November 2017 large final by Rapid River Magazine

INSPIRED TO GIVE THANKS:

New works by Cheryl Keefer, — more than just paintings

ARTS & CULTURE R A PID RI VE R M AGA ZINE’ S

WWW.RAPIDRIVERMAGAZINE.COM

Special ‘RAD’ S ection

November 2017 Vol. 21 No.3

THE OLDEST AND MOST READ ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE IN WNC

COVER ARTIST

Cheryl Keefer, “Cool Mountain Music” oil, 12x16”

Cheryl Keefer, ‘Cats and Dogs’ oil, 8x8”

“Giving THANKS” Inside or outdoors, putting paint on canvas is always thrilling to me. All of nature’s grandeur and the ever-changing moods of the landscape are sometimes so striking that inspiration comes like a flood, and I am thankful to be a painter. For me, painting can be a spiritual experience, it clears my head, and reminds me to count my blessings, and…, pay it forward. As a citizen of WNC, I find an abundance of opportunities to give back, either financially, or with my time and talents. Some of my favorite local charitable organizations are: Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries, svcministry.

Cheryl Keefer, “Wherever it Pleases” oil, 24x30”

org, helping families with food, shelter, and clothing; Read 2 Succeed, r2sasheville.org, tutoring and mentoring local school children so that they can overcome the literacy achievement

2 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

By Cheryl Keefer

gap; and Eblen Charities, ellencharities.org, providing families throughout Western North Carolina with everything from medical to emergency assistance. Throughout our community, whatever one’s passion, there is a cause. November is here, with autumn’s hues and colder weather. I am getting outside to paint the colors before winter’s icy fingers frost my studio window. Happy Thanksgiving! Visit Cheryl Keefer’s work at her working studio, NorthLight Studios, in the River Arts District, 357, Depot Street, and at her website: CherylKeefer.com

IF YOU GO

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 3

FINE ART IN WNC

(L-R) Mugs with waterfall brown glaze, free-form oval bowl with floral arrangement, Whiskey, Wine & Bourbon tumblers are all by Cathey Bolton

Cathey Bolton talks about pottery and running a successful gallery in Downtown Waynesville

Interview by Melanie Williams

Art on Depot Studio and Gallery is celebrating its nine-year anniversary this November. A feat genuinely worth honoring when you consider that over half of small businesses never reach this milestone, according to the Small Business Administration. But Art on Depot isn’t just a gallery; it’s a working studio where the owner and designer Cathey Bolton creates each of her pottery pieces by hand onsite. I recently had a chance to chat with Cathey about her business and products. 555 Merrimon Ave

• 828.424.7868

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What major lesson do you think nine years of running a gallery has taught you? I’ve learned that diversifying is vital to success. It takes a great deal of time to develop, hone and test new products. My pottery catalog now offers 18 different glazes and five

lines of work in functional pottery. I’ve also developed a line of jewelry that includes rings, belt buckles, pendants, buttons, bracelets, scarf keeps and more.

As a working studio, you sell products in the gallery. How else do you make an income from your business? I’ve worked hard to develop a robust wholesale community that spans the East Coast and all the way to Texas. What is one thing you do that most people might not know? I offer many custom-made items to my wholesale and retail

4 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

customers. One example of this is the branded mugs I create for businesses, families, and events. A coffee mug with your logo or event graphic is a great swag bag addition or gift after an event or family reunion. Another popular choice to customize is dinnerware. I’ve worked with local restaurants, couples, bed and breakfasts and more to develop sets of dishes with the exact glaze and styling they needed to give their meals a memorable touch. What tool has helped you expand your business reach and grow your audience? Facebook has been an amazing asset for me. It allows me to engage daily with current and future customers to share new products, glaze colors, kiln openings, and general Art on Depot news. Instagram is another platform that I’ve been playing with over the last ‘Pottery’ continued pg. 31

CONTENTS November 2017

Volume 21, NO. 3

ON OUR COVER

“November Shower” By Cheryl Keefer

6 7 13 15 8 10 11 14 19 21 22

River Arts District (RAD) Fall Studio Show arrives Nov 11-12 20th Voorhees Family Art Show and Sale The Wedge Studios: Confluence — Abstraction & Landscape Coming Together Patricia Cotterill’s latest work at Riverside Studios for RAD studio stroll

Greg Vineyard: The art of taking a break, part I of III 310 Art: TRAINS — Painting the Past and Present

Art Classes Asheville Gallery of Art: “Small Works” exhibits 22 artists this month Food/Drink: Cruising To Weight Loss: “The Cruise Control Diet” Bill Walz: TAKE NOTHING PERSONALLY Health: Traveling Diseases — be prepared for the unexpected

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

16 20 29 30 23 24 25 26 30

Conductor Darko Butorac Leads the Asheville Symphony in Music Spanning Three Centuries November 18

www.rapidrivermagazine.com Online NOW

Pastel artist Elise Okrend captures the healing essence of our mountains Gretchen Chadwick: The Art of Subtlety Grace Carol Bomer

Performing Arts: TAPPASSIONATA: The Romance of Italian Opera in three venues in November Poetry: November — We are all immigrants Books: Conversation with writers — New book on grief and loss Black Mountain: Elinor Bowman Exploring the human figure Rapid River Magazine’s Comics

26 The Art of Elinor Bowman

NEXT MONTH

COLUMNS / DEPARTMENTS

ART AND MORE FEATURES

Detail of painting by Cheryl Keefer

*Red denotes RAD feature

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

ADVERTISING SALES: Downtown Asheville and other areas — Dennis Ray (828) 712-4752 • (828) 646-0071 Dining Guide, Hendersonville, Waynesville — Rick Hills (828) 452-0228 rick@rapidrivermagazine.com

The Art of Patricia Cotterill

DECEMBER SHADOWS US WITH ART FOR THE COMING NEW YEAR. GET READY FOR A SEASON PACKED ISSUE OF ARTS AND CULTURE! All Materials contained herein are owned and copyrighted © by Rapid River’s Arts & Culture Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rapid River’s Arts and Culture Magazine or the advertisers herein. © ‘Rapid River’s Arts & Culture Magazine’ November 2017, Vol. 21, No. 3

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 5

FINE ART STROLL

River Arts District (RAD) Fall Studio Show arrives Nov 11-12

18 k gold and diamond pendant and earrings

By Staff Reports

warm your winter nights

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Asheville River Arts District Fall Studio Stroll Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 12, 10-5pm

The party will feature live music and DJs, food trucks and Circus Performers. More information can be found at cottonmillasheville.com

