November 2016 final small

RIVER ARTS DISTRICT:

RAD Studio Stroll and Winter Holiday Market Guide

ARTS & CULTURE RAPID RIVER MAGAZINE’S

WWW.RAPIDRIVERMAGAZINE.COM

November 2016 Vol. 20 No. 3

THE OLDEST AND MOST READ ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE IN WNC

“We continue to be thrilled with the excellent service and magnificent frames that we get from BlackBird.

They are a pleasure to work with, and make it a very easy and fun process for us.”

—Margie and Rich Kluska, Asheville

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19th Voorhees Family Art Show and Sale This year’s annual event will feature new art work created by six Voorhees family members along with two guest artists.

The event will again be Norwood Park, this year at Susan Voorhees’ house. featured in a family home in

Meet this extraordinary family of artists known throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to MANNA FoodBank and to Kiva, helping others locally and globally.

The arts legacy began with Edwin Voorhees, (1919-1999) known for his NC coastal watercolor seascapes; and Mildred Voorhees and now their children and grandchildren.

Mildred, (1924-2007) was best known for her colorful, patterned watercolors and rich oil still lifes and landscapes. Reproductions of Edwin and Mildred’s artwork will be available.

Three of Edwin and Mildred’s six children plus one grandchild and two daughters-in-law will be

showing their work at this event: Susan Voorhees, oil and pastel paintings; Jane Voorhees, watercolors, pastels, prints, cards and calendars; David Voorhees, wood-fired stoneware and porcelain pottery; David Voorhees ginkgo platter David’s wife, Molly Sharp Voorhees, sterling silver jewelry, some incorporating natural beach stones; and David’s daughter Elizabeth Voorhees Becker, color photography; and Amy Voorhees, oil paintings. Also exhibiting are guest artists Chad Alice Hagen, felted art and handmade books and Cheryl

2 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

Molly Sharp bracelet Stippich, stained glass.

The 19th Voorhees Family Art Show and IF U O Y Sale will be held on Saturday, November 19, GO 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, November 20, 12 noon to 5 pm at Susan Voorhees’ home, 55 Woodward Avenue in the Norwood Park area of North Asheville. This weekend art show and sale is free and open to the public. For more information and map visit www.voorheesfamilyart.com

3rd Annual Riverview Station

HOLIDAY MARKET Saturday, December 3, 2016 4:00pm – 8:00pm

30+ Artists • Convenient Parking • Santa • Raffle Food and Coffee Trucks • Workshops • Light Refreshments Open Studios • Holiday Shopping • Holiday Cheer Riverview Station 191 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801 www.riverviewstation.com

Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 3

FINE ART

‘Corner Store,’ 16x16, by Sandi Anton

‘Twilight in Paris’ 20x20, by Sandi Anton

‘Living in the French Quarter,’ 30x30, by Sandi Anton

The ‘Wonky World’ of fine artist Sandi Anton Sandi Anton refers to her work as ‘My Wonky World,’ as she enjoys the beauty of the wonky, funky, never-perfect buildings that represent her art.

“I find life much more interesting in the imperfections,” she says.

Anton first held a brush in her hand in May of 2009, and fell in love with the world in color. “Suddenly, all objects and subjects became potential paintings,” she says.

She claims experimentation and practice are key to her process, never compromising

her vision.

“I began using a very limited palette of only primary colors. This exercise taught me color, light, and composition, while inspiring creativity and supporting my individual technique and style.

“I strive to paint from a pure and thoughtful mind, for the pleasure of those who love color the best.”

Having lived in the French Quarter of New Orleans for 12 years, much of what she paints and the subjects she’s most drawn to are architectural in nature, though

ART FACTS:

By Staff Reports

she continues to expand other themes to express her love of music.

Anton now lives in the Asheville area, where she and her husband, Tom, write and produce movies. Sandi has filled the role of President of the oldest gallery in Asheville, the Asheville Gallery of Art that has recently relocated to a more spacious, contemporary space at 82 Patton Avenue in the heart of downtown.

IF YOU GO

When Auguste Rodin exhibited his first important work, The Bronze Period, in 1878 it was so realistic that people thought he had sacrificed a live model inside the cast. Rodin died of frostbite in 1917 when the French government refused him financial aid for an apartment, yet they kept his statues warmly housed in museums.

4 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

CONTENTS 6

ON OUR COVER

Volume 20, NO. 3

November 2016

“Rhime Frost”

3rd Annual Holiday Market and Celebration

6 9 10 12 14 8 13 15 16 17

3rd Annual Holiday Market and Celebration Lorelle Bacon— Never too late to be an artist Mark S. Holland’s art travels the visible and inner landscapes Artful Return Home to Texas in “Legends of the Lake” River Arts District Fall Studio Stroll Greg Vineyard

Art Classes

‘UnFramed ll’ Holiday Print Show at BlackBird Frame & Art ‘Elements Unite’ the art of Michelle Hamilton Art: Joyce Schlapkohl creates pure beauty

18 27 28 33 35 20 22 23 24 26 32

Publisher/Layout and Design/Editor: Dennis Ray Poetry Editor: Carol Pearce Bjorlie CONTACT US: Rapid River’s Arts and Culture Magazine is a monthly publication in WNC. Mail: 85 N. Main St. Canton NC 28716 Email: Info@rapidrivermagazine.com Phone: (828) 646-0071

ASO: All American program includes Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody’ Book Previews

John Mac Kah

Website updated Daily Check out: Film Reviews, Upcoming Festivals, Music, Food and more!

www.rapidrivermagazine.com Online NOW

Waynesville: The Classic Wineseller now offers cigars and more Black Mountain: Rocking Chair Auction in the Little Town that Rocks Comics

Drinks and Dining

AmiciMusic The Power of the piano this November Philosophy with Bill Walz

Music Damien Jurado visits the Mothlight Poetry Health

Birth of a Nation’ (2016)

NEXT MONTH

COLUMNS/ DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

“Winter Road” (detail) oil on canvas by John Mac Kah

6

31

Our Special Holiday Shoping Local Guide December 2016 & Art for the Holidays

Distribution: Dennis Ray/Rick Hills Marketing: Dennis Ray/Rick Hills

All Materials contained herein are owned and copyrighted ©

by Rapid River Arts and Culture Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ADVERTISING SALES: Rapid River Arts and Culture Magazine or the advertisers Downtown Asheville and other areas — herein.

Dennis Ray (828) 712-4752 • (828) 646-0071 © ‘Rapid River Arts and Culture Magazine’ Dining Guide, Hendersonville, Waynesville — November 2016, Vol. 20, No. 3 Rick Hills (828) 452-0228 rick@rapidrivermagazine.com

Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 5

FINE ART

‘Low Tide’ by Fleta Monaghan oil 48x48.jpg

Painting by John Mac Kah

Sarah Wells Roland, The Village Potters

3rd Annual Holiday Market and Celebration at Riverview Station

By Staff Reports

This December 3, from 4-8pm, the Riverview Station artists invite you to the third annual building wide Holiday Market.

Stroll through Riverview Station and meet more than 70 artists working in over 15 mediums in studios throughout the building.

Enjoy demos, decorations and refreshments while you discover new original handmade treasures by some of the regions finest artists.

Riverview Station is the largest building in the burgeoning river arts district. They house a very diverse collection of art from leading artists in WNC. There is a wide selection including painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, mixed media, sculpture, home décor, wearable art, basketry, wood turning, and much more.

This year Santa will be roving the building to add some good cheer and a fun photo op for all ages. Enjoy a great meal from the Happy Lucky food truck, and dine in a gallery setting just inside at 310 ART. La Bon Café will be there too, in the front of the building for coffee and hot chocolate. And refreshments will be offered in all the studios. A favorite event during the evening is the free art raffle. All the participating artists donate dozens of handmade items, from original paintings, pottery, craft items, jewelry, home décor collectibles and many more beautiful works. There are many chances to win, come early to put your name in

Corset Cardi by Cara May Knits the hat in every studio you visit, and stay for the live drawing.

Demos throughout the event include a lively raku demonstration at The Village Potters (#180), “Splash, Scrape and Sand - Experimental Watercolors Demo” at 310 ART (#310, ground

6 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

floor). Pat Samuels will be doing a mixed media paper demo at Studio Orange (#218, second floor). You will meet many more artists showing you how it they create their unique art in all the studios.

This year to add to the fun all day, teaching studios are offering some daytime mini workshops including “Alcohol Ink and Star Ornaments You Make for Fun and Gifts” at 310 ART, and “Hammered Sterling Initial Charm with Gemstone Drop” with Bluebird Designs and Jen Aly Designs. (310art.com and jessica@ bluebirddesigns.com to register).

Some of the artists on the ground floor include internationally known sculptural basketry artist Matt Tommey (#160), Barbara Zaretsky (BZDesigns, #104) who designs and creates decorative textiles for home and wardrobe and Jonas Gerard (#144), known for his striking contemporary paintings and lively action painting demos. Marty Libman, master wood turner, will be on hand showing his fine art wooden bowls (#165). Cara Mae Knits (#104) offers artisan knitwear one of a kind designs. At the north end, 310 ART features the work of 25 fine artists and artisans, houses the largest collection of diverse fine arts in the district and has the oldest independent fine art school for adults in the region.

The Village Potters, one of the largest ceramic studios in the region, features a beautiful gallery ‘Riverview’ continued next pg.

FINE ART

vinyl.

The Companion Dog Training School and Antiques round out the diversity housed within Riverview Station. There will be many more artists to meet, and more to see, and lots to enjoy in this treasure hunt evening of holiday fun.

Many of the artists will be offering special holiday items for this festive market. It is a fun family and friends event for an evening of enjoyment and holiday cheer!

