#USA #Asheville #ArtsvilleUSA #Open // Air #Western North Carolina

ArtsvilleUSA Launches 'Open // Air'

On June 3, 2026, ArtsvilleUSA, a nonprofit institution devoted to promoting the creative talents of Western North Carolina (WNC), proudly introduces its latest virtual exhibition, titled 'Open // Air.' This innovative showcase, expertly curated by Executive Director Elise Wilson, features an impressive array of outdoor sculptures and installations crafted by artists from 25 counties within WNC.

A New Era of Exhibition

This event marks the inaugural exhibition under ArtsvilleUSA's PAVE (Partner Archival Virtual Exhibition) Program, a pivotal initiative designed to digitize and prolong the visibility of traditional art exhibitions. With this program, ArtsvilleUSA aims to ensure that the vibrant works depicted in 'Open // Air' are preserved in a digital format, fostering continuous accessibility and providing artists with broader exposure.

The exhibition features contributions from a diverse group of artists, including notable figures like Melissa Borrell, Elizabeth Brim, and Robert Winkler. Their artwork showcases a variety of materials, such as wood, stone, glass, and even living plants, highlighting the stunning artistic expressions rooted in the WNC landscape. Installations are strategically placed in public spaces across the region, inviting visitors to experience the artworks in their natural settings.

Encouraging Arts Tourism

In line with its goal to boost rural arts tourism, especially in the wake of economic challenges posed by the Helene era, ArtsvilleUSA will also publish a travelogue on June 10, guiding visitors seeking to explore the featured artworks across the region. The travelogue will include hot spots such as the bustling downtown areas of Asheville and Waynesville, Burnsville Town Square, Grovewood Village at the Omni Grove Park Inn, the Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden, and the NC Arboretum. This initiative will help visitors navigate this artistic journey, encouraging them to witness firsthand the creativity sprouting in WNC.

Open // Air invites art enthusiasts to engage with the exhibition either online via ArtsvilleUSA's virtual gallery or by visiting the installations in their local environments. The exhibition will remain accessible indefinitely, with all artworks digitally archived to allow continued appreciation long after they are displayed in real life.

For further details about the exhibition or to explore the rich offerings of ArtsvilleUSA, interested individuals can visit ArtsvilleUSA.com or reach out to Editor-in-Chief Morgan Laurens or Executive Director Elise Wilson directly.

About ArtsvilleUSA and Your Invitation to Explore

ArtsvilleUSA is dedicated to celebrating the rich artistic culture of Western North Carolina, focusing on both craft traditions and contemporary makers. Through various mediums such as exhibitions and podcasts, ArtsvilleUSA strives to amplify the voices of local artists, contributing to the broader narrative of visual and performing arts in the region.

The PAVE program exemplifies ArtsvilleUSA's commitment to enhancing the artistic community. By creating lasting digital records of exhibitions, the program ensures that the significance of regional artistry will not fade away but instead flourish in the digital realm, providing new opportunities for exposure and connection.

As our cultural landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like 'Open // Air' highlight the importance of community engagement through the arts. This exhibition is not just a display of creativity; it’s a call to explore, engage, and celebrate the artistic spirit that thrives across the beautiful landscapes of Western North Carolina.