The Artists of Asheville’s River Arts District, Asheville, minRiver Arts District open their utes from Downtown Asheville and doors for a full weekend The Biltmore Estate. 2017 studio at the Fall Studio Stroll, map www.riverartsdistrict.com/ashewelcoming the public to ville-river-arts-district-map/ experience and collect Thousands of visitors from nearby fantastic art in the studios and abroad interacting with the hunand galleries. The Fall Stroll dreds of artists working and selling art will once again feature “It Takes Two to Tango” by Deanna Chilian in their River Arts District studios. a Food Drive in support The River Arts District of Asheville is of MANNA FoodBank by a mile-long cluster of working studios, collecting non-perishable galleries, and eateries housed in the former industrifood items for our area’s needy families. Donations al section of town surrounding the railroad along the and information on the event will be located at the banks of the French Broad River. The working studio City of Asheville’s newly renovated building at 14 artists, many with showrooms and galleries, are open Riverside Drive. Attendees will enjoy free parking, throughout the year. During Studio Stroll, visitors restrooms and shuttle pick up at the location right can explore the district riding the Grey Line Trolley for on the French Broad River. The Artists are hoping to free. match or surpass the approximately 1000 pounds of non-perishables they collected last year for MANNA For more information, please contact Morgan MarIF Food Bank. YOU GO kowitz. RADA Studio Stroll Coordinator (206) 775At 5 pm on Saturday be sure to check out the Stu0663 morgan@earthriverproductions.com dio Stroll After Party hosted by Cotton Mill Studios.

Call for more information

Artists Breakfasts Draw Crowds Artists, collectors and patrons are gathering in Asheville’s River Arts District for monthly socials. Artists’ Breakfasts are held on the last Thursday of each month. Up next: November 30, 10-1pm at 362 Depot. Organizer Richard Baker of Richard Baker Studios says he is pleased with the turnouts for the

first two events. “It’s good to see the artists networking. And it’s also nice to meet Asheville’s art patrons.” Many of the 10 artists of 362 Depot are on hand to talk to

those who attend for the camaraderie and food and to see new works. “People are coming in,” Baker says, “meeting the artists and purchasing artwork.” Coffee is provided and guests are welcome to bring food to share.

6 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

Recent events have drawn attendees from Asheville and points beyond including Saluda, Hendersonville, Waynesville and Weaverville. IF YOU GO

For more information, follow 362 Depot and Richard Baker on Facebook or call (828) 234-1616.

FINE ART

20th Voorhees Family Art Show and Sale

By Staff Reports

This year’s annual event move to Asheville, the show will feature new artwork crefollowed with it being hosted ated by five Voorhees family in one of several Voorhees members along with two family homes in North Asheguest artists. The event will ville. This year’s show celeagain be featured in a family brates the 20th show for the home in Norwood Park, this Voorhees Family and continyear at Susan’s house. Meet ‘Morning in the Bee Field’ Jane Voorhees ues the this extraordinary family of legacy artists known throughout begun by North Carolina and the Southeast. A portion Edwin Voorhees back in of the proceeds will be donated to MANNA 1998. FoodBank and Kiva, helping others locally Three of Edwin and and globally. Mildred’s six children The art legacy plus one grandchild began with Edwin and a daughter-inBlack and gold necklace with Voorhees, (1919law will be showing earings by Molly Sharp 1999) known for their work at this his NC coastal event: Susan Voorwatercolor seahees, oil and pastel paintings; Jane Voorscapes; and Milhees, watercolors, pastels, prints, cards dred Voorhees and and calendars; David Voorhees, wood-fired now their children stoneware and porcelain pottery; David’s and grandchildren. wife, Molly Sharp Voorhees, sterling silver ‘Okra’ Susan Voorhees Mildred, (1924jewelry, some incorporating natural beach 2007) was best stones; and David’s daughter Elizabeth known for her colorful, patterned watercolors Voorhees Becker, color photography. Also and rich oil still lifes and landscapes. Reproexhibiting are guest artists Chad Alice Hagen, ductions of Edwin and Mildred’s artwork will felted art and handmade books and Cheryl be available. Stippich, stained glass. Edwin had long wanted to host a family art show as a way of gathering the clan and IF sharing the varied talents of those working The 20th Voorhees Family Art Show and YOU GO in the arts. So, the first Voorhees Family Art Sale will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, 10Show was held in the family home in More5pm and Sunday, Nov. 19, noon to 5 pm at head City in 1998. Edwin passed away the Susan Voorhees’ home, 55 Woodward Avenue next year, but the Voorhees Family Art Show in the Norwood Park area of North Asheville. This continued in Morehead for several years. In art show and sale is free and open to the public. later years the show was held in Asheville For more information and map visit in addition to Morehead City. With Mildred’s www.voorheesfamilyart.com Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 7

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As I tiptoe through my challenge themselves to do so for early morning world, sautéing a whole month. My challenge is to vegetables in the skillet, create those 31 drawings, plus a heating the kettle for tea, few extra sketches in honor of fun and chopping fruit for the national days (and who WOULDN’T smoothie that my doctor be tempted to draw something would surely be proud of for “Chucky, The Notorious Killer me for making, I observe my Doll Day”?!?), on top of my usual rescue cat. His little routine weekly illustrations on the random is revealing: eat a bit, go subjects that constantly enter my play with mousies, groom already stuffed file-cabinet head. for a minute, use the litter At the time of this writing, I have box, scratch the scratching about 50 illustrations in various post, announce loudly to stages of concept to completion on the still dark apartment a my studio tables. In this way I am proclamation of … well, more like the cat, stopping, starting, nothing in particular, visit me and darting about. I even announce “Inspector Of Throw Rugs” Illustration by Greg for a reassurance pat and then proclamations of … well, nothing in Vineyard © 2017 return to his dish for part two particular. of breakfast. Unknowingly, he While I can’t sleep 16 hours a day shows me a bit of what works in life: variety, activity, and like he does (Of late, on the new pillows. Sigh.), I can be orderly flow. inspired by this little furry beast, this Inspector Of Throw In nearly every profession or phase of life, people Rugs and Seeker Of Treats that roams our set of rooms, schedule days off, a vacation, a staycation, a sabbatical, surveying his domain from one foot above the floor. The a semester doing something else, a gap year, a Peace message I’m getting lately is “hiatus,” as in Take some Corps assignment, or even just extended time off if time to gestate new ideas, nurture the soul, and maybe they are solvent enough to do so. We take breaks, be even sleep an extra hour once in a while. it five minutes or five days. And these breaks mirror This column marks my 100th in a row. That’s nearly 8 what my cat expresses naturally: difference, movement, and 1/2 years of living, aging, changing. Since starting and (usually) an alteration of pace. This attitude is not this in August of 2009, I’ve had many adventures in the inherent within me. I tend to have just one speed, and it varied place that is Asheville. While most have been requires less than eight hours of sleep per night. I don’t full of activity within a set of ingrained habits (like a vacation well, either. (Conversely, I staycation greatly! cat!), others were off the grid, unexpected, not fitting That type of time off is what bad sci-fi marathons on any defined label. Either way, life marches onward. Netflix were INVENTED for. Indoors! Wasting daylight! One of my goals has been to stay the course amidst Because #snacks!). I tend to like routines and cling to the differences. There’s inspiration in every single day’s them like a dryer sheet in a basket of hot socks. experience. In my meandering life, there have been times when I put all the art supplies away and drew nothing more Stay tuned for Part II, in the December 2017 issue than a doodle on the side of an agenda in a long of Rapid River Magazine, where I continue to discuss meeting. This often happened after a major life-change inspiration and change. like a move, or sometimes it was just a habit falling away when I didn’t intend for it to do so. And other Greg Vineyard is a marketing-communications times I just chose something different. However, art-less professional, artist, and writer living in Asheville, breaks can be tinged with a bit of sadness around the NC. Find his illustrations at ZaPow Gallery edges because they lack passion. I now draw every on the South Slope, and at Spellbound single day, no matter what else is going on, and I can’t Children’s Bookshop in North Asheville. www. imagine not doing so. As I write this, it’s “Inktober” in gregvineyardillustration.com the art world, where many who don’t draw every day