Riverview Station is at the Southern entrance to the River Arts District, just minutes from Biltmore Village. 191 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801. They have ample parking and welcome you to join them.

IF YOU GO

Jane Schmidt ArtWorks scarves ‘Riverview’ continued and teaching center with five resident artists on hand for the evening.

Upstairs experimental painter Jo Aldridge (#221), old master style painter John Mac Kah (#236), and Catherine Heaton of Soul Sidewalk (#213) offer a diverse selection of fine art and will be in their studios surround by beautiful paintings on the walls.

Printmaker Bobbi Allen (#230) will show her original works from etchings, wood cuts and copper plate prints. Sasha Osada of So Fine Art (#119) will show jewelry made with found objects and gem stones. Jen Aly Designs and Bluebird Designs (#256) offer a wide array of fine handcrafted jewelry in enamel, gems and metal. Marie Knight, (#282) longtime RVS artist, creates mixed media work with sign paint and

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Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 7

ART TALK WITH GREG VINEYARD

The Year Rolls on Musing Upon Life's Creases November often brings a jumble of thoughts. We’re transitioning to winter, with

Feeding the Body and Soul!

Stroll includes a food drive at all the River Arts Studios for Manna FoodBank

By Greg Vineyard

Decisions in art can also be like that unintended shirtwrinkle, too. Ten layers into a drawing, a too-heavy wash or an increase in blue sky visible a line gone astray alters the through tree branches that plan. Using a new paper stock have finally worked a little when we should have stuck harder at shedding those with the familiar one changes leaves, and I find myself the look and feel. Working grabbing a heavier coat from without coffee when one the closet nearly every day. always works with coffee also has consequences. Allegedly.

October is about Leaf Is the illustration ruined? Or Season and Zombies just … different now? Do we practically in equal measure “Art & Life & Ironing ” 2016, illustration by trash it and start over? Or do in a place as diverse Greg Vineyard we continue to see where the and unique as Asheville. next layer takes us? I tend to December’s very decidedly sort my works-in-progress into about holidays involving two piles: “Try to save it” and “Hopeless, but I snow and prepping for another new year. But can’t throw it out.” The only difference between November? For me, it’s full of everything that the two piles is one is symbolically closer to my tumbled into the hopper all year, and realizing main drawing table, but both are pretty dusty as that months of decisions and actions (or nonthe year has gone on. It’s November. There’s not actions), and the varying results, is all heading time to go in and fix June’s creases. They’re just toward an annual finish line. there, mocking me.

I liken this feeling to ironing. You know how Here’s the surprise: even the “unfixable” stack when you accidentally iron a crease INTO a shirt can find new life if I revisit it. I might find a way when you were just trying to smooth-out the usual wrinkles? I’m not saying this could happen to adapt the visual hiccups into a new style. I have many works out there that coexist with their when one is also watching Agents of Shield crimps. No one else might notice, but I see them on Netflix, and feeding the cat, and posting to as lighthouse beacons. The reality is my main one’s social media accounts, and on and on mixed-media style is a result of continuously and therefore only paying a medium amount of reacting to those moments where I was sorta attention to this mundane chore. But that is one way it COULD happen. To someone. Not naming saying “oops!” I ended up with more and more layers, and reworking lines over lines. Without names. that process, the work – and therefore me – Anyway. Due to pressure, fabric weave, steam wouldn’t have evolved in nearly the same way. levels, and other inexplicable forces of nature, The creases make me pause, make me think. the rumple won’t quite fully leave said shirt.

There’s so much potential in a modified course, Sometimes one must just go with it and head on out. Because one was already running late when especially if one stays active and keeps trying, this allegedly happened. Most people won’t even in both art and in life. And in November, as the potential for snowflakes looms, we go into our notice the domestic faux pas. Polite folks might studios, or out into the world, as we always do, notice, and give their noticing away with a flash ready to tackle, adjust, and accept the pinches of an eye movement, but won’t say anything.

Best friends will point it out as if you have walked and the folds, and keep moving forward. out into the world without your pants.

Because, really, the year’s not over yet.

Life’s decisions can be like that crease. We turn left instead of right. We buy fully-salted chips instead of the low-sodium alternative. We Greg Vineyard is a marketingsay Yes to a job, No to a scam, Maybe to an communications professional, and an invitation. We offer a compliment, or a criticism, artist and writer living in Asheville. ZaPOW Gallery carries his illustrations, prints and and bolster a friendship, or weaken the loose cards. www.gregvineyardillustration.com tethers of another one.

8 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

ARTIST'S OWN WORDS

Detail of scratchboard by Lorelle Bacon

Detail of painting by Lorelle Bacon

Detail of painting by Lorelle Bacon

Lorelle Bacon— Never too late to be an artist I was 50 years old and had a 9 to 5 position with a County Tax Office on the west coast of Florida.

Single and fairly content with work and enjoying a close circle of friends. Then my car was totaled when I got rear ended. This lead to a change in career and totally new direction for my life.

The doctors were saying as long as I had to sit all day, I wouldn’t heal. Of course I was concerned as to how I would make a living.

One of them suggested I teach art classes.

My initial reaction was to be scared to death because I was self-taught and had only been dabbling with paints for a couple of years as a hobby. Deciding I knew more than kids did,

By Lorelle Bacon

want portraits done in oils. I usually work from photographs as many of my commissions are surprises for someone or they are of children or animals that can’t sit still long enough.

So, if life throws you a curve, it may mean you are meant to be doing something else with your life. Change has helped me grow as an artist and a person. I am happier and more fulfilled than I have ever been both professionally and personally. Life is good at 75.

I jumped into art full time, creating my own paintings, doing commissioned portraits of people and animals and teaching children.

This lead to adults asking for classes too. I truly believe that “Anyone with the desire can learn to do good work” if they don’t jump in over their heads too quickly. Over the years I’ve taught thousands of students and am proud to say I haven’t had a failure yet!

This was what I now call a “Happy Accident”.

Art has brought so much fulfillment and joy into my life. When they say if one door closes another one opens, is so true. I’ve now been painting and teaching for 25 years. I work in a variety of mediums with three favorites. Oils, Watercolors and Scratchboard. Most clients

Lorelle Bacon — for more on her classes or artwork www.lorellebacon.com.

(828) 595-6007 You may see Bacon’s work at 310 Art 191 Lyman Street, #310, Asheville. Or call 310 Art (828) 776-2716 IF YOU GO

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Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 9

RV RV

310 ART

“The Summer the Owls were so Bad” by Mark Holland RV

Mark S. Holland’s art travels the visible and inner landscapes

By Staff Reports

Mark S. Holland has been around the world, starting at his birth place in Asmara (Picolo Roma), Eritrea, East Africa, to Mexico, and to the west and east coasts of the US. He is now a permanent resident of Asheville and one of the first exhibitors at 310 ART in the River Arts District.

His art allows us to travel with him, both via expressive visual representations of bold landscapes to complex inner visions. His paintings resonate with vitality, action, movement, drama and personal and universal myth. Holland has been an artist his entire life.

The start of his creative journey

‘Holland’ continued pg. 29 RV

pg.

11 RV

RV

10 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

River Arts District

RP

191 Lyman St.

Riverview Station Asheville

To place an ad on these ‘RAD’ pages please call Dennis Ray at (828) 646-0071

• Classes • Workshops • Demos

828-225-5000

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Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 11

Shop, Eat, Explore. . . Everyday, All Year Round Artful Return Home to Texas in “Legends of the Lake”

By Staff Reports

Ink and watercolor sketches

by Brevard, NC artist Virginia Pendergrass illustrate a new book

“Legends of the Lake” by Dr. Sandra Thomas, to be released on amazon.com in November.

“Karankawa Maiden,” 10 x 14 in. ink/watercolor by The book highlights Virginia Pendergrass several versions of a tale about the naming of the natural lake and later the acting out various cowgirl town of Eagle Lake, Texas. Also included and Indian scenarios. I never are history of early Karankawa Indian imagined, having left Texas, settlers, known for their distinctive tattoos; that I would be immersed in Stephen F. Austin’s visit to consider Eagle those good times again.”

“Repairing a Fishing Net,” 10 x 14 in. ink/watercolor by Virginia Pendergrass Lake as a site for the first colony of Texans; “Even though I was raised and the Battle at Skull Creek. Thomas there,” relates Pendergrass, and Pendergrass were childhood friends “it was news to me that the Karankawa IF YOU in Eagle Lake. Both left Texas for higher Indians were early inhabitants of the Eagle GO Although she is an avid painter of ink and education and careers and lost touch. They Lake area.” watercolor urban sketches, Pendergrass were surprised one day to find they both She undertook to reconstruct authentic is better known for oil painting en plein air, were now living in NC. scenes of Karankawa Indians in their daily and for studio still life and larger landscapes.

Pendergrass calls Brevard home, and lives around Eagle Lake in the 1800’s from Her work can be seen locally at ART Works Thomas resides near Raleigh. Although old photos and text information provided Brevard, at Silver Fox Gallery in Hendersonville, they discussed collaborating on a book

by Thomas, as well as researching the and at Trackside Studios in Asheville. For further about Texas several times, Thomas issued Karankawas online. information about her urban sketching (under a firm invitation to Pendergrass to work on “But every time I thought I had a the “Painting Stories” tab) and classes, visit her “Legends of the Lake.” good handle on the themes of the text, website www.virginiapendergrass.com.Before Pendergrass felt her new ink and Sandy’s mile-a-minute mind came up with turning to her beloved avocation of historical watercolor sketch technique, usually done another fascinating bit of history,” adds writing featuring Eagle Lake and surrounding plein air in urban settings, would work well.

