Randy Shull and Hedy Fischer are creating a colorful sensation on Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District. The former textile manufacturing and warehouse building at 342-348 Depot Street has been transformed into an exciting mix of artist studios and retail spaces.
Pink Dog Creative shares the neighborhood with New Belgium & the Wedge Breweries, 12 Bones Smokehouse and hundreds of local artists. Pink Dog has 33 artists working in their studios, GRIND Coffee Bar, Fresh West Wood Fired Pizza, Vivian Restaurant and A.C.E. Bicycles. Pink Dog raises funds and awareness for people and organizations working to make our communities more equitable and just, including Southside Rising, Youth Artists Empowered and the Edington Center, among others.
Open Hours: Artists work odd hours but we promise to have our studios open for the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 11–5.
We’re thrilled that Pink Dog Creative was chosen to represent Asheville in this stunning short film.
Ongoing Exhibitions & Artist News
The Nude: Beauty, Grace and Form. Celebrating the Human Figure
Pink Dog Gallery
February 4, 2023–April 1, 2023
The human figure is the most complex form in nature. Understanding how the body works and practicing drawing it helps us understand other forms in nature as well. It trains an artist to see almost every form of curve, line, and subtle undulation found in nature. Whether an artist is primarily a figurative painter or not, life drawing benefits the artist to see motion, form and subtlety in a new way.
The six artists in the exhibition represent an eclectic group of artistic approaches that includes painting, collage, ink wash drawing and mixed media. Leaflin draws her figures on old textbook pages. Josh builds figure compositions by gradually adding multiple figures into one sketch/piece. Joseph uses ink washes. The works in the exhibit are designed to offer the many and varied interpretations of the human figure.
The artists all live in the Asheville area and include Bonnie Currie, Cyrus Glance, Joseph Pearson, Skip Rohde, Josh Tripoli and Leaflin Lore Winecoff. Five of the six artists are regular participants of the open life drawing sketch sessions at Rusty Lotus Dojo in Asheville, where Bonnie Currie and Leaflin Lore Winecoff are co-directors of the sketch sessions.
Contact: Joseph Pearson
http://www.josephart.net/contacts.html
Cutting Edge: Art of Collage
Pink Dog Gallery
April 7–May 7, 2023
Opening reception: Saturday, April 7, 2023, 5:00-8:00pm
The basic materials of collage (scissors, paper, glue), make it one of the most widely practiced art mediums—but not necessarily the most exhibited. Cutting Edge celebrates the accessibility and democracy of collage art, with a full spectrum, from post cards to large works, from energetic immediacy to thoughtful craft. Cutting Edge artists, whether they are titled collagist, painter, photographer, poet, or sculptor, demonstrate the great diversity and excitement of the medium. Co-curated by Connie Bostic and Marya Roland.
About the Curators:
Connie Bostic, (co-curator) has been a consistent force in the Asheville art community for over 30 years. She has exhibited her paintings widely and was the owner of Zone One Gallery. Collage has at times been a major focus in her work and always a side focus via studies and post cards.
Marya Roland, (co-curator) nominally a sculptor, is interested in creative energies integrating with life. She became involved with collage during COVID when post cards sent by Connie Bostic and others piqued her interest. At that time she began a collage collaboration with artist Diane Nushida-Tokuno in Hawaii.
Participating artists:
Susan Amorde, Los Angeles, https://www.susanamorde.com/
Pinky Bass, Fair Hope, Alabama, https://pinkymmbass.com/
Connie Bostic, Asheville
Jean Hess, Knoxville TN, http://jeanhess.com
Judy Kleinberg, Bellingham Washington, https://chocolateisaverb.wordpress.com/
Suzanne Malitz, New York
Diane Nushida-Tokuno, Hawaii
Marya Roland, Asheville, maryaroland.net
elin o’Hara slavick, Los Angeles, http://www.elinoharaslavick.com/
Steven Siegel, New York, https://www.stevensiegel.net/
Ruby Silvious, New York https://www.rubysilvious.com/
Terry Taylor, Asheville
Please click here for the Facebook event invitation.
Christie Calaycay in Show Off!
Virginia Beach Art Center
Virginia Beach, VA
March 3–April 2, 2023
Christie Calaycay has been accepted into Show Off!, a juried nation-wide exhibition which gives artists an opportunity to submit their very best pieces. The showcase is presented by Virginia Beach Art Center. Calaycay’s Fandango Earrings will be on exhibit March 3 – April 2.
Find more information at the exhibition website.