8 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

Patricia Hargrove

Portraits • Landscapes

Every painting tells a story Wedge Building, 2nd Floor 129 Roberts Street Asheville

828.275.9670

www.patriciahargrove.com

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 9

310 ART

(detail) Nadine Charlsen, ‘Rusted To The Tracks’

TRAINS: Painting the Past and Present

By Nadine Charlsen

Early in the summer of 2017, I decided to do a couple of watercolors based on my photographs of trains.

I quickly

discovered train paintings were very popular.

It seemed like a natural fit since the 310 ART, my RAD, studio, is next to the Norfolk Southern rail yards. The industrial nature of trains has always been a fascination for me. In Kansas where I was born, I used to sit with my parents in the car waiting on a train to go past our tiny little town. I would count the cars as they went by, sometimes more than a hundred. I have always enjoyed the sounds of trains from the whistles to the clickity-clack of the wheels. I am now in the midst of painting a watercolor train series in my experimental methods. It all started in April of 2016 when the historic J611 steam engine train came to Asheville from Roanoke, VA. I was 10 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

alerted to the train’s arrival and rushed to a good vantage point to shoot some photographs as the train came into town. I chased the train again the next day as it made its way back to Roanoke. That encounter and some train photos I had of the River Arts District train yards started my quest to paint trains. I have painted old trains still running, and now I am adding subway trains, regional trains, and trains that can’t be moved from museums or those rusted to the tracks. I was lucky to study for 10 years at the Art Students League of NY to learn and perfect these unusual methods. Since the beginning, I have painted both small painting and significant large scaled works. I have found that everyone loves trains! These watercolors are just an extension of the industrial and rusty buildings, bridges, boats and other scenes from our ‘Art’ continued next pg.

Shop, Eat, Explore. . . Everyday, All Year Round Classes at 310 ART

Nadine Charlsen, ‘J611 Heading Home’ 26x20

‘Art’ continued rundown infrastructure that I am drawn to paint. I love the gritty, distressed look I can give to a rather sublime landscape by adding light and mood. My train series has recently landed me in the October 2017 American Art Collector, a prestigious national art publication. They contacted me to be a featured artist in their Collector’s Forum “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”. IF YOU GO

See Nadine Charlsen’s train watercolors, both finished and in progress, at 310 ART,

Nadine Charlsen, ‘Steaming Past Wayside’ 39x29

Riverview Station, 191 Lyman Street in the River Arts District of Asheville. Hours are 11-5 Mon-Sat and 12-4 Sunday. And, Join us for the Studio Stroll, Nov 11 and 12, 10-5pm both days. Nadine teaches experimental watercolor methods at 310 ART. www.310art.com for more info.

ART & M ORE IN THE RA D

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! NEW: Watercolor Wednesday Evenings, all levels, 6-9pm See 310art.com for schedule and sign up. Beginners welcomed!

Workshops:

Coming Soon: Ecoprinting, Nov 9 Demystifying Watercolor, Nov 18 Necklaces from Nature, Nov 30 Encaustic Luminaria, Dec 2 Pocket Books Mini Journals, Dec 7 All Occasion Cards, watercolor, Dec 9 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.

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 11

12 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

T h e We d g e S t u d i o s

‘Baywatching’ Cindy Walton

‘Mountain Sky” Cindy Walton

Confluence — Abstraction & Landscape By Cindy Walton Coming Together The landscape around us is seen and always present. Color and light changes with the season and weather but the structure is constant. As an artist, I am searching for a more in-depth level of expression, to reveal more of the energy and emotion of nature. As a child, science always intrigued me by

looking through a microscope, playing in tidal pools, or “creek safaris” in search of critters. As a painter, I am still looking at a hidden world that cannot be seen on the surface, but there is life inside. I want to challenge you the viewer to see something different. Perhaps the essence or soul of the landscape. ‘Abstraction’ continued pg. 30

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 13

it Vis

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

Asheville Gallery of Art 's November Artists

Bee Adams

Jane Snyder

Reda Kay

“Small Works” exhibits 22 artists this month By Staff Reports

Michael Robinson Asheville Gallery of Art’s November show, “Small Works,” features the work of 22 member artists. The show provides artists the challenge of working within limited perimeters. All pieces in the show will be 11 x 14 inches or smaller. “Placed in an ‘unexpected’ spot, small artwork

can work magic in a room or grouping. I love the effect they have, and I especially love creating them,” says gallery artist Sally Lordeon. This show is a great Sahar Fakhoury opportunity to own work in a wide range of subject matter, media, and styles by some of the most noted local artists in Asheville. Collectors will be able to find landscapes, still lives, and small abstracts. Asheville Gallery of Art hopes art lovers will not only enjoy the show but will use it to purchase affordable (and packable) works of art for holiday gift giving.

14 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

“Small Works runs November 1-30 during gallery hours, 11-6pm. Monday - Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. The gallery, located at 82 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville across from Pritchard Park, will host a reception for the artists on Friday, Nov. 3, 5-8 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited to stop by the gallery.

IF YOU GO

The small works, as well as the work of all 31 gallery members, will be on display and for sale through November. For further information about this show, you can contact 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.

FINE ART

Patricia Cotterill

Patricia Cotterill’s latest work at Riverside Studios for RAD studio stroll

By Patricia Cotterill

Fall is an exciting time in the River Arts district as we gear up for the annual Fall Studio Stroll. Taking place on November 11th and 12th. Along with my fellow studio artists of the Riverside Studios at 174 W Haywood St, I will be readying my latest works and looking forward to greeting old and new collectors who have acquired my work. In addition to my animal, still life, figurative and nest paintings, visitors will have the opportunity to view works by Carol Armstrong, Brit Oie, Nat Dickinson, Ron Maffett, David Berry and Michael Rhodes. All great artists in their right, offering viewers a variety of styles, mediums, and subjects.