Pendergrass. “The idea of the Karankawas areas, Dr. Thomas was a distinguished college “We grew up in the heyday of cowboy and as alligator hunters around Eagle Lake, and dean and president in the Southeast. Other Dr. Indian movies for kids. Sandy and I often the General Sherman- first railroad engine in Thomas publications on amazon.com include saw western movies on Saturdays in our Texas- chugging through Eagle Lake’s tiny Historic Eagle Lake and Eagle Lake in World War local movie house. On many a weekend, railroad station were too good- they had to II. She is a consultant, speaker and international Sandy and I rode horses on my dad’s farm, be illustrated.” educator who has traveled to over 100 countries.

12 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

ART CLASSES

ART CLASSES Arrowhead Gallery FREE EVENT: “Ladies Only After Hours Holiday Night!” Nov. 5 (Sat) 6-8 pm. Wine, Dessert, Art, Door Prizes.

FREE EVENT: “Holiday Elf Night!”

Dec. 2 (Fri) 6-8pm

Alcohol Ink Coasters with Teena Stewart Nov. 5 (Saturday) 1:303:30. $35 A3L members, $45 nonmembers plus $10 supply fee.

PMC Fine Silver Earring Workshop with Cathy Green, Nov. 10 (Thur) 104pm. No Prior Experience Needed Alcohol Ink Christmas Ornaments!

With Teena Stewart Nov. 26 (Sat.) 1:30 -3:30, $25 for members or $35 non-members plus $10 supply fee.

Silk Scarf Painting Made Easy with Lorelle Bacon, Dec 4, 2-5pm. $55 members, $65 non-members plus $20 supply fee ONGOING CLASSES: Art Classes with Lorelle Bacon 1st two Tuesdays of each month 9:30 -11:30. $35 for both.

Clay Classes with mathilda Tanner, Weds. From 1-3pm. $115 members $125 non-members. Includes 4 classes of instruction in wheel and or hand building (need not be consecutive), all clay, glazes, firings and use of tools.

Arrowhead Gallery, 78C Catawba Ave. Old Fort, NC Phone (828) 668-1100 VIRGINIA PENDERGRASS Artist INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING One-day workshops November 4

310 ART AT RIVERVIEW STATION Marvelous Mondays with Lorelle and Nadine Beginner and Up! Open art studios Mondays with instructor to guide you - start and continue year round in our Monday classes, 9:30-12:30pm and 1-4pm. Come the dates that work for you!

See 310art.com for schedule and sign up. Beginners welcomed!

WORKSHOPS:

Holiday Cards Mini Workshop, Nov 6, 2-4pm.

Painting with Beer, Nov 10, 12:30-3:30pm.

Holiday Market Classes — Dec 3. Alcohol Ink, 10-12pm.

Star Ornaments, 2-4pm More For the Holidays!

Dos-a-Dos Journals, Dec 8, 104pm Colored Pencil Magic, Dec 10, 10-4pm Classes for adults at 310 ART, 191 Lyman Street, #310, Asheville, NC 28801 www.310art.com gallery@310art.com (828)776-2716 Adult classes, beginner and up, most materials provided. Register online or at the studio.

Trackside Studios, 375 Depot Street in the River Arts District, Asheville. $110. Pre-registration required.

(828) 577-0264, or www.virginiapendergrass.com for further details.

ART CLASSES: Want to list your classes coming in December? $25 includes 50 words INTERESTED? Call (828) 646-0071 • info@rapidrivermagazine.com Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 13

RIVER ARTS STUDIO STROLL

Carla Masso at the North Carolina Glass Center (photo by Christopher Changery)

Kyle Carpenter Pottery at Curve Studios (photo by Kyle Carpenter)

John Mac Kah. ‘Storm Damaged Elder Maple’ Oil on panel. 16 x 12 in.

River Arts District Artists Aim to “Feed the Body and Soul” Group Aims to Collect ½ Ton of Food for MANNA FoodBank at Fall Studio Stroll The Artists of Asheville’s River Arts District open their doors on November 12 and 13 for a full weekend in the Fall Studio Stroll, welcoming the public to see and collect amazing art in their studios and galleries.

This year’s Fall Stroll will “feed the body and soul,” as the Artists have again teamed up with Ingles Markets and MANNA FoodBank in a Food Drive to collect non-perishable food items

for our area’s needy families.

There will be a dozen areas throughout the 22 participating buildings where you can donate these items.

Come be a part of the largest tour of artist studios in the region. Watch live demonstrations. Talk to the artists. And find your favorite piece to take home.

EASY Free Parking and Free Trolleys.

The River Arts District of Asheville is a mile-long cluster of working studios, galleries and eateries housed in the former industrial section of town surrounding the railroad along the banks

ARTS AND CULTURE NOTE:

of the French Broad River. More than 180 working studio artists, many with showrooms and galleries, are open throughout the year. During Studio Stroll, visitors are able to explore the district riding the Grey Line Trolley for free. River Arts District Artists work in such mediums as paint, pencil, pottery, metal, fiber, glass, wax and paper.

IF YOU GO

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th, 10am – 6pm.

WHERE: River Arts District, Asheville WHO: Thousands of visitors from nearby and abroad interacting with 180+ artists working and selling art in their River Arts District studios.

Find more information at www.riverartsdistrict.com

ARTS STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMY The US Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector represents 3.25 percent of the nation’s GDP — a larger share of the economy than tourism and agriculture. The nonprofit arts industry alone generates $135 billion in economic activity annually (spending by organizations and their audiences) that supports 4.1 million jobs and generates $22.3 billion in government revenue. (Source US Bureau of Economic Analysis)

14 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

FINE ART

‘UnFramed ll’ Holiday Print Show at BlackBird Frame & Art “UnFramed II” Asheville Printmakers’ Group Holiday Show November 11 – December 31 Artists’ Reception on Friday, November 11, 6:30-7:30pm Following the success of last year’s show, selected new work by members of the Asheville Printmakers Group will be shown at BlackBird Frame & Art during November and December with an opening reception on November 11th.

The unique format for display of the art proved popular with collectors and artists last year, and more than half of the prints shown were purchased, many as gifts.

Asheville Printmakers is an informal group formed in 2014 to encourage printmaking in the arts community and share experiences among members.

They have adopted a broad definition of the print to include most work in which artists are engaged hands-on in the production of their work. Thus, members employ a variety of relief and intaglio methods such as woodblocks, linocuts, engravings, etchings, calligraphy and photogravure as well as monotypes and alternative photographic printing processes.

Asheville Printmakers is an open group for artists having “an interest and motivation in printmaking with artistic intent” who are invited to join members on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the West Asheville Library.

Made on paper or other non-rigid material, prints are usually framed for protection from the elements and presentation in a viewable format. These unframed prints will be shown alongside a selection of frames to illustrate the effect different framing options will have on the final presentation of the art.

As tastes vary, there is no single “correct” way to frame a print, although there are important considerations to ensure long-term preservation. In last year’s show, the ability to “try out” each print in the context of different frame designs proved to be an interesting exercise for artists and buyers alike.

Vestiges #1 Monotype collage by Bobbi Allen There will be a casual artist reception with refreshments on Friday, November 11, These are original prints, typically small starting at 6:30pm and the show will run editions made from a single printing plate as through December. distinguished from prints such as giclees and Please come meet the artists and learn more offset lithography that are reproductions of a about the innovative and involved processes single original work. used to make these fascinating prints.

For many art collectors, the most appealing aspects of original prints are their relative affordability and the intimacy of the viewing BlackBird Frame & Art is a custom framing IF experience.

YOU studio that features fine art prints.

GO The artist and printer, often one and the same, The shop is located at 365 Merrimon Ave, ¾ are challenged to use specialized skills, inventive mile north of downtown Asheville. Hours are techniques and multiple processes to achieve 10-6pm weekdays and 10-3pm Saturdays. Phone the desired artistic outcome. As the show’s (828) 225-3117 or visit blackbirdframe.com. title suggests, these works will be displayed unframed.

70 Main Street • Clyde, NC 28721

Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 15

isit

V

Asheville’s Longest Established Fine Art Gallery with 31 Regional Artists

Asheville Gallery of Art 's November Artist

‘Another Earth’ Michelle Hamilton

‘Sunrise’ Michelle Hamilton

‘Untitled’ (detail), Michelle Hamilton

‘Elements Unite’ the art of Michelle Hamilton

By Staff Reports

Asheville Gallery of Art’s November show, “Elements Unite,” will feature the work of encaustic and mixed media artist Michelle Hamilton.

“I sculpt layers of colored wax on a large scale in a painterly, free-form way,” Hamilton says of her technique.

Her show will be displayed November 1-30 during gallery hours 11-6pm. Monday - Saturday and 1-4pm. Sundays. The public is cordially invited to a reception for the artist on Friday, November 4, 5-8pm. The gallery is located at 82 Patton Avenue in Asheville, across from Pritchard Park. Hamilton’s exhibit uses textural capabilities of encaustics to give meaning to abstraction.

“My goal was to explore a painting theme on macroscopic and microscopic levels. Each

piece in my Elements series shows a different landscape of vibrant color and rich texture. The relationship between major elements in each piece seen from a distance, is similar to the effect of seeing a geological formation from a bird’s eye view.

“When investigated more closely, these pieces reveal a depth of detail down to the most minute level, which is meant to encourage interest and inquiry.”

Art education for Hamilton consists of workshops and classes, many of which have involved travel and exposure to different cultures.

“Everything from Japanese fashion to Tim Burton has influenced my work, but my primary muse is nature (not surprising, considering the breathtaking beauty here in the Appalachian Mountains). I do not limit myself to one particular

16 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

theme because it’s good to grow and change, and develop proficiency with my materials,” says Hamilton.

Hamilton explored many different mediums before trying encaustics. She describes her discovery of encaustic, “like falling in love for the first time all over again; the versatile nature of encaustics allows me to delve into mixed media and texture, which opens my mind and makes me even more passionate about art.”