Cindy Walton in All Abstract 2023
311 Gallery, 311 W. Martin St., Raleigh, NC
March 3–April 28, 2023
Opening Reception March 3, 6:00–9:00 PM
All Abstract 2023 is a nationally juried exhibition at Gallery 311 in Raleigh, NC. Two of Cindy Walton’s works from her Constructs series were accepted to this exhibit.
More details at the gallery website.
Noël Yovovich at Focus Gallery
Folk Art Center, Second Level
382 Blue Ride Parkway
March 1–May 15, 2023
Noël Yovovich’s one of a kind art jewelry will be featured through May 15 in the Focus Gallery, upstairs at the Folk Art Center. Work is available year round downstairs in the Allenstand shop at the Folk Art Center as well as at her studio in Pink Dog Creative.
See more of Noël’s work at her website.
Ukrainian Pysanky Egg workshops + artist talk with Andrea Kulish
Asheville, Brevard, and Greenville, NC
Learn to create Ukrainian pysanky Easter eggs with pysanky artist Andrea Kulish. The multicolored designs are created using a wax resist, or batik, method, with melted beeswax and dyes. Learn about the process and the meanings of the colors and symbols. Andrea will be teaching at her Pink Dog Creative studio as well as Transylvania County Arts in Brevard, NC, the NC Arboretum, and Eastern Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Andrea will also give an artist talk at the NC Arboretum on Friday, March 17 from 4-5:30pm.
See the spring schedule, request more info and sign up at Andrea’s website.
Jewels of the Southern Coast
New photography book by Tim Barnwell
Photographer and author Tim Barnwell has a new book out, Jewels of the Southern Coast: Architectural Gems of Charleston, Savannah and Beyond. The book includes 130 full page black-and-white photographs, made over the past 20 years along the South Carolina and Georgia coast. It highlights the beautiful, historic buildings of coastal towns including civic, governmental, religious and residential structures. Also included are landscape images to set the scene. A brief history of the area with an emphasis on its architecture is included in the Introduction by Robert Salvo. The new book, along with Tim’s seven other titles, are available at his studio, Suite 106, or by calling 828-251-0040, or on his website at www.barnwellphoto.com.
Welcome Emelie Weber Wade
Suite 101
Emelie Weber Wade is a weaver and designer working on 4 and 8-shaft floor looms to create modern textiles for the old soul. Wade’s current focus is on wearable art and soft sculpture constructed with sustainable, handwoven materials. She designs her own weaving patterns using computer software, then weaves the fabric on a loom and finishes it on a sewing machine. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and never replicated again. Wade’s body of work is inspired by flowers, trees, plants, and insects.
Wade has 10 years experience in production weaving. She received training as a weaving apprentice at Berea College, where she also earned a Bachelor’s degree in studio art with a concentration in fibers. In 2014, she received the Sarah Fuller Smith Loom Award, which allowed her to purchase a loom of her choice to continue the craft.
Welcome Shannon Owens
Suite 120
Welcome Shannon Owens to Suite 120! Shannon states, “My family and I found a home here in Asheville and plan to be here forever. The art and people are so captivating, I hope to be apart of that! Acrylic paintings are where I find my comfort, but I venture into oils, gouache, watercolors, and wood burning. Art is a calling of mine and has always been a huge part of my life. While in the Navy I taught Paint Night Parties on nights and weekends and for years I have done commissioned art pieces. I hope that my art will bring you joy and a desire to create art of your own.”
See more of Shannon’s work on her Instagram page.
Outlandish: Photographs by Ralph Burns | Photographs from the Collection of Allen G. Thomas Jr. at North Carolina Museum of Art
North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, NC
August 20, 2022–February 12, 2023
The North Carolina Museum of Art is exhibiting a selection of Ralph Burns’ photographs in its new exhibition, Outlandish: Photographs by Ralph Burns | Photographs from the Collection of Allen G. Thomas Jr. Using photographs from the Museum’s permanent collection, this exhibition examines the peculiarity of human experience and expression. Burns’ work, in the Julian T. Baker Gallery, “captures the intricacies of worship, ritual, and love.” The exhibition is on view in the East Building from August 20, 2022 to February 12, 2023.
Please click here for more information at the museum website.
NCMA’s Fall 2022 Billboards: Ralph Burns
North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, NC
September 2022–March 2023
Burns’ photographs will also be on display in North Carolina Museum of Art’s Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. The exhibition, Fall 2022 Billboards: Ralph Burns “surveys the artist’s distinguished black-and-white documentarian style,” with his images serving “as glimpses into a connected experience of religiosity and adoration.” Fall 2022 Billboards: Ralph Burns will be on display from September 2022 to March 2023.
Please click here for more information at the museum website.
See more of Burns’ work at his website.