I am looking forward to welcoming everyone who visits Riverside Studios to view the art, meet with my fellow artists and me while enjoying this popular event. Patricia Cotterill patcotterill@yahoo.com • www.patriciacotterill.com My work is also on display at Woolworth Walk, downtown Asheville Grovewood Village Gallery, Artisan On Main in Weaverville Mountain Nest Gallery in Black Mountain

IF YOU GO

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 15

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

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

Conductor Darko Butorac Leads the Asheville Symphony in Music Spanning Three Centuries November 18 By Staff Reports

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16 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

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The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. — Albert Einstein

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Conductor Darko Butorac doesn’t shy away from contrast. “One of my passions is to create programs that bring together deeply contrasting works, which share an underlying thread,” he notes. Such is the case with his November 18 program with the Asheville Symphony, which includes works from the 1700s up to the 2000s. The program includes Rainbow Body, a 2000 work by contemporary composer

Christopher Theofanidis, well-timed pacing,” Maestro Butorac has as well as Mozart’s Piano established himself as an exciting conductor, Concerto No. 23, and in demand with European and American Prokofiev’s Symphony No. orchestras. He currently serves as the music 5. The concert takes place director of both the Tallahassee and Missoula at 8 p.m. in downtown symphony orchestras. He has appeared Asheville’s Thomas Wolfe at prestigious venues such as the Vienna Auditorium. Konzerthaus, the Gran Teatro Nacional of Butorac is the second of Lima, Belgrade’s Kolarac Hall, Teatro Magnani six finalists for the Asheville in Italy, as well as at the Tartu, Aspen, and Brevard summer music festivals. He has Conductor Darko Butorac Symphony’s music director position conducting an collaborated with soprano Renee Fleming, audition concert. The cellist Colin Carr, and Oscar-winning actor J.K. audience will be asked to give feedback via a Simmons. survey after the concert. The four remaining Opening his program is Christopher finalists will hold shows in February, March, April, and 1. AMERICAN FOLK ART & FRAMING 10. BLUE SPIRAL 1 19. THE SATELLITE GALLERY 2. APPALACHIAN CRAFT CENTER 11. THE CENTER FOR CRAFT, 20. SUSAN MARIE DESIGNS May. 3. ARIEL GALLERY CREATIVITY & DESIGN 21. TRACEY MORGAN GALLERY 4. ASHEVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL 12. CONTEMPORANEO ASHEVILLE 22. VAN DYKE JEWELRY & Praised by the 5. ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM 13. THE HAEN GALLERY FINE CRAFTS 6. ASHEVILLE GALLERY OF ART 14. HORSE + HERO 23. WOOLWORTH WALK Westdeutsche Zeitung for 7. aSHEville MUSEUM 15. JEWELS THAT DANCE 24. ZAPOW! 8. BENDER GALLERY 16. LEXINGTON GLASSWORKS 25. ZEST JEWELRY ART his “exceptional combination 9. BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE 17. MORA of passion, elegance, and MUSEUM + ARTS CENTER 18. MOUNTAIN MADE DOWNTOWNASHEVILLEARTDISTRICT.ORG

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Conductor Darko Butorac Leads the Asheville Symphony in Music Spanning Three Centuries November 18 Guest soloist Lisa Smirnova to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23

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Downtown Asheville — Dining • Shopping • Galleries • Music Theofanidis’ Rainbow Body, a universe as pure light. recent work that fuses Buddhist Rewinding roughly 200 years, philosophy with a the next work on medieval chant. the program is Butorac describes Mozart’s famous the piece as and influential “a dramatic Piano Concerto journey from No. 23 in A dark reflection to major featuring an explosion of internationally orchestral color renowned pianist and light.” Lisa Smirnova. According to The concerto’s its composer, three movements Rainbow Body take audiences Lisa Smirnova plays Mozart’s famous was born out of on an emotional and influential Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major. his fascination journey that teems with medieval with colorful mystic Hildegard characters and of Bingen’s music (the principal contrasts. melody of Rainbow Body is loosely Since her debut at Carnegie based on one of her chants), and Hall at the age of 20, Smirnova the Tibetan Buddhist concept of has been a much sought-after “Rainbow Body,” which is that soloist on stages around the when an enlightened person world. She is also the director of dies physically, his or her body is the Youth Talents Program at the absorbed directly back into the Robert Schumann Hochschule in

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Düsseldorf, Germany. Sergey Prokofiev’s dramatic Symphony No. 5 rounds out the evening’s program. Composed during the turmoil of World War II, the Russian composer’s symphony embodies the program’s theme, “versus.” Butorac notes that it “pits lyricism versus rhythm, heroism against pathos, all while whirling in Prokofiev’s signature rhythmic intensity.” The symphony’s three movements provide plenty of opportunities to highlight soloists and solo sections within the ranks of the Asheville Symphony. Single tickets for all concerts are $24-$69, depending on seating section (reduced youth pricing is available). Individual tickets and season ticket packages can be purchased online at ashevillesymphony.org, by phone at (828) 254-7046, or in person at the U.S. Cellular Center box office at 87 Haywood Street.

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Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 17

D r i n k s & D i n i n g G u i d e

18 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

Drinks&Dining Guide Cruising To Weight Loss: “The Cruise Control Diet” By Staff Reports If you’re desperate to lose weight, you might try to slash loads of calories

every day, but this won’t give you the results you want.

Studies have found that restrictive diets just don’t work – and they make you miserable. Enter The Cruise Control Diet plan. As its name suggests, it’s a straightforward eating plan and cuts out difficulties usually associated with dieting, like an obsession with calorie counting. Here’s why you should get your hands on the book Healthy Eating On Cruise Control: Hunger Free, Hassle Free Weight Loss by Robert Mann and start the process of losing weight in a healthy, satisfactory way. The Four Guidelines To Weight Loss: A comforting fact about The Cruise Control Diet is that you only have to follow a few guidelines, and they’re not about counting calories or cutting out food groups. These

instructions are: Eat natural foods instead of processed foods. The great news about this is that there are loads of natural food markets and farms in NC, so fresh, healthy foods are within easy reach. Avoid inflammatory foods, such as packaged and processed foods that are filled with unhealthy ingredients. Keep some cheat meals around to maintain balance. They could also help you lose weight, as research has found that having an incentive and reward in the form of a small treat can motivate you to stick to your healthy eating goals. See your weight-loss journey as a lifestyle change, not a diet, as this makes it a long-term replacement. It’s easy to change your eating habits with Cruise Control because the program includes a list of foods that you’re allowed to eat – and there are loads. Everything from healthy veggies and fruits,

seeds, nuts, grains, spices, herbs, legumes, and even lean meats. The program also gives you detailed lists for when you go grocery shopping, so you stick to your healthy eating plan and have lots of healthy foods to choose from. Then, when you come home, you don’t have to search for nutritious recipes online – they’re also included in the plan. Examples of recipes include guacamole, Italian seafood stew, spring lamb steaks, cream of onion soup, but there are much more. The Cruise Control Diet isn’t rocket science, and you don’t have to make serious changes to your current eating plan. You just cut out more of the wrong foods, like processed carbs and sugar, and eat healthier without starving yourself or cutting calories.