As well as Hamilton’s paintings, those of the other 30 gallery members will be on display and for sale through the month of November.

For further information about this show, telephone Asheville Gallery of Art at (828) 251-5796, visit the gallery website at www. ashevillegallery-of-art.com or go to the gallery Facebook page.

IF YOU GO

Also showing at Asheville Gallery of Art

By Joyce Schlapkohl

By Joyce Schlapkohl (detail)

By Joyce Schlapkohl (detail)

Joyce Schlapkohl creates pure beauty

Captures interesting subject matter through light and shadow Joyce Schlapkohl’s paintings are varied in subject matter. She primarily looks for interesting material that have clear value patterns of light and shade that will stir an emotion for her and the viewer.

The changing mountain landscape, animals grazing in the field, and flowers in a still life or garden are generally her favorite subjects and inspiration.

At an early age she was always interested in art and had prints of the French Impressionists on her walls in High School and College. Majoring in art was not an option at that time and she chose Business Administration and Education as her

field. A back injury at the age of 28 sidelined her for a while and she started her true passion of painting and has continued painting in watercolor and oils and teaching art ever since.

Her studio is in Waynesville and she exhibits at the Asheville Gallery of Art, Seven Sister’s Gallery in Black Mountain and Cindy Saadeh Fine Arts Gallery in Kingsport, Tennessee.

She can be contacted by phone: (828) 4564600 or website: www.joycepaints.com, or e-mail: joyce@joycepaints.com IF YOU GO

Mary E. Decker pg.

11 RN

pg.

21 6

pg.

25 MS

Asheville Gallery of Art • 82 Patton Avenue, Downtown Chartreuse Moose Fine Art • chartreusemoose.com

Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 17

More of what Makes Asheville Special: Dining • Shopping • Galleries • Music

D ow n tow n A s h ev i l l e

All American program includes Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody’ Asheville Symphony Presents an AllAmerican Program featuring Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, November 19

Auditorium under the direction of ASO Music Director Daniel Meyer.

“One of my missions with the ASO has been to champion music of our time and music of our country,” says

The uniquely American essence of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue will be on display as the Conrad Tao has appeared worldwide as a pianist and composer Asheville Symphony presents its third Masterworks concert Daniel Meyer. of the season.

“We have a treasure trove of music from The concert takes place Saturday, fascinating American composers, and I November 19 at 8pm. in Thomas Wolfe Drug and alcohol addiction is painful.

Finding the right treatment doesn’t have to be.

have chosen a sample from among the finest composed in the past century to take a closer look. Rhapsody in Blue is a perfect document of Gershwin’s virtuosity at the piano keyboard as well as with the composer’s pen. We are pleased to be joined by Conrad Tao, a rising composerperformer in his own right, who will bring his vitality and creative flair to this quintessentially American music.”

Conrad Tao has appeared worldwide as a pianist and composer, and has been dubbed a musician of “probing intellect and open-hearted vision” by the New York Times, and “ferociously talented” by TimeOut New York. He has been named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts by the White House Commission on Presidential

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18 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

Downtown Asheville — Dining • Shopping • Galleries • Music Scholars and the Department of Education; a Gilmore Young Artist, an honor awarded every two years highlighting the most promising American pianists of the new generation; and has received the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant.

The evening opens with two pieces by Aaron Copland: Our Town and Billy the Kid. The music from Our Town is a perfect representation of how poignantly Copland was able to capture the American mood and create an American sound that is instantly recognizable.

His Billy the Kid bristles with Western drama, complete with whip cracks and a gunfight. Also on the program is David Diamond’s Symphony

No. 4. This work represents a generation of composers steeped in European musical forms, yet Diamond manages to put a decidedly American stamp on his work.

IF YOU GO

Single tickets for all concerts are $22-$62, depending on seating section (reduced youth pricing is available). ashevillesymphony.org, by phone at (828) 254-7046, or in person at the U.S. Cellular Center box office at 87 Haywood Street. Masterworks 2 RHAPSODY IN BLUE November 19, 2016 • 8 p.m. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Daniel Meyer, conductor,Conrad Tao, piano.

ART SHOW!

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GALLERY OF THE MOUNTAINS, located inside the Omni Grove Park Inn, will feature Asheville artist AL RAMIREZ on Friday, November 11, 1-5pm. Al will be working on a painting of a large female cardinal, and will demonstrate brushwork techniques in oils and acrylics. Also for sale will be several finished original works in oil, along with fine art prints for sale. From $45 - $7k. Great gifts for bird lovers.

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Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 19

Drinks&Dining Guide

Too many people just eat to consume calories. Try dining for a change.

—John Walters

pg.

26 WB

20 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

To Place an ad in our Dining Section please call Rick Hills at (828) 452-0228

Drinks&Dining Guide Brewing beer isn’t as hard as you may think the idea sounds both exciting and daunting.

It must be terribly difficult to learn the art of malt alchemy, right?

While fully understanding the intricacies of this artful craft may take time, merry experimenting, and a good bit of reading, it is actually incredibly easy to get into brewing and successfully brew your own delicious craft beer.

The quality and freshness of ingredients has never been better, and brewing science has made huge strides in understanding the complex processes of yeast, hops, water, and malts.

The good news is that the information is available, but you do not need to know everything in order to get started. Take advantage of the resources available to you, namely your local homebrew shop.

Some shops, such as our own, produce our own recipes with easy to follow instructions and all the ingredients necessary. Not only are they made fresh to order, but we can help custom tailor any beer to your particular taste. So while you don’t yet know what each component brings to the table, we can help guide in the right direction and teach you in the process.

At Asheville Brewers Supply, we do everything we can to help empower you and provide you with all the necessary tools, knowledge

and fresh ingredients necessary to brew great beer.

About 80% of what we do is answer questions and brainstorm ideas with our customers; we love it. Come check out one of our free brewing classes, which are a great and informal introduction to the art.

You’ll see that if you can make tea, boil water and follow basic instructions, zymurgy is not rocket science. With winter approaching, remember few things warm your body and spirit like standing around a boiling pot of hopped wort (basically, unfermented beer) drinking a homemade beer.

For over two decades, Asheville Brewers Supply has been WNC’s home for home brewing and wine making. We offer free classes and workshops every month.

Check our website calendar for specific dates, times, and events. www.ashevillebrewers.com/pages/ calendar

by calling or emailing us.

ALL-GRAIN BREWING CLASSUSUALLY 1ST SATURDAY FROM 1:30-4:30PM This “advanced” class will give you the knowledge and tools you need to brew like the pros do, without the use of any malt extracts. We’ll mash, sparge, vorlauf, and other strange words.

As in our beginner class, those of legal age will be permitted to sample last month’s brew. Classes are free, but please reserve your space by calling or emailing us.

IF YOU GO

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Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 21

CONCERT SERIES

The Power of the piano this November AmiciMusic showcases

the power of the piano in their

November concerts

When two pianists get together and want to play chamber music, they have two options — play on two different pianos or sit on one bench and play a single piano. Both options will be on display in AmiciMusic’s November concerts as the awardwinning Weiser/ Liston-Kraft Piano Duo performs concerts for two pianos as well as a four-hand piano program.

Finding two good and equal grand pianos together is the main obstacle to performing the two piano literature, but the Asheville area is fortunate to have a private home near Hendersonville which contains two amazing nine-foot concert grand pianos from the late 19th century.

Daniel Angerstein and Jerry Schultz have been hosting AmiciMusic and other chamber music concerts for several years now, but have only recently required a second Knabe grand piano to match the beautiful concert Knabe from 1892 that has been the centerpiece of their living room.

On Friday evening, November 18 and Saturday afternoon, November 19, AmiciMusic will bring those two pianos to life in their program called “TWO PIANO POWER” which will feature some of the most passionate and powerful music for that combination by Rachmaninoff, Arensky, SaintSaens, and more.

Daniel Weiser and Philip Liston-Kraft have been performing together for over 20 years and have been described as “a force of pianistic energy who play with a seamless and tightly knit unity.”

There is nothing quite like the power of sound that can come from two pianos in the same room, especially one with the intimate and warm acoustics of this beautiful home, perched high atop a mountain surrounded by lush trees and incredible views. Later on November 19 and on afternoon of November 22 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

20, the Weiser/Liston-Kraft Piano Duo will return to the cozier confines of a single piano, where they must navigate the 88 keys with fourhands and limited space. As one reviewer noted, Weiser and Liston-Kraft “Absolutely smoke the 88 keys.”

Their high energy, virtuosic performances bring a flair for the dramatic and their musical choreography on a single piano make their concerts both a visual and sonic spectacle. They are also most certainly the only duo who both attended Harvard Law School. While Weiser dropped out after a year to follow his Daniel Weiser musical passion, Liston-Kraft is currently a lawyer who is still able to perform on stages around the country.

Here are the full details of AmiciMusic’s piano-packed concert weekend: Friday, November 18 at 7:30pm and Saturday, November 19 at 2pm ­— ”TWO PIANO POWER” at the home of Daniel Angerstein and Jerry Schulz at 1998 Randy Drive in Hendersonville. $35 includes light food and drinks. Amazing views and two beautiful 19th century grand pianos.

Seating is limited and by reservation only.

Saturday, November 19 at 7pm — ”FOURHAND FEROCITY” at Isis Restaurant and Music Hall at 743 Haywood Rd in West Asheville. This program contains works by Rachmaninoff, Grieg, Bizet, and Moszkowski.

Buy seats online at www.isisasheville. com. $20 for concert. Dinner and drinks are available and reservations are strongly recommended by calling Isis at (828) 5752737. Only fifty seats are available.

