asheville’s Ramsey Library at 828/251-6546.