By itself, tofu is like wet foam rubber, but you’d no more eat it by itself and expect fine dining than you would stare at a blank canvas and expect to see fine art. — Victoria Moran

Healthy Eating on Cruise Control: Hunger Free, Hassle Free Weight Loss is available at Amazon as a Kindle Edition book.

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 19

ART TALK

‘Messages to the Heart’ book Cover

‘Rebirth’ by Elise Okrend

‘Rooted’ by Elise Okrend

Pastel artist Elise Okrend captures the healing essence of our mountains Elise Okrend is an artist who believes her creativity heals herself and others. Her light-filled studio and gallery on the first floor of the Wedge Building in Asheville’s River Arts District invite you into a soothing space of beauty, peace, and inspiration. Okrend creates her paintings from her observations of the natural world, using pastels

to portray scenes of light, clouds, mountains, lakes and sacred places. Her process starts with photographs she takes either outside her back door or from her travels. Next, she sketches the composition on sanded paper. This beautiful substrate allows Okrend to achieve a smooth gradation of color as well as multi-layered textural work. Pastel color is

20 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

IF YOU O fromGthe

By Staff Reports

applied dark areas working toward the lightest tones. Okrend applies pastel with her fingers giving her a direct connection from her body to the paper. Okrend says she has always been drawn to painting and design. Growing up in New York City, her earliest memories as a child were ‘Okrend’ cont on pg. 27

TAKE NOTHING PERSONALLY Don’t Take Anything Personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering. — From The Four Agreements don Miguel Ruiz

We take things so personally. If someone likes us, we tend to like them and feel good about ourselves. If someone dislikes us, we dislike them and can have our sense of well-being, and personal peace disrupted. If the world and the events around us are playing out in ways we favor, we are happy. If the world and events around us are playing out in ways we do not favor, our happiness and well-being are typically affected negatively. This can be about something as impersonal as the weather, yet we make it personal. When it involves another person or groups of people, when it involves our desires and ambitions, we tend to take it very personally. You might ask, “Shouldn’t we care what others think of us and shouldn’t we care if life is the way we want it to be?” And the answer has to be yes and no. Caring is one thing. Personalizing is another. To care means that we are taking circumstances and people seriously, and we care whether some sense of greater good is being served in how events are unfolding. Personalizing means we are a weather vane for every wind that blows, and there can be some fierce winds in this world. It is not uncommon for people to be having real difficulty with another person. It may be that for whatever reason someone has targeted them and is behaving in a bullying and intimidating manner, or it may be that someone is disrespectful to them or ignoring them or manipulating them. There are so many ways that people behave that can be taken as assaults on our dignity, autonomy, and value. Likewise, the events of the world and the circumstances of our lives can turn distinctly to our disliking and personal disadvantage. Should we care? Yes. We should care to understand what is happening and why, and we should care to do what we can if a situation can be addressed to bring about some greater understanding and we can address its effect in a way that minimizes harm and increases general benefit. Should we personalize and find our sense of well-being and balance dependent on people and events being the way we want them to be? Of course not. When we have our sense of balance, well-being, and confidence dependent on circumstances and persons outside of us, we have no real stability, well-being, and confidence at all. As for interpersonal difficulties, don Miguel Ruiz’s advice in the Four Agreements is sage. It resonates with a maxim from the Gestalt Therapy founder Fritz Perls who offered the observation, “Thou art projection.” Human beings most often have a sense of themselves and the world that is not what is real

ZEN PHILOSOPHY WITH BILL WALZ

and right, but rather is the amalgam of psychological, social and cultural conditioning creating a virtual reality of what they believe to be real, and they project this virtual reality onto others and the world. We are projection screens for others, and they are projections screens for us. Everyone is projecting their assumptions and personal history and neurotic tendencies onto each other. So it apparently cannot be wise to invest our sense of balance, security, and well-being in this multiplex of movies that is any gathering of people or set of circumstances. I like to offer in illustration that we could take ten random people off the street and have them experience a person for a day, and then interview these ten people and we would get a breakdown of opinion that would roughly have three of them really liking the person, three of them not particularly liking the person and the other four pretty much indifferent. Consider this when the next person out of ten is giving you a hard time, and your whole sense of balance is being thrown by that person. As for circumstances, it is essential to pay attention to how everything can be going along just fine and then something “goes wrong” - and we become completely taken over by what we are judging to have gone wrong. There are several lessons to be learned here. The first is that we pay very little attention to what is going right – just like we give very little mental energy to the people who like us or have tiny opinion of us. That’s because these circumstances and people are not feeding into the insecurities of our ego. The sad truth is most people have very insecure egos. It’s the state of affairs in our society. It isn’t our fault, and it doesn’t make us wrong. We are all shaped and conditioned by those psychological, social and cultural factors I mentioned earlier, and in our society, it is quite rare for a person to be raised in a manner that results in them being calmly confident and relatively free of depending on circumstances for their sense of well-being. So, circumstances and other people’s behavior and opinions play a very significant role in a person’s confidence and wellbeing, and in this matter, we tend to be a bit paranoid, that is, looking for the circumstances and people that shake our happiness and confidence. And of course, we will find them, for life is everything and all kinds of people and all kinds of circumstances. If we allowed all the things that go right and all the beautiful people who treat us quite well to register with the same importance we give to the problematic situations and people, we would not tend to get shaken so readily. The second factor is this issue of what’s good and what’s bad for us. There is truth in psychological and spiritual teachings that difficult situations and people are beneficial to us, for they give us the opportunity to see where our conditioning needs some attending, where our skill-set with life could use some development and improvement. All of us can relate that there are times in our life that have been difficult and we would have preferred not to have gone

through them, yet we can also look back and realize that often these times were ones when we learned a great deal about ourselves and life. They were times when, although difficult, we perhaps achieved some real growth, became more skillful, more discerning and more compassionate. They were times when perhaps we became more discerning at the difference between compassion and co-dependence, perhaps more confident in our ability to handle the travails and setbacks of life, and learned better what to value and what not to, and which people to trust and which not to trust. We may even have learned how to not trust someone compassionately, that is, to realize it is only their conditioning that has them behaving in this untrustworthy manner, so there is no need to dislike or hate them, that it is simply not wise to take them into our zone of trust, and certainly not wise to take their opinions and behavior personally. There is a Zen saying that “obstacles do not block the path, obstacles are the path,” and it is that saying that applies here. What is important is whether we will take these “difficult” times as opportunities, or whether we take them personally as set-backs and defeats, as confirmation that we are somehow defective, inadequate and not up to the challenges of life. Life is perfect. It is perfectly all things, and we are expressions of life, and so, we too are perfect, capable of facing all challenges if we hold our center knowing we are expressions of life. If we meet our challenges with curiosity and compassion rather than fear and projection, we can manage anything and anyone. Another Zen saying says, “You may kill me, but you cannot defeat me.” Not when I truly know who I am, and live in the unshakable sense of “I am,” for that is what we are. Not “I am this or that,” but rather simply and unshakable, “I am.” Our spiritual and psychological journey is arriving in this unshakable realization of who we are as a Being that is an expression of the Universe just like a bear or a bird that takes nothing personally and just lives the life it is given as skillfully as its faculties will allow. Nothing is personal. It’s just another thing to be understood and engaged in the great and sacred cosmic dance of life.