Sunday, November 20 at 2pm — “FOURHAND FEROCITY” at All Soul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Biltmore Village. General admission $20; Church members are $15 and children 18 and under are free. Tickets available at the door.

For all concerts: Buy seats with any major credit card at www.amicimusic.org. For more info or to buy tickets by phone, call Dan Weiser at (802) 369-0856 or via email at daniel@amicimusic.org.

IF YOU GO

PHILOSOPHY WITH BILL WALZ

What is this?

“What is this?” - the Sixth Patriarch, Huineng (638–713 C.E.) The practice is very simple. Whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, you ask repeatedly, What is this? What is this? You have to be careful not to slip into intellectual inquiry, for you are not looking for an intellectual answer. You are turning the light of inquiry back onto yourself and your whole experience in this moment. You are not asking: What is this thought, sound, sensation, or external object? If you need to put it in a meaningful context, you are asking, What is it that is hearing, feeling, thinking? You are not asking, What is the taste of the tea or the tea itself? You are asking, What is it that tastes the tea? What is it before you even taste the tea? — Martine Batchelor — formerly a Zen Buddhist nun in Korea, translator of Kusan Sunim’s The Way of Korean Zen To live a life of Zen is to ask continually, “What is this?” at a silent level of mind.

We must approach life in a manner akin to the look a dog has on his face when he is trying to figure something out. It is the same as when the Koan asks, “Show me your original face,” or Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki refers to “beginner’s mind.”

Let go of all preconceptions. They are created by our psycho-social conditioning and the limitations of our human senses and cognitive abilities. It is the Universe that is this.

It is, as Tielhard de Chardin, the genius Jesuit Priest Anthropologist described, “The World is not spirit and matter, it is spirit-matter.” It is the quantum field materialized into a human sipping tea, thinking, “ah, how pleasant” or, “it could use a lump of sugar.” What is this that is hearing, feeling, thinking while the tea is sipped? Many a great mystic has concluded it is the Universe, it is God sipping tea, experiencing tea as a human being.

I like to ask the question, “Why is there God? Why is there the concept God?” We take so many things for granted. It is like the cliché about the child asking, “Why is the sky blue?” We are taken off guard. We are so accustomed to running our little cerebral cortex computer program believing that what we believe is reality. No. It’s only what we believe.

It is only the nature of our senses and human brain and the program and society and culture and mom and dad and your 6th grade teacher and the kid who lived down the block when you were a kid and all the other programmers in your life creating this virtual reality. What is this behind the hearing, feeling, thinking? What is it

By Bill Walz

that hears, feels and thinks? What am I? What is anyone?

We think of ourselves as this body, this mind, these circumstances that are our lives. Zen suggests no – we are what has a body, mind and circumstances. We are the experiencer of body, mind and circumstances. And what is that?

Where is that? We say, “It is me. It is myself.”

And we point at this body. But Buddhism teaches us that when we look, we cannot actually locate this “self.” So we are left with only the asking, “What is this?” What is this life and all that we experience?

I come back to asking the question, Why is there God? How is it that every human culture throughout human history has created some face and name that we in this culture call God? Of course we could answer, because there is God. And I am left to ask, what is this that is called God, and where is this God? And you would be unable to locate this God just as you are unable to locate this self.

Could it be that this self and this God are in the same place? And could it be that place is unlocatable because it is everywhere and nowhere, for the very idea of somewhere is limited to some place. And what we are really talking about is the Universe as the intelligent source and result of itself. And what I-theexperiencer experience in a given moment is just the Universe experiencing itself as a human being experiencing the Universe as a cup of tea. Because we have physical bodies and we have senses in these physical bodies and brains in these physical bodies that function as supercomputers, it turns out that we believe we are separate and solid and that what we hear and feel and think is real and solid, and it all confuses us terribly and creates great insecurity that causes us to build great civilizations with great faces of God the Creator to give us comfort. But it does not give us comfort, and Buddhism calls this discomfort dukkha, translated as “suffering” or “unsatisfactoriness.”

What is this? It is the human condition, the condition of the Universe experiencing itself as a human being.

These bodies and these minds are tricks of perception that cause us to divide the Universe into this thing and that thing and to set this thing off against that thing, and to want some things and to avoid other things when there is only This, and This is, as the Tao Te Ching says, the No-thing that brings forth the myriad things.

And this is why we humans create God – to give form to that which has no form and is all forms and that we feel is real but can only think of as

something outside ourself that creates these things of the world including us human beings.

But the Universe is whole and complete in itself and it manifests all things, including the perception of this thing called “me” and this thing called “you.” And if this is confusing it is because we are looking to our mind which only believes in things and even may believe in God as a thing, that is, an idea of God that has certain human-like qualities, when God is that which is looking and hearing and feeling and thinking and drinking a cup of tea disguised as you and me using this body and these eyes and these ears and these hands and this mind to experience itself.

Zen tells us you must not think about these things or believe these things – you must feel them from a deep and silent place where the Universe looks into itself at an intersection of time and space that is a human life, and in that deep and silent place is not confusion, there is, as the Bible says, “Peace that surpasseth understanding.”

And that is what This is.

Bill Walz has taught meditation and mindfulness in university and public forums and is a private-practice meditation teacher and guide for individuals in mindfulness, personal growth and consciousness. Information on classes, talks, personal growth and healing instruction, or phone consultations at (828)258-3241, e-mail at healing@billwalz. com Learn more, see past columns, video and audio programs at www.billwalz.com

Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 23

LIVE MUSIC

Damien Jurado visits the Mothlight For an artist who

has garnered nearly unprecedented critical praise

singer/songwriter Damien Jurado, who describes his music

as “urban folk,” has managed to stay

under many a radar screen.

Jurado has one of the strongest catalogs of the indie music scene, and tours at a ferocious rate, yet remains relatively unknown. Much like Nick Drake — to whom he is often likened, Jurado seems content to cultivate a confined but committed audience — one gets the sense that compromising his integrity in exchange for a larger following is not something he’d even consider.

His heroes, figures such as Neil Young, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan and Randy Newman are those who followed their own muse wherever it took them, whether fans and critics enjoyed it or not.

This independence is born at least in part from the influence of punk, as well as a creative interest in finding emotional authenticity by exploring the fictional lives of others. His finest songs are character driven; spinning economical tales of those living on the margins, lives of quiet desperation told with such potency that comparisons to Raymond Carver are both common and correct.

In musical terms he represents a new breed of songwriter, grounded in traditional folk but whose instrumental inclinations expand into pop, psychedelic and full bore electric jam. Cat Power, Devendra Barnhart and Elliot Smith share a similar space, one

which is not readily pinned down.

A lifelong resident of Seattle, Jurado was attracted first to Damien Jurado that cities emergent punk scene, he played in local hardcore bands, and swept into the energy of the day.

His first fully formed group, the Christian rock leaning Coolidge, also featured future Pedro the Lion founder David Bazan. The two formed a close friendship that endures to this day, a partnership that eventually led to their having tracks featured on a couple of locally issued punk compilations.

By the mid 1990’s Jurado began exploring the solo route, recording what he calls “modest people-based tunes” that found a following among folkies and Christian audiences.

After a pair of 7” vinyl releases on the Sub Pop label, Jurado issued his proper debut album, Waters Ave S. in 1997. The following year he released Gathered in Song, a spare, home recorded EP on the Made In Mexico label. 1999’s Rehearsals for Departure, produced by REM touring member Ken Stringfellow (also for Sub Pop) was his breakthrough; marking him as a singer/songwriter of tremendous subtlety and skill.

The albums minimalist mix of folk and pop, along with Jurado’s knack for melody and his nuanced vocals, received near-universal critical acclaim. Yet again proving

24 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

By James Cassara

his indifference towards upward career mobility, Jurado followed up with the equal parts fascinating and perplexing Postcards and Audio Letters, a compilation of conversation fragments found on the audio cassettes that Jurado obsessively gathered from thrift store boom boxes, answering machines, and casual conversations.

Neither the record label nor his fans embraced the idea, leading Jurado to release Ghost of David, a collection of new tracks, orphans from the Departure sessions, and a series of sound collages in the vein of Postcards.

Since then, Jurado has been associated with the Burnt Toast label, alternating between solo albums and his full band, Gathered in Song. His recent albums, recorded for the Secret Canadian label, have explored the edges of his music, straddling his varied styles while remaining uniquely his.

Jurado has also released expanded versions of his earlier albums and collections of odd tunes left off various projects.

The recent Visions of Us on the Land is his 15th album in as many years. To mark its release Jurado has embarked on an ambitious solo tour, including a November 12 show at The Mothlight in West Asheville.

Based on past performances by Jurado, look for a mix of intricate songs, powerful energy and a genre hopping artist who refuses to be easily defined.

Damien Jurado with opening act Luke Roberts at The Mothlight on Saturday, November 12. Doors open at 8:30 for this 9:30 show. $13 in advance and $15 gate. www.themothlight.com IF YOU GO

FEATURE MUSIC WITH JAMES CASSARA

Jonathon Edwards returns to the Altamont While his life and career will always be intricately linked to his 1971 crossover hit “Sunshine,” Jonathan Edwards has in fact forged out an admirable career, even while

many listeners might have thought him little more than a one-hit wonder footnote in the history of popular music.

Edwards, largely by his own choice, has glided in and out of the music industry.

With a closer examination of his life and work, as well as a one on one conversation with the man, reveals an artist who made deliberate choices to not allow the industry to consume him, even as those choices impacted his chance for greater commercial success.

Born in 1946 in Minnesota but raised in rural Virginia, Edwards comes from what he calls an “upper middle class traditional family.” At his parent’s insistence he attended military school but the seeds of mid-1960’s discontent were everywhere for the 20 year old. While still in school Edwards put aside his first love of art and began playing guitar, writing his own songs at a time when the notion of singer as songwriter was just becoming widely accepted, and gigging local coffeehouses and cafes.