Andrea Kulish Fundraisers for Ukraine in Time and Wall Street Journal
Studio Stroll Fundraiser for Ukraine
Studio A, 344 Depot Street, Suite 100
Pysanky demonstrations on most Saturdays 12noon-5:00 PM
Andrea Kulish, a first generation Ukrainian-American, is raising funds to help Ukraine. At Studio A, Stand With Ukraine stickers, handmade items from Ukraine, pysanky eggs, t-shirts and more are available by donation. 100% of funds collected are being donated to the UNWLA Humanitarian Aid Fund for life-saving medical equipment for Ukraine. Studio A has raised over $60,000 for the fund as of this date.
Read more in this Wall Street Journal article about pysanky eggs, and in a recent Time.com article.
Follow Andrea on Instagram for more of her fundraising updates.
ACE E-bikes new brands and models in stock
342 Depot Street
For information on sales and rentals, please check out the ACE Bikes website theacebikes.com or call 27ACEBIKES (272-232-4537). ACE Bikes is located at 342 Depot Street next to Fresh West Pizza.
Welcome Pam Granger Gale
Suite 140
Pam Granger Gale is a retired art teacher with 31 years of experience teaching all ages in different media. She has narrowed her personal art love to marbling. She has a BA degree in Art Education from Limestone College and attained National Board Certification in 2004 and 2014. Pam fell in love hard over thirty years ago with the process of marbling. As a lifelong teacher and learner, she has continually shared her love of the fickle process with others, introducing them to a relaxing addiction. Marbling, the ancient art of floating paint on a thickened water surface, is commonly remembered as facing pages in old books and Bibles. When the desired pattern is achieved, then it may be printed by laying paper to capture or freeze the design.
Learn more about Gale’s marbling and classes at her website.
Randy Shull Honors Ukraine
Pink Dog Creative, 342-348 Depot Street
Randy Shull Honors Ukraine, the newest Container Project by Randy Shull at Pink Dog Creative, was painted on March 5. Visitors are encouraged to take selfies in front of the artwork and post using hashtag #standwithUkraine in support of Ukraine.
Learn more about past Container Projects here.
Fundraisers for Ukraine at Studio A
Suite 100
Andrea Kulish, a first generation Ukrainian-American, is raising funds to help Ukraine. At Studio A, Stand With Ukraine stickers, hand painted and handmade items from Ukraine, pysanky eggs, t-shirts and more are available for purchase by donation. 100% of funds collected are being donated to the UNWLA Humanitarian Aid Fund for Ukraine, which goes directly to four hospitals to help wounded soldiers and civilians, and to aid displaced civilians in Ukraine. Studio A has raised over $56,000 for the fund as of this date. Andrea also co-organized and co-hosted an online benefit concert. Click here to watch the concert, which has raised almost $8,000.
Follow Andrea on Instagram for more of her fundraising updates.
Pink Dog Creative accepted into the Blue Ridge Craft Trails
Pink Dog Creative has been accepted to be part of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails. The artists of the building and the building itself will be featured on maps, website and other materials from this non-profit.
Duke Hospital acquires Randy Shull painting
Raleigh, NC
Duke Hospital acquires Periwinkle by Randy Shull, 2021, 90″ x 70″ for its new Raleigh location. Thanks to Marjorie Hodges with Artsuite; Leigh Bleecker, CEO of Duke Hospital, Raleigh; Dia Holman, Facilities Design Coordinator at Duke Hospital and Tracey Morgan Gallery.
See more of Randy’s work at his website.
Joseph Pearson commissions
Joseph Pearson’s commissioned painting, Heritage, for the Cathedral of all Souls in Biltmore Village was recently unveiled. The painting addresses the history of the historically Black community of Shiloh in south Asheville as well as some of the programs of the Cathedral. Heritage is in honor of the Very Rev. Todd Donatelli, Dean of the Episcopal Cathedral of All Souls, upon his retirement after 24 years.
Pictured above, Joseph Pearson recently completed an 8′ x14’ mural for Delta House Development Center on French Broad Ave in Asheville. In other news, on July 17th he taught his third adult workshop at the Asheville Art Museum; this was the second figure drawing workshop he taught there.
To see more of Joseph’s work, please visit his website.
Welcome A.C.E. Bikes
Welcome A.C.E. Bikes to Pink Dog Creative! Specializing in custom e-bikes, rentals, and sales, A.C.E. Bikes is located next to Fresh West Pizza.
For more info please contact Brian at 707-312-0920 or visit the website
www.theACEbikes.com.