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. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 21

HEALTH

Traveling Diseases — be prepared for the unexpected Travel to foreign, exotic places can be an exciting adventure for the over

1 billion tourists who

travel internationally away from their usual place of residence.

Along with planning the itinerary of such a trip, the appropriate wardrobe, and the sites of interest along the way, every traveler knows to be aware of the disrupting and potentially dangerous diseases common to such exotic places. The list of rules for avoiding

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traveler’s diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis B, and cholera include: wash your hands frequently, drink only bottled water, avoid locally made ice, eat only well cooked, hygienically prepared foods. Also, prevent malaria, dengue, and yellow fever by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants, and using mosquito nets at night. Most travelers know these diseases can not only disrupt a wonderful trip but can have long-term consequences, even death. While these infectious diseases make up only 2.5-4% of the illnesses one can encounter on a trip, they do seem to concentrate in some of the most exciting places to visit – Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the tropics of Central and South America, and sub-Sahara Africa. Fortunately, vaccines exist for all most all of these diseases (not traveler’s diarrhea or malaria) and the need for these inoculations is limited to specific occupations and

By Max Hammonds, MD

because of high vaccination rates (higher than 90-95%). As a result, the chance of meeting someone with one of these diseases is very remote. However, in subSahara Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent (including Afghanistan and Pakistan), and the East Indies the vaccination rates can be 30-70% which is Photo by Jason Ortego of Tokyo, Japan not high enough to create “herd” immunity and suppress these countries. diseases. However – most tourists Interestingly, many European are unaware that the typical countries also have lower childhood diseases for which vaccination rates (60-80%) most Americans have been because of unfounded fears vaccinated as infants and toddlers of vaccines. As a result, these are a significant danger for diseases regularly break out in the overseas travelers. Rubella (3UK, Germany, Sweden, Italy, the day or German measles), rubella Netherlands, Japan, the Middle (red or hard measles), mumps, East, and former Soviet Union chickenpox, pertussis (whooping countries. cough), diphtheria, and polio For those who have personally are still quite common in many experienced one these diseases, overseas areas – and not just in immunity is life-long. But for those developing countries. All of these diseases are highly contagious and who acquired their resistance transmitted primarily by respiratory by vaccination, the immunity is shorter-lived – 3-20 years. droplets (coughing and sneezing.) Before going on your next exotic And all of these diseases have trip, check with your health 10-30% complication rates maintenance provider as to what (mostly in infants, adults, adult vaccinations you might and immunocompromised need to update – to protect your people): pneumonia, meningitis, dream vacation from unpleasant encephalitis, paralysis, hepatitis, surprises. deafness, and death – and significant fetal malformations All of these diseases are spread when passed to pregnant women. primarily by respiratory droplets Some of these diseases no (coughing or sneezing). longer exist in the Americas

22 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

PERFORMING ARTS THIS NOVEMBER

Amanda Horton, soprano, and Jonathan Ross, baritone

Daniel Weiser, Artistic Director, and pianist

John Kaneklides

APPASSIONATA: The Romance of Italian Opera in three venues in November By Staff Reports AmiciMusic, WNC’s award-winning, and acclaimed chamber music organization, will present another exciting vocal program featuring scenes from great Italian operas along with some

Neopolitan and Italian street songs, all performed in very intimate and non-traditional venues. favorite

Daniel Weiser, Artistic Director, and pianist brings together three top-flight singers for this show, including a young tenor, John Kaneklides, who has been described by Opera News as “the very picture of youthful optimism and potential.” Asheville favorites Amanda Horton, soprano, and Jonathan Ross, baritone, have performed many times with AmiciMusic and Asheville Lyric Opera and bring a fantastic chemistry and spirit to these fast-paced shows. This program highlights the high romance of Italian opera and songs, featuring opera scenes by Verdi (La Traviata), Puccini (La Boheme), and Donizetti (Elixir of Love) as well as some arias showcasing lighter Italian music such as “O Sole Mio” and “Funiculi, Funicula.” Artistic Director Daniel Weiser will act as the orchestra from the piano, tell stories about the operas,

and provide some fun anecdotes about the composers and the songs. This is opera without a stage in a truly intimate setting where the audience becomes part of the show.

There will be three different performances:

On Friday, Nov 17, 7:30 pm, they will perform at a special House Concert at 45 Beadle Lane in the Ramble in Asheville. Seating will be very limited for this show and reservations are required. Cost is $40/person, which includes light food and wine. Experience grand opera in the intimate setting of a beautiful home. On Saturday, November 18, the performance will take place at the Champion Hills Country Club as a benefit concert for the Hendersonville Sister Cities organization. Mike and Beverly Swartzlander are co-sponsoring the program with Renzo Maietto. The delicious Italian food will be provided by Renzo’s Restaurant in Hendersonville and the Champion Hills Club. This evening of Italian opera and cuisine begins at 6 pm with the music to start around 7 pm. The $75 fee includes a full dinner,

taxes, gratuity, and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks are also available with beverage tickets bought at the door. This is an excellent night of music and food for a terrific cause. On Sunday, November 19, AmiciMusic returns to the fabulous Orchard Inn in Saluda for their third performance in this charming and historical setting that has a terrific living room in which to perform. Marc and Marianne, the Innkeepers, are amazing hosts, who graciously open their doors and provide fantastic food and drinks for the event. This will be a fund raiser for the Saluda Depot, which seeks to preserve and restore the historic train Depot in Saluda. Hors d’oeurvres will begin at 4 pm with the music starting at 5 pm. Beverage tickets for alcohol are available for purchase at the door. Tickets are $50pp. For more information and to purchase seats for any of these shows, please visit: amicimusic.org/concert/appassionata/ Or call Daniel Weiser at (802) 369-0856 to buy seats over the phone.