Edwards played in a variety of rock, folk and blues outfits, often in tandem with fellow students Malcolm McKinney and Joe Dolce.

In 1967 the three relocated to Boston, formed The Sugar Creek Band and soon became a full time blues act.

After the release of their sole album, 1969’s Please Tell A Friend, Edwards opted to stake his fortunes as a solo artist. That decision, and the events that followed, rank among the luckiest in modern music.

As the 1970 sessions for his solo debut neared completion one of the tracks,

Jonathon Edwards “Please Find Me,” was accidentally erased.

Deciding the tune wasn’t worth resurrecting Edwards instead chose to finish off a brand new composition.

That song, “Sunshine” was quickly set down “in a matter of a couple of hours” and hastily added to the project. Upon its release it reached the top of the charts and became an integral part of our musical lexicon.

By 1972, with the release of the follow up Honky-Tonk Stardust Cowboy, Edwards began gravitating toward straight-ahead country; unfortunately his label was at a loss as to how to market the record and over the course of two more albums, 1973’s Have a Good Time for Me and the in concert Lucky Day, his sales sharply declined. Soon, Edwards dropped out of music, bought a farm in Nova Scotia and began living his life.

It is a move he has “never once regretted.”

In 1976 his friend Emmylou Harris enlisted Edwards to sing backup on her sophomore record, Elite Hotel; the success of that album convinced Edwards to give the industry another try. He landed a

By James Cassara

new record deal and the resultant Rockin’ Chair, recorded with Harris’ Hot Band, was a modest success. The following year Edwards released Sail Boat, again with Emmylou’s band as support, but its failure to chart, along with Edwards increased discontent with the star making machinery, led to another lengthy hiatus. With the exception of a 1982 live album, released on his own label, Edwards was largely retired.

But there is no suppressing the artist within.

After touring the nation with a production of the musical Pumping Boys and Dinettes, Edwards joined the bluegrass group the Seldom Scene, issuing the 1983 LP Blue Ridge, and began recording a series of children’s albums. In 1987 he moved to Nashville, where he recorded his 1989 album The Natural Thing. Those sessions generated his biggest country hit, “We Need to Be Locked Away” and Edwards once more found himself “smack back in the business.”

But he has done so strictly on his own terms, releasing low key but solid albums and touring at a pace that makes sense for a man of his age. Now living in Massachusetts Edwards tours about half the year, including what have become annual visits to The Altamont. “I’ve always been a bit of a rebel” he told me. “Doing things my own way, and being in control of my own music and life, were far more important to me than being rich and famous.”

Jonathon Edwards at The Altamont Theatre on Friday, November 4. Doors open at 7pm for this 8pm show. Seated, general admission, all ages. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of, and $35 VIP (guaranteed seating in 1st three rows).

IF YOU GO

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Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 25

THE POET'S VOICE

It’s About Time

By Carol Bjorlie — “The Poet behind the cello”

It’s time to build bridges, not walls.

Consider these verbs: unite, connect, embrace, link, put together. This is the work of a bridge. Consider a viaduct, overpass, drawbridge, floating bridge, arch bridge, or foot bridge. These are thresholds which carry us to the next place, like a voting booth. We enter, take up the marker, and fill in the oval.

Here’s some help from Elizabeth Alexander’s Praise Song for The Day, the poem she wrote for Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration, January 20, 2009.

happiness.

And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men.

They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was

trying to fool with them.

And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Des plaines river and I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women

and children and a keg of beer and an accordion.

. . .

All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. . . .

I know there’s something better down the road.

We need to find a place where we are safe.

We walk into that which we cannot yet see.

Government The Government—I heard about the Government and I went out to find it. I said I would look closely at it when I saw it.

Then I saw a policeman dragging a drunken man to the callaboose.

It was the Government in action. ....

Everywhere I saw that, that Government is a thing made of men, that

Government has blood and bones, it is many mouths whisperinging into many ears, sending telegrams, aiming rifles, writing

orders, saying “yes” and “no.” ....

A Government is just as secret and mysterious and sensitive as any human sinner carrying a load of germs, traditions and corpuscles handed down from fathers and mothers away back.

We will go to our polling places, make our threshold mark, and walk away into our future. This is happening now. This is Act One. Our stories will make history, and our histories will make stories. Our journey is the story.

T. S. Eliot has some advice from Four Quartet’s “Little Gidding”

Say it plain: that many have died for this day.

Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of. . . .

In today’s sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun.

On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp, praise song for walking forward in that light.

Two from Carl Sandburg’s “Chicago Poems” Happiness I asked the professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is

What we call the beginning is often the end.

And to make an end is to make a beginning..

The end is where we start from ...

And all shall be well. ...

Wendell Berry WILL have the last say! (You know Wendell) Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front Love the quick profit, the annual raise, vacation with pay. Want more of everything ready made. Be afraid to know your neighbors and to die.

And you will have a window in your head.

Not even your future will be a mystery anymore. Your mind will be punched in a card and shut away in a little drawer.

When they want you to buy something they will call you. When they want you to die for profit they will let your know.

So, friends, every day do something that won’t compute. Love the Lord.

Love the world. Work for nothing.

Take all that you have and be poor.

Love someone who does not deserve it.

Denounce the government and embrace the flag. Hope to live in that free republic for which it stands.

Give your approval to all you cannot understand. Praise ignorance, for what man has not encountered he has not destroyed.

Ask the questions that have no answers.

Invest in the millennium. Plant sequoias.

Say that your main crop is the forest that you did not plant that you will not live to harvest ....

Practice resurrection Bridges? Walls? You chose. Be brave.

Carol Bjorlie

ARTS AND CULTURE NOTE: Advertise with Rapid River Magazine Free Web Links & Ad Design Call (828) 646-0071

ARTS HAVE SOCIAL IMPACT University of Pennsylvania researchers have demonstrated that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement, more social cohesion, higher child welfare, and lower poverty rates. A vibrant arts community ensures that young people are not left to be raised solely in a pop culture and tabloid marketplace.

26 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

(Source US Bureau of Economic Analysis)

BOOKS/WRITERS

Yehoshua November’s ‘Two Worlds Exist’ signing

By Staff Reports

A poem from a collection forthcoming from Ashevillebased literary press Orison Books will be featured in the New York Times Magazine.

The poem was selected from Yehoshua November’s second poetry collection, Two Worlds Exist, by New York Times Magazine poetry editor Matthew Zapruder. Yehoshua November will also be featured in an upcoming issue of The Jewish Week.

Two Worlds Exist will be released on November 1, and the author will give a reading at Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville on Sunday, November 13 at 3pm.

Yehoshua November’s second poetry collection, Two Worlds Exist, quietly considers the harmonies and dissonances involved in practicing an ancient religious

tradition in contemporary America.

November’s beautiful and profound meditations on work and family life, and the intersections of the sacred and the secular, invite the reader—regardless of background—to imaginatively inhabit a life of religious devotion in the midst of our society’s commotion.

“I have read these beautiful poems many times over. Each time I find something new and wonderful and deeper and more spiritual therein. Two Worlds Exist is an even stronger book than November’s first collection. So full of sorrow and humility and reverence, love and pain and the actual stuff of our lives—the guilt of the small cruelties we inflict; the large cruelties life

inflicts; wavering and unwavering faith that there is something greater than ourselves behind it all.” -Liz Rosenberg Yehoshua November’s first poetry collection, God’s Optimism, won the Main Street Rag Poetry Book Award and was a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize.

November’s poems have appeared in Prairie Schooner, The Sun, Virginia Quarterly Review, and The Writer’s Almanac. He teaches at Rutgers University and Touro College and lives in Teaneck, NJ with his wife and children.

IF YOU GO

Two Worlds Exist Yehoshua November will give a reading at Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville on Sunday, November 13 at 3pm. For more information, visit www.orisonbooks.com.

‘Gingerbread Christmas’ by best-selling writer Jan Brett On Wednesday, November 30 at 5pm Spellbound Children’s Bookshop presents beloved and bestselling picture book creator Jan Brett at Vance Elementary School.

Jan Brett is the New York Times #1 bestselling artist/author of over 35 books which have sold over 40 million copies combined.

Her books have been chosen as “Best Children’s Books of the Year”

by The New Yorker, Parents, Redbook, and others.

Booklist exclaims “Brett conveys the season with such loving spirit, that children will almost wish for winter.”

Spellbound is hosting Brett’s only stop in NC on a national bus tour for her brand-new book Gingerbread Christmas. Before the book signing Brett will do a 15-minute drawing demonstration and presentation beginning at 5pm. Brett’s presentation is free and open to the public. The first 100 families in line will receive a free signed Jan Brett poster, so please arrive early, but do not arrive earlier than 3:30, as it is a school day and

NOVEMBER PARTIAL LISTING

We host numerous Readings & Book clubs, as well as Salons!

Visit www.malaprops.com

READINGS & BOOK SIGNINGS HAMILTRIVIA (Hamilton + Trivia = PARTY!) 11/04, 6-8pm BILLY COLLINS BOOK SIGNING 11/10, 5-6:30pm BUD HARRIS presents ‘AGING STRONG’ 11/12, 7pm MARK DE CASTRIQUE presents ‘THE SINGULARITY RACE’ 11/15 7pm DONALD DAVIS presents ‘CRIPPLE JOE’ 11/17, 7pm HARRY POTTER TRIVIA 11/18, 7pm

By Leslie Hawkins

regular after-school pick-ups will be going on before the event begins.