Pink Dog Creative featured in Asheville Made
Pink Dog Creative is featured in the November issue of Asheville Made. Paul Howey’s article Gallery Addresses Big Issues in Bright Hues includes the history, current artists, restaurants and retail which comprise Pink Dog Creative.
Please click here to read the article.
Welcome GRIND Coffee Bar and Co-Working Event Space
346 Depot Street, Asheville
Asheville’s first Black-owned coffee shop, GRIND is a place for coffee. It’s also a place for co-working, events, team meetings, business decisions and hanging out enjoying the best coffee in town. GRIND is located at 346 Depot Street and will be open 7 days a week.
For more information call The Grind at 828-785-0233, email [email protected], read the article in Urban news or visit GRIND’s website.
Support GRIND and other Black-Owned Businesses year-round at: https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/support-black-owned-businesses/
In Love’s Shadow Featured in The Bitter Southerner
In Love’s Shadow, a short documentary film about Ralph Burns and his multi-decade photography project, How Great Thou Art, is showcased in a recent issue of The Bitter Southerner. The film, made by Jethro Waters, follows Burns as he returns to Graceland on the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, and looks at the relationship of this project to Burns’ fuller body of work. In Love’s Shadow was produced by David Raymond, and was made possible with the generous support of many.
Link to film and article: bittersoutherner.com/in-loves-shadow
Joseph Pearson and Jenny Pickens Lead Artists for Asheville Black Lives Matter Mural
Joseph Pearson and Jenny Pickens were Lead Artists for the Asheville Black Lives Matter Mural. On Sunday, July 19, 20+ artists came together to create this mural in the heart of downtown Asheville. Many thanks go to Councilwoman Sheneika Smith for providing the leadership to bring community members, artists, and the Asheville of City together to create this community project.
Read more about the artists and mural here.
Andrea Kulish Artwork Acquired by Pysanka Museum
Kolomyia, Ukraine
Pink Dog congratulates Andrea Kulish as the Pysanka Museum in Kolomyia, Ukraine acquires three of her pysanky eggs for their permanent collection. The museum will be launching their first-ever exhibit dedicated to the pysanka artists of North America. This historic exhibit will present how traditional pysanky writing was preserved in North America by waves of immigrants and enthusiasts, and how the artform has grown to include innovative techniques, methodology and creativity.

Kolomyia, Ukraine is home to the largest pysanka museum in the world, dedicated to preserving the art of pysankarstvo internationally.
Visit the museum’s website to learn more.
VIVIAN Wins 2019 Best Restaurant of the Year Award
Congratulations to VIVIAN restaurant for winning the 2019 Asheville Food Fan Award for Best Restaurant. This is the second year in a row that VIVIAN has won this honor.
Read more about VIVIAN and make a reservation at their website.
Ralph Burns Photographs Acquired by North Carolina Museum of Art
Raleigh, NC
A suite of twelve vintage photographs by Ralph Burns has been acquired by the North Carolina Museum of Art. The photographs, all from Burns’ three decades long project, How Great Thou Art, Memphis, TN, 1978 – 2007+, were acquired in December, 2019, and will be held in the museum’s permanent collection.
In writing about How Great Thou Art for a European/British exhibition, the German/Israeli Curator Doreet LeVitte Harten wrote that “(his) insight into the religious character of the Graceland pilgrimage makes Burnsʼ works, apart from their aesthetic qualities, into documents of anthropological significance.”
With this latest acquisition, the North Carolina Museum of Art will have 16 of Burns’ photographs in their collection.
See more of Ralph’s work at his website.
Randy Shull’s Open Space acquired by
Congratulations to Randy Shull as the Asheville Art Museum acquires Open Space. Shaping negative space with a combined artistic and mathematical precision, Shull explores the boundaries and intersections between furniture and fine art. In Open Space, sculptural components comment on the relationship between furniture and art as well as their implications when occupying a shared environment. Considering furniture to be an equalizer among people in its ubiquity and daily utility, Shull encourages us to not only reconsider our personal rapport with furniture but also the ways in which we navigate our world.
See more of Randy’s work at his website.
Hedy Fischer appointed to Art21 Board of Trustees
Hedy Fischer, co-founder of Pink Dog Creative, has been named to sit on the Board of Trustees of Art21. Art21 provides unparalleled access to the artist’s voice to diverse audiences around the world, using the power of digital media to introduce millions of people to contemporary art and artists. For over two decades, Art21 has changed the paradigm for teaching and learning about the creative process.
In addition to its Peabody Award-winning PBS-broadcast television series Art in the Twenty-First Century, Art21 produces the digital film series New York Close Up and Extended Play; as well as special artist projects. Art21 also creates educational resources and professional development programs; annual public programming; an online publication featuring guest contributors; and a comprehensive website at Art21.org.