IF YOU GO

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 23

THE POET'S VOICE

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Yom Kippur. I love these services. One of the prayers of forgiveness reads, “Forgive me if I forgot our common humanity.” That says a lot in a few words. We are humans together. I also played for the blessing of the animals at my church. There were 20 dogs and two cats. I ended up holding the leash of a Newfoundland, a dog who made me feel small. We sang a song about “Critters.” and ended up with “I thank you God for making me. Me.” I love that. The words don’t say who “Me” is, female, male, black, white, Hispanic, Native American, gay or straight. We are charged with loving ourselves and giving thanks for who we are. Walt Whitman intrudes with “Song of Myself” I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you. If I were Whitman, I’d celebrate myself, too. Now we hear from Jimmy Carter. President Jimmy Carter. Presidents HAVE written and read poetry. “Priorities of Some Mexican Children” A sign was leaning toward adobe shacks / back from the road, across a dry plateau. / LLANOS it read, the same as our Plains. / When we stopped to photograph the view / three black-hairs children hurried down a path / “Get out your pocketbooks,” I said, / “I can guess the word,” / When they got closer, we could tell / it was not dinero but / lapiz and papel. (paper and pencil) From immigrant, Raphael Campo I chose a poem titled, “In The Form”

24 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

A sonnet? Tension. Words withheld. A rhyme / Where memory has left its watermark, / A turn of phrase that brings another time. / (My parents arguing about the stork, And whether it appears in / Shakespeare’s work: / “Let me not to the marriage of true minds - (“That’s enough dear!”) A passion gone berserk, / A whetstone where the ax of language grinds / Until precision is its point, until / The carving out of one’s own heart is fine / And painless as a summer’s breeze. Control / Is what I shout into this microphone / About: I want to say I love them. Wait, / I can’t - I’m running out of time! Too late. This poem is from Campo’s book. The Other Man Was Me. What does it mean to be “the other” in the US? I hope you have visited Connemara, Carl Sandburg’s home. He writes in a poem, Peace Between Wars - . . . Therefore we know absolutely / incontestably, / the peace we now see / will run / till the next war begins / whereupon peace /will be ushered in / at the end of the next war. / Beyond this / we know little / absolutely, incontestably. And a few more words from Carl. He wrote: There are freedom whisperers. Both may serve. Have I, have you, been too silent? Is there an easy crime of silence? Is there any easy road to freedom? Oh, I wish Sandburg and Whitman were here now. They were brave truth tellers. Read the bio of both men. Be brave!

BOOKS Conversation with writers — New book on grief and loss By Staff Reports It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand in conversation with Will Daddario When a painful loss or life-shattering event upends your world, here is the first thing to know: there is nothing wrong with grief. “Grief is simply love in its most wild and painful form,” says Megan Devine. “It is a natural and sane response to loss.” So, why does our culture treat grief like a disease to be cured as quickly as possible? In It’s OK That You’re Not OK, Devine offers a profound new approach to both the experience of grief and the way we try to help others who have endured tragedy. Having experienced pain from both sides — as both a therapist and as a woman who witnessed the accidental drowning of her beloved partner — Devine writes with deep insight about the unspoken truths of loss, love, and healing. She debunks the culturally prescribed

goal of returning to a healthy, “happy” life, replacing it with a far healthier middle path, one that invites us to build a life alongside grief rather than seeking to overcome it. In this compelling and heartful book, you’ll learn: • Why well-meaning advice, therapy, and spiritual wisdom so often end up making it harder for people in grief • How challenging the myths of grief — doing away with stages, timetables, and unrealistic ideas about how grief should unfold — allows us to accept grief as a mystery to be honored instead of a problem to solve • Practical guidance for managing stress, improving sleep, and decreasing anxiety without trying to “fix” your pain • How to help the people you love — with essays to teach us the best skills, checklists, and suggestions for supporting and comforting others through the grieving process

Support Local book stores / sellers Writers & Poets!

Many people who have suffered a loss feel judged,

dismissed, and misunderstood by a culture that wants to “solve” grief. Devine writes, “Grief no host numerous Readings & NOV. 2017 We Book clubs, as well as Salons! more needs a solution than love PARTIAL LISTING Visit www.malaprops.com needs a solution.” Through stories, READINGS & BOOK SIGNINGS research, life tips, and creative and mindfulness-based practices, she ANNE BOGEL presents READING PEOPLE: HOW offers a unique guide through an SEEING THE WORLD experience we all must face — in our THROUGH THE LENS OF personal lives, in the lives of those PERSONALITY CHANGES we love, and in the wider EVERYTHING 11/04 - 6:pm world. LADY PASSION AND *DIUVEI It’s OK That DOUBLE LAUNCH OF You’re Not OK is RITUALS AND SABBATS: a book for grieving SACRED RITES AND people, those who SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS love them, and all AND CANDLE MAGIC: WORKING WITH WAX, WICK, those seeking to love AND FLAME 11/08 - 6PM themselves — and each other — better. Orison Books Event: MISS Devine is a writer, speaker, PORTLAND, a novel by DAVID and advocate for emotional EBENBACH, and GHOST CHILD OF THE ATALANTA change on a cultural level. She BLOOM, poems by REBECCA holds a master’s in counseling ARONSON 11/14 6pm psychology. Since the tragic loss of her partner in 2009, she has MEGAN MIRANDA presents FRAGMENTS OF THE LOST emerged as a bold new voice in 11/15 - 6pm the world of grief support. Her contributions via her site Refuge in Grief have helped create a sanctuary 55 Haywood St. for those in pain and encouragement (828) 254-6734 • 800-441-9829 for those who want to help. For Monday-Saturday 9AM to 9PM Sunday 9AM to 7PM more, visit refugeingrief.com. Local author Will Daddario, author of To Grieve, joins Devine. Malaprop’s Bookstore / Cafe Thursday, November 16, 6pm 55 Haywood St. www.malaprops.com

IF YOU GO

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 25

Elinor Bowman Exploring the human figure By Staff Reports

Elinor Bowman, ‘Angles, Legs and Leaves’ By Michael Cole

Dragon

My favorite subject is people, primarily painting live models. No matter how many times I’ve painted a model, some other aspect shows up. And new models are ‘Bowman’ cont. pg. 28

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MORE ART

and in-demand artist. Recently, her peers selected one of her floral pieces, “Renewal” (see left) to represent the 2017 Spring River Arts District Studio Stroll. One of Okrend’s passions is creating one of a kind commission pieces for her clients that represent special places in their lives. She recently delivered a painting for a couple that loved a particular spot in Wyoming that was full of meaning for them. In addition to original paintings, Okrend offers giclee prints, art tiles/coasters and greeting cards produced from her original ‘Renewal’ by Elise Okrend artwork. She also collaborated with her husband Phil Okrend, a certified life coach ‘Okrend’ cont from pg. 20 and writer to produce the beautiful coffee table painting pictures of the solar system. She book, Messages to the Heart, Reflections of moved on to endless hours of studying the Beauty and Truth. The hardcover book pairs 37 master artist’s drawings and majored in fine art of Okrend’s paintings with Phil’s mindful, poetic in college. passages. The book and all of Elise’s work are After a career in commercial art and design, available at her studio and gallery. and later moving to Raleigh to raise her family, Okrend’s love of the Blue Ridge Mountains The Elise Okrend Studio and Gallery IF would eventually bring her to Asheville. Quickly YOU O is located at The Wedge Studios, 129 G establishing herself in Asheville’s River Arts Roberts Street, First Floor. District, Okrend has emerged as a respected WWW.ELISEOKREND.COM

Find Art and you will Find Yourself

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ARTIST TALK ‘Bowman’ cont. from pg. 26 a completely new experience. I also like to paint still life subjects, and landscapes. Watercolor, Black Walnut ink, and Chinese ink are currently my favorite mediums. I love the spontaneity, with results in the painting which may not have been expected or Elinor Bowman, ‘A little drippy’ Elinor Bowman, ‘Reaching’ predicted. Most of my live Black Mountain, NC. The paintings of clothed model paintings in this show are painted at an models are from one long pose, while nude open studio at the Swannanoa Art League in model poses are short poses.