The tour bus will be parked outside. It’s wrapped in artwork from Gingerbread Christmas. Families are welcome to take a photograph next to the bus and with Hedgie, the hedgehog character from her bestsellers The Mitten and The Hat. Tickets are required for the signing line and are available on the Spellbound website. The front rows in the audience will be reserved for ticket-holders who have purchased online by 5pm the day before the event.

WRITERS IN THE SCHOOLS WRITE-IN 11/19, 1-4pm WRITERS AT HOME 11/20 7pm WRITERS COFFEEHOUSE 11/21, 7:00pm

55 Haywood St.

(828) 254-6734 • 800-441-9829 Monday-Saturday 9AM to 9PM Sunday 9AM to 7PM

An adult ticket is $18.99 plus sales tax and includes one copy of Gingerbread Christmas. Please call the bookstore at (828) 575-2266 with any questions. Note: This event takes place during the week that the Grove Park Inn displays the houses from its annual Gingerbread Competition. Spellbound Children’s Bookshop 640 Merrimon Avenue #204 Asheville, (828)575.2266 • www.spellboundbookshop.com IF YOU GO

Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 27

We

e v o L

A Unique Mountain City Experience Dining • Shopping • Galleries • Festivals

Waynesville

The Classic Wineseller now offers cigars and more During its 20 years of operation, the Classic Wineseller has grown from a

small two room retail wine store to include an underground restaurant and live music venue.

The shop boasts over 1,100 wines among more than 12,000 bottles.

You may choose from an extensive selection of beer, champagne, port, sherry, Sauternes, and dessert wine as well as hard to find wines, including many older vintages. The restaurant menu has an impressive list of charcuterie and accompaniments like all-natural cured meats, all-natural local and imported cheeses, and olives imported from Spain and Italy.

You’ll also find delicious appetizers, salads, soups, flat breads and small plates prepared in-house.

Finish the evening with tempting sweets like decadent chocolate torte, California cheesecake with chocolate port sauce, and seasonal selections.

The Wineseller’s newest addition is a cigar shop where twin 2,000 capacity humidors

house a growing selection of fine Dominican, Nicaraguan, and American hand rolled cigars including rare cigars like the Lost City Opus X, yearly released Macanudos and Anniversary Nica Libres.

Major brands like Cohiba, Drew Estate, Montecristo and Punch are offered with your choice of Connecticut, Habano, and Maduro wrappers. You’ll also be greeted by cigarillos and Churchills, gauges from 30-60, infused and specially blended cigars and cigar gifts and accessories including travel and tabletop humidors, lighters, and cutters.

Visit the retail shop Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 11am. Dine in the European styling and old world charm of the Classic Wineseller’s Restaurant Wednesday through Saturday and enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday all year around.

The Classic Wineseller 20 Church Street Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828-452-6000 E: info@classicwineseller.com

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310 ARTIST

‘Holland’ continued on pg. 25

began at a young age. “I have been drawing pictures since I was 5 years old. I would draw imaginary places with my Venus Colored Pencils in school while my teachers would talk. Sometimes I got caught. I drew everything I saw: flowers, trees, buildings, pets and my family. To me drawing is the basis of my work and for that matter of art itself. All my paintings begin with a drawing. Without a solid drawing, a painting can’t hold together.”

Graduating from college with a BS in Art Education, he received many regional awards in the Southeast including special recognition from his university. In 1978 he moved to San Francisco, CA where he worked as an art director for an entertainment magazine.

There he began his art career in earnest. Working in watercolor he was juried into many national shows while continuing to work as a graphic artist. The landscape in Bay Area and the vistas of San Francisco were his subject matter.

“Living in San Francisco in the 80s and 90s, I was keen on painting the city vistas of the city: towering buildings perched on steep hillsides, light reflected by the bay and ocean, and the lightness of the city itself. I worked in watercolor at that time.

The medium suited the “liquidness” of the city.

Moving to Santa Fe in 1996 Holland was struck by the culture and feel of northern New Mexico. His watercolors depicted the people and places of the mountains.

“When I moved to Santa Fe, color is what struck me: yellows, oranges, dark skies, reds and the ancient culture of northern New Mexico. At times the landscape was so bright it was hard to see. It seemed to be visually throbbing with contrasts.” He exhibited many times in juried and solo shows receiving numerous honors and awards.

In 2003 he mounted an exhibition

Mark Holland

‘Winter Grove’ Mark Holland 48x46

centered around historic missions and chapels in the area, receiving special recognition from the Archbishop and Historical Committee of Santa Fe. Landscapes, both urban and rural, have been a constant subject for Holland.

“Landscape has an important meaning to me: it is what we see around us and what we can see inside us.”

His next destination was Mexico.

“Residing in Taxco and Oaxaca, Mexico in the ‘90’s and early 2000’s I was attracted to the wild creativity of Mexican artists, the hidden symbols behind their imagery and the exuberant colors!” It could be said that the seeds of his current series were planted there.

“I call a recent series “MINDSCAPES”.

These are interior landscapes, subconscious worlds, alien worlds and

dreams. The images I create originate from my experiences and childhood — old movies, fairy tales, popular culture. All these things are in each of us one way or another. Memories half remembered and altered emerge as archetypes that thread through our lives. What are they, how did they evolve and why do they have meaning for us?”

Asheville was his next destination, arriving in 2005, and where he resides today. Here he began working in oil and began to focus on reinventing the landscape. Subjects range from trees, plants and animals of all sorts to skies and water. Even brush piles are made beautiful though his deft and sensitive renderings. Seeing the small beauty of living things, he interprets them using palette knife and fine drawing. This current work, called “Natural Inventions,” references still life and on site observation.

“All my new pieces are oil and graphite on wood panel. While I am always observing real things, I seek to raise questions in my work. Everything that is visible in our lives hides something that is invisible, obscured, dim. That’s what I examine in my work.

Double meanings, myth, fears are all there in our lives. Dare we look at them and question? The liberation of the hidden mind through images becomes real and what was immaterial becomes seen. The landscape of the mind is what interests me.

“Living and working as an artist over a lifetime has had many challenges. I can’t say it has been easy and at times it was very painful. However, my art has carried me through dark times in my life and has always been my faithful and demanding companion. With my work I am never alone. When people look at my paintings I hope they see joy and they are helped to feel better about their own world. To be peaceful, joyful and have an appreciation of the world around us...what else is there to life?”

310 Art 191 Lyman Street, #310, Asheville. The gallery is opened Mon.- Sat., 11-5pm and by appointment. www.310art.com (828) 776-2716, gallery@310art.com IF YOU GO

Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 29

DVD FILM

‘Birth of a Nation’ (1915) racial injustice still with us today

The Birth of a Nation (1915) – DVD Pick by Chip Kaufmann.

The recent release of Nate Parker’s new film about the Nat Turner slave rebellion of 1831which deliberately uses The Birth of a Nation title in order to provide a stark contrast in racial attitudes after 100 years, shows just how controversial and still relevant D.W Griffith’s original is after all this time.

Although now shunned by most critics and unseen by most people of the past three generations, Griffith’s movie should be required viewing as it showcases the origins

of the racial injustice in America that is still with us today.

Griffith began shooting Birth in 1914 under the title of The Clansman, the original name of the then highly successful play on which it is based. The source material was a series of novels known as “The Reconstruction Trilogy” by Shelby NC born author and lecturer Thomas Dixon, an avowed and unapologetic white supremacist.

The books are The Leopard’s Spots, The Clansman, and The Traitor.

Griffith chose the material not for its content (he had made a

short anti-Klan film earlier called The Rose of Kentucky) but for its popularity. This was designed as the first epic blockbuster in American movies and so Griffith wanted to safeguard the huge gamble he was taking by filming a popular work with a Civil War theme. It was the 50th anniversary of the conflict and Civil War memorabilia was everywhere.

The movie run a then staggering 3 hours and 15 minutes and was divided into 2 parts, The Civil War and Reconstruction. It followed the fates of two prominent families, one Southern and the other Northern.

The camera-work and the editing were groundbreaking and the film still has the power to grip an audience. For years it was seen as a great work of art that was

the foundation of the American movie industry. However its proKlan scenario and the use of white actors in black-face enrage most people who see it today.

If you want to understand where today’s racial attitudes spring from, then you must see this film. It didn’t invent them, just crystallized them by showcasing them in what became one of the earliest examples of mass media propaganda. Just be sure that you stream, download, or rent the KINO version (see DVD cover) as the film is in the public domain and there are countless terrible copies out there. The Kino version allows you to view the original Birth of a Nation the way it was meant to be seen.

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30 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

FEATURE FILM

‘Birth of a Nation’ (2016) powerful directorial debut Black Lives Matter in The Birth of a Nation - Powerful Storytelling Marks an Auspicious Directorial Debut for Nate Parker Short Take: Pointedly given the same title as the most reviled and contentious film in cinematic history,

Nate Parker makes

a powerful directorial debut with his

dramatization of Nat Turner’s Rebellion of 1831. #oscarnotsowhite?

REEL TAKE: In 1915 D.W. Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation was a cinematic spectacle, a pioneering piece of technical film making, and the blockbuster of its day. Since then however, it has become the most reviled and controversial movie in film history because of its racist overtones and its vicious portrayal of African Americans.

It was therefore a very bold move for Nate Parker to give his telling of the Nat Turner Rebellion of 1831 the same title.

Indeed, Parker’s film is the antithesis of the century-old KKK propaganda piece.

North Carolina’s own Thomas Dixon, author of The Clansmen which was the source material for Griffith’s Birth of a Nation, would roll over in his grave, and as far as I’m concerned the old boy can stay face down in Hell.

The film Dixon’s work inspired is made significant more for its cinematic importance than its story. Parker’s film, on the other hand, may not be a cinematic marvel, but its story will have a longer shelf life. Sadly this film, about a slave uprising in 1831 resonates altogether too well with the ‘Black Lives Matter’ sentiments of 2016.