Community Container Project in The Laurel
Pink Dog Creative’s Community Container Project was recently featured in The Laurel. Connection was a theme for Trinity Harper Pierce as she created her work. “If you don’t love your community, there are lots of things that could happen that could be bad, like more violence and heartache,” says Pierce. “It’s sad to see families lose loved ones to violence.” Pierce says creating art helps her feel calm and express herself, and seeing her art on such a large scale gave her lots of emotions. “I feel a little bit nervous because I have never done anything like this and I am excited at the same time,” she says. “I hope that when people see the mural that their hearts grow bigger than the heart in the middle.”
Read the full article at The Laurel website.
VIVIAN wins Best New Restaurant and Best Restaurant in the 2018 Stoobie Awards
Congratulations to Vivian restaurant for winning not one, but two awards in the 2018 Stoobie Awards. Vivian won Best New Restaurant and Best Restaurant. Vivian is “an insanely great restaurant, and a brilliant new jewel in the crown of high-end dining establishments that currently rings our city.” – Stu Helm
Click here to read about Vivian and the other winners at the Stoobie Awards website, and here to see Vivian’s menu and make a reservation.
Vivian receives Best New Restaurant Award
Vivian is honored to receive a “Best New Restaurant” award from Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Awards for Asheville in 2018. Vivian would like to thank all their wonderful guests who voted for their nomination in this category; they look forward to serving you many more delicious meals!
Learn more and make a reservation at Vivian’s website.
Pink Dog Creative and 22 London Featured in Burnaway article
Pink Dog Creative, 22 London, and the upcoming exhibit Say It Loud at 22 London were all mentioned in a new article in Burnaway, The Voice of Art in the South. The article is entitled How Did Asheville Make the List of 40 Most Vibrant Arts Communities in America? by Diana Stoll.
Read the full article at burnaway.org here and the original research findings about the 40 Most Vibrant Art Cities here.
Dining review: RAD’s Vivian grows from Salt & Smoke
An excerpt from the article: “Vivian feels as though it’s been operating for years. Its cuisine is clearly defined, and the warm hospitable approach to the service helps makes the restaurant a success… Vivian set out to meld southern and European cuisines in an elevated way, and it succeeds. ”
Randy Shull work acquired by Spartanburg Art Museum
Spartanburg, SC
Pink Dog congratulates Randy Shull as the Spartanburg Art Museum acquires Striped Reflection, a recent piece from his reflection series that explores the relationship between painting and furniture. Fundamentally, Shull says the work is about pairing and relationships.
See more of Randy’s work at his website.
Viola Spells featured in the Mountain Xpress
Viola Spells was featured in Mountain Xpress article Two Local Artists Follow Their Passions in the RAD by Alli Marshall.

ON THE WIRE: Asheville native Viola Spells crafts unique crocheted wire jewelry for her business, Zenobia Studios. She will make jewelry on commission for those with specific ideas and, “Most of my statement necklaces are one of a kind,” she says. Photo by Alli Marshall
Fresh West Pizza in the Mountain Xpress

FIRE IT UP: Chester Oland, head pizza craftsman at Fresh West, is pictured with owner Mark Tomczak in front of the oven at FRESH West. Photo by Liisa Andreassen
Read Liisa Andreassen’s interview of the owner of FRESH West- Quick Dish: Q + A with Mark Tomczak of FRESH Wood Fired Pizza in the Mountain Xpress – read the article here.
10 Top U.S. Cities for Art Lovers: Asheville
Pink Dog Creative is the feature photo for a “Top 10” article on AARP!

Photo by Alamy
Read more at AARP Travel online.
Asheville, North Carolina is unlike anywhere else in the South
“[Asheville’s] singular mix of worldliness and hominess gives it a character unique among cities below the Mason-Dixon line.”
“A visit to the emerging River Arts District felt more my speed. A string of converted industrial buildings along the French Broad river, it’s now home to working artists in spaces that New York creatives would give both arms for. It’s impossible to categorize the talent here, but in just a few hours, I met abstract-animal painter Daniel McClendon (349 Depot St., danielmcclendon.com) and record producer-turned ceramicist Akira Satake (191 Lyman St., akirasatake.com), whose airy workshop houses his wife’s exquisite pastry shop, Yuzu Patisserie (191 Lyman St., yuzubycynthia.com).”

In the buzzing River Arts district, disused warehouses and industrial buildings have found new life as artists’ studios. Art Meripol/ExploreAsheville.com
Read more of this article at the NY Daily News.