28 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

My paintings can be seen at Asheville Gallery of Art in downtown Asheville (a mix of watercolor paintings and ink Elinor Bowman, ‘Woman, chair’ paintings), and at EcoDepot Marketplace in the River Arts District, (mostly ink paintings). elinorbowman.com IF YOU GO

FINE ART

‘Abstraction’ continued from pg. 13 Upcoming Solo Show: Confluence -Abstraction and Landscape Coming Together The opening at Asheville School’s John M. Crawford Gallery will be Nov. 6 - Dec. 15. Opening Reception Nov. 9, 5:30-7pm. My work can also be seen at my studio in the River Arts District on the Second floor of the Wedge Building, 129 Cindy Walton Roberts St., Asheville. (828) 776-3034. www. cindywalton.com OPENING RECEPTION AT THE ASHEVILLE SCHOOL FOR CINDY WALTON’S “CONFLUENCE: ABSTRACTION & LANDSCAPE COMING TOGETHER” The Asheville School, a nationally-acclaimed coed boarding school for students in grades 9 - 12, will hold an opening reception and exhibit of new paintings by local Artist Cindy Walton. WHEN: The opening reception will be Nov. 9, 5:30-7pm. The exhibit will be on display until December 14. WHERE: Asheville School’s Walker Arts Center in the Crawford Art Gallery DETAILS: Through writings and bold marks traveling in and out of the layers of oil and cold wax, Asheville artist Cindy Walton captures action, energy and quiet musings of nature in her paintings. The surfaces are layered with paint to create depth and texture. As the layers are built, Cindy incises the surface with sharp-edged tools and large sticks of oil paint. “I seek to project authentic intimate interpretations of the world as I encounter it—coast and mountains, past and present.”— Cindy Walton” For further information about Cindy’s work, please visit her website at www.cindywalton.com.

‘Holding On’ Oil, Cold Wax on Wood by Gretchen Chadwick

‘Summer Field’ Oil, Cold Wax on Wood by Gretchen Chadwick

‘Purple Clover’ Oil, Cold Wax on Wood by Gretchen Chadwick

Gretchen Chadwick: The Art of Subtlety By Staff Reports

Gretchen

Chadwick’s

Formerly a portrait and figure painter trained in the work evokes quiet places. techniques of the old masUsing a palette of neutrals ters, Gretchen’s work has layered over more vibrant hues, become more abstract over Gretchen’s paintings become the years as she has sought marshes, fallow fields, trees a more profound expression clinging to their last leaves, or of her inner voice. Meditapurely non-representational tion is a big part of her life, pieces that invite contemplaso it is no wonder that many tion. The cold wax medium of the visitors to her studio she uses with oil paint allows in the Wedge building say for depth, texture, and subtlety Gretchen Chadwick (Photo by Herb Way) that her work gives them a that encourages the viewer to sense of serenity. “If I can linger and explore. create a little peace in this crazy world, I feel Gretchen’s creative process is one of dislike I’m doing my job,” says Gretchen. covery. She rarely starts with a fixed idea of recent

what she’s going to paint. As she works, the paintings take shape, seemingly of their own accord, from the stored impressions and sensations accumulated during Gretchen’s travels and wanderings in nature.

You can see Gretchen’s art at Wedge Studios, 1A-2, Open most days, 12-5pm. Website: www.fineartbygretchen.com Contact: gac462@yahoo.com, (484) 319-1598 IF YOU GO

Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 29

ART TALK

RAPID RIVER'S COMICS www.brotherrock.net

Ratchet and Spin

By Jess and Russ Woods

He Has Prepared a City for Them

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Grace Carol Bomer

Corgi Tales

By Phil Hawkins

Best in Show

By Phil Juliano

The first Saturday in December, she is hosting a day-long CHRISTMAS OPEN STUDIO. Since Bomer has painted and taught in Asheville for years, she has a large selection of work, including many smaller oil and wax paintings from her classes. Her oil and wax paintings have been described as visual poetry. They are imaginative and full of faith. Her abstracted images capture the grace that is life—a brief interlude of time in the vastness of eternity and the timeless Creator God who brings eternity and time together. Her work could be called expressive realism although it is abstract. It is the mystery of the Incarnation when God (Spirit) became flesh and lived among us that informs her work. It points to the “grand narrative” that is the Word of God, Jesus, who himself spoke in parables so people could understand and those with eyes to see would see. Jesus called Himself a door, a pearl of great price, a great treasure, the

30 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017

By Staff Reports

rich man who can enter through a needle’s eye, and the lamb of God, just to mention a few metaphors in the biblical narrative. For example, we all know the story of The Prodigal Son, as we all know our prodigal hearts. It is the story of the everlasting love and forgiveness the Father has for his son (or his children). This love is the central focus of God’s grace and the attention of her work as a painter. This large Prodigal painting has been sold, but Bomer will have affordable giclee prints at her Christmas Open House, along with other giclee prints and original oil and wax paintings like Worthy is the Lamb and the Red Sea Crossing. Grace Carol Bomer Fine Art studio is located in Asheville’s popular River Arts District #6 Warehouse Studios, the first building reclaimed years ago for art studios. (828)545-2451 gracecarolbomer.com IF YOU GO

‘Pottery’ continued from pg. 4 and jewelry making. And in my brand, I’ll be able to integrate these passions to offer my customers new, exciting, functional pieces.

Don’t miss 2017’s #Shopsmall Nov 25. Cathey Bolton

year or so. What’s your most recent news? After nine years of developing and branding my business identity, I’ve begun to brand my work and design. I’ve always been Cathey Bolton Pottery Queen Anne’s multi-passionate Lace Appetizer Plate when it comes to art with a background in studio ceramics, sculpture, textiles

Where can people find you? My gallery is located in Historic Frog Level near Downtown Waynesville at 250 Depot Street. For daily news, my Facebook and Instagram accounts are @ artondepot. This November Art Ceramic pendant by on Depot is offering a Cathey Bolton free spoon rest with any purchase over $50. It’s a fantastic place to do your Holiday flatware shopping.

IF YOU GO

Art on Depot — Studio & Gallery (828) 246-0218 www.artondepotgallery.com 250 Depot St, Waynesville, NC 28786

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Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017 31

32 Vol. 21, No. 3 — RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — November 2017