Parker’s dramatization starts in 1809 in Southampton County, Virginia, when Nat Turner (Nate Parker) is a young slave boy.

He portrays Turner’s childhood as idyllic as can be [for a slave]. He has a loving family, and the master and his family are kind and decent to their slaves. Nat plays, almost as an equal, with the master’s son. The mistress of plantation senses Nat’s interest in books and moves Nat into the house and

teaches him to read. All in all it’s a bucolic portrait – complete with the universal desires of humanity – to love and be loved.

But just as we settle into the beauty of these moments, Parker jolts his audience with shards of violence and the worst of traits of mankind.

These bursts of racism and moral deprivation stand in stark contrast to the rest of Nat’s reality. Years go by. The boys grow up. Slowly things begin to crumble.

When his childhood playmate, now his cash strapped master (Armie Hammer), starts renting Nat out to preach to the slaves at other plantations, the picture begins to change, growing ever darker, ultimately leading to the uprising. Interestingly, Parker portrays slavery not just as misfortune foisted upon Africans, but as a plague on humanity and all whom it touches.

Parker takes great poetic license with history, but he creates and even more compelling story in doing so, without sacrificing certain truths. I’m willing to venture most viewers won’t actually know that much about the Nat Turner rebellion, so I didn’t take umbrage with his creative liberties. Parker, who wrote, directed and stars in the film, deserves immense credit.

He has raised the bar for indie films, shooting the entire movie in 27 days for just more than $10 million. He has created a beautiful film that looks like it had a much richer budget than it did. The storyline and scene transitions are seamless. His acting ensemble is pitch perfect. The production

values are strong. For a first time director this is an amazing feat on many levels. There are some missteps, including a William Wallace-like, a la Braveheart climax, but even in that nothing ever really rings false.

The film has naturally brought about comparisons to Steve McQueen’s Twelve Years A Slave.

Both are very fine films but Birth of a Nation is the more accessible of the two and will likely resonate more with the audience.

The film had a stellar debut at Sundance earlier this year, but media speculation about Nate Parker’s role in a rape in 1999, a crime for which he was acquitted, keeps surfacing.

While such behavior doesn’t seem to be hurting a certain Presidential candidate’s chances, it does seem to be hurting the film’s reception at the box office. It will likely also hurt Parker’s chances during award season. I’m not making excuses or offering any opinion on the matter, just this: The Birth of a Nation is a beautiful film and it’s worth your time. If anything I’ve written about it sounds appealing, I hope you’ll make an effort to see it on the big screen while you can. **** 1/2 Rated R for some disturbing violent content, and some brief nudity.

Note: My colleague and esteemed co-reviewer, Chip Kaufmann, is one of the foremost authorities on D.W. Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation. He was also completely taken with Nate Parker’s film.

He offers Griffith’s film as his DVD pick (page 30) for November. But before you decry his choice, please hear him out. The good Professor Kaufmann is also working on an article comparing the two films, which will be featured in Rapid River Magazine online in the coming weeks. In the meanwhile, we encourage you to look at both films with an informed appreciation so that you can draw your own conclusions.

Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 31

HEALTH

Epigenetics, the Newest Medical Understanding

By Max Hammonds, MD

The newest explanation on the horizon for some diseases is epigenetics.

Genetics is the study of gene coding for all cell functions by the DNA of a cell. However, the DNA of every cell is wrapped around and encapsulated by protein material. The wrapping process causes some areas of the DNA (genes) to be inaccessible to transmit information for certain cell functions, effectively “turning off” or “silencing” those functions of the cell.

This is the normal way that a multipotential cell – or stem cell – of a fetus matures, turning certain genes “on” to become a heart muscle, a nerve, or a pancreas cell, turning “off” other genes and

their functions. In the same way, the hidden genes of a muscle or pancreas cell can potentially be “turned back on” to become a multipurpose cell again.

Even in the mature cell, when exposed to internal or external stimuli, the DNAprotein complex (called chromatin) can be appropriately modified, causing some genes to be exposed (switched “on”) or hidden (switched “off”) for maximum cell efficiency as the environment changes. This mechanism is probably one of the ways that some species adapt to the changing seasons with fur color change. The study of these potentially hidden gene functions and how they are turned off and on is epigenetics.

However, not all gene switching “on” and “off” is good. Some human diseases are known to be promoted in part by such gene modifications, including: heart disease, cancer (especially of the colon, prostate, cervix, and

32 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

lymphomas/leukemias), diabetes, anxiety/ depression, addiction, susceptibility to infections and others.

The environmental factors known to cause beneficial and/or maleficent gene modifications include: exercise patterns, sleep patterns, dietary patterns (red meat intake, phytochemicals, vitamin and mineral availability, high sugar/trans-fat/saturated fat/poly-unsaturated fat intake), body weight and percent body fat, gut microbiome changes, infectious agents, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, air pollution, tobacco smoke chemicals, alcohol intake, traumatic emotional events, chronic stress, and socialization patterns, among others.

But be careful. Do not assume manipulating specific causative elements will result in specific improvements in various diseases. Not all environmental stimuli cause the same diseases in every individual. For example, the HPV viruses play a part in turning on the gene for cervical cancer, but not every time and not in every individual. Thus the HPV vaccine prevents up to 80% of cervical cancers, but not all. We are only beginning to understand how to use this information to formulate effective treatment in various diseases.

However, as evidence accumulates, promoting good health practices and adopting a healthy lifestyle has been shown to positively influence a multitude of very specific intracellular changes, switching genes “on” or “off” that promote health and suppress disease.

A healthy lifestyle continues to make good scientific sense.

Rocking Chair Auction in the Little Town that Rocks

By Staff Reports

Don’t miss the infamous Rocking Chair Auction held at the gazebo in front of the Monte Vista ​ t 4pm. ​ a Many artists from the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League have donated their time to paint the beautiful rocking chairs that you have seen throughout Black Mountain, and now is your chance to own one! Proceeds from the rocking chair sale will go to the SVFAL and Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce.

Artist Cindy Chenard with her Painted Rocking Chair to be auctioned on November 4th.​ Looking Back Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League is wrapping up our 49 th year with a show entitled “Looking Back” at the Red House Gallery. The Painted Rocking Chair by exhibit will contain Cindy Chenard Chair to be works that have auctioned on November 4 not been submitted by our membership in the last two years. This opportunity to ...’review past events’, ‘return in thought,’ ‘glance back’ is an appropriate close to an event filled, stellar year. We know

MR

‘Klimpt’ by Lynn Newhouse

MV

that the SVFAL members will once more dazzle and inspire us with the art they present in November and December; please join us Friday, November 4 at Red House from 5-7pm. Gallery hours: Tuesday - Sunday11-3.

Fabulous Fakes The “Fabulous Fakes” Art Show will be held at the Historic Monte Vista Hotel during November and December. This is the fifth year for our artists to create copies of iconic images of the masters they are inspired by. This exhibit has proven to be very popular by the public as well as the artists who create the images! We can ‘Red House’ continued on pg. 34

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BLACK MOUNTAIN /CONT.

‘Red House’ continued from pg. 33

hear comments like: “I’m doing a Van Gogh, who are you copying?”

The answers vary from ...Matisse, Gaugin, Picasso, Whistler, Homer etc., etc. It is great fun and creates anticipation within our members.

Some artists have been known to put a clever twist on their entry! The opening reception for this exhibit will be held Friday, November 4, 5-9pm at the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W. State St., and Black Mountain.

It is free and open to the public.

We invite you all to come and enjoy. The show is free and open to the public during November and December 90+ items will be on display throughout the lobby,

‘The Oysterman’ by Donna Davis dining room and bar area.

Please come visit the hotel and enjoy spending an evening with friends. You’ll recognize old friends in the masters from the art world on display.

IF YOU GO

The exhibit is being curated by Susan Hanning from SVFAL. For more information call (414) 8816869.

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More to like about Antiques at Riverview Station A large part of Antiques At Riverview Station lies in the artists they represent.

Within their eclectic shop you can find the unique talents of Blacksmiths, Potters, Jewelers and Seamstresses.

Dan Howachyn and his wife Tekla of Black Mountain Iron Works have been creating award winning designs with metal for over three decades. Their works are nationally and internationally exhibited in homes and many urban spaces.

Fawn Barnett, another local artist, offers beautiful and unique jewelry using vintage sterling sliver plated flatware dating from as far back as the middle 1800’s. She is preserving the past and giving new life to a piece of untold history.

Terri Godfrey from Baked Earth Studios in Black Mountain creates unique and beautiful art in ceramics. Her ceramics are

all food, microwave oven and dishwasher safe. Her work is highly valued by collectors nationwide.

Nomadic Designs artists have traveled the world to bring the latest trends is hand made jewelry and silver wrap. Their pieces are sharp and loaded with beautiful gemstones from all corners of the Earth.

Vicki Shelton their newest artist makes one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry. She also makes unique aprons from vintage fabrics.

Antiques at Riverview Station is very proud of their little colony of artists. They hope you too will come and enjoy the many talents offered there.

IF YOU GO

Antiques At Riverview Station 191 Lyman St Ste 110, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 254-4410

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34 Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016

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COMICS

Ratchet and Spin

.

By Jess and Russ Woods

Our Holiday Gift Guide December 2016

By Michael Cole

Corgi Tales

By Phil Hawkins

Best in Show

By Phil Juliano

Vol. 20, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2016 35

2016/2017 Season • Thomas Wolfe Auditorium • Daniel Meyer, Music Director Copland Our Town Copland Billy the Kid Diamond Symphony No. 4 Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue

November 19 8 p.m.

•

Conrad Tao Piano CONCERT SPONSOR

CALL FOR TICKETS: 828.254.7046 • ashevillesymphony.org