By now, North Carolina’s reputation as an arts destination is well known, but did you know that it played a significant role in the history of the Studio Glass Movement in America? Since Harvey Littleton first moved to the area in the late 1970s, Western North Carolina has cultivated a thriving community of glass makers and supporting organizations. Today, we speak to Candace Reilly, who has been an active member of the arts community in Asheville for almost a decade and currently serves as Executive Director of Asheville’s largest public-access glass studio and gallery, the North Carolina (NC) Glass Center. As an advocate with a fervent commitment to nurturing creative talent, Candace believes that integrated arts education is critical for a more enriched and socially cohesive community. In today's episode, she gives us a glimpse into the history of glass and how the NC Glass Center is not only upholding traditions but democratizing the future of studio glass practice for an ever-expanding community of glass artists! Tune in for all this and more in another fascinating installment of the Artsville Podcast.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Candace’s background and her role at the NC Glass Center.
• Insight into the history of glass and glass artists in North Carolina.
• How you can learn about glass at the NC Glass Center.
• What to expect from the Dale Chihuly exhibition at Biltmore Estate.
• The explosive growth that led to NC Glass Center’s second location in Black Mountain.
• Different ways that NC Glass Center generates income (and how you can support them!)
• Where you can find the NC Glass Center online and how to contact them.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

North Carolina (NC) Glass Center — https://www.ncglasscenter.org/

“Glass on the Go" — https://www.ncglasscenter.org/mobile-unit

NC Glass Center on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/ncglasscenter/

NC Glass Center on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/NorthCarolinaGlassCenter/

Chihuly at Biltmore — https://www.biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/chihuly-at-biltmore/

Art Connections — https://www.arttoursasheville.com/

Mountain BizWorks — https://www.mountainbizworks.org/

Craft Your Commerce — https://www.mountainbizworks.org/craft-your-commerce/

Ferguson Family YMCA — https://ymcawnc.org/locations/centers/ferguson

‘Community Art, Friendship, and Healing: Artsville’s Partnership with the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler’ — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/community-art-friendship-and-healing-artsvilles-partnership-with-the-ferguson-family-ymca-in-candler/

Artsville Podcast —

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Neuman and Stephanie Munn to discuss the importance of art in building and strengthening communities based on their personal experiences. Stephanie is the Director of the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler, North Carolina, and Wendy is a photographer, fashion designer, volunteer, and marketing expert.

In our conversation, Stephanie delves into the mission of the YMCA in fostering community connections and the wide range of programs they have for people of all ages and backgrounds. We discuss Wendy’s experiences as a photographer and fashion designer, including her work with cancer patients and her efforts to bring art into various organizations and events. We also talk about the importance of building friendships, building a safe place for children and families, Wendy’s Mandala and Kaleidoscope project, the role of art in bringing people together, why community engagement is essential, and much more! Join us, as we uncover the intersection of art, community, and healing with Wendy Neuman & Stephanie Munn!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief update on Artsville's growth and new opportunities for 2024.
• The unique art scene and community of Candler and Enka.
• YMCA’s mission to build communities through inclusive programs.
• How Stephanie realized the potential of the Candler and Enka communities.
• Fostering artist-community engagement through Wendy’s workshops.
• Discover the collaborations and wearable art featuring Wendy’s photography.
• Stephanie shares details about the latest YMCA offerings and member benefits.
• Wendy’s experiences photographing terminally ill children and cancer patients.
• Why involvement with the YMCA is critical and how to get involved.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Artsville — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/

Wendy Neuman | Clothing — https://wendynewmandesigns.com/

Wendy Neuman | Photo — https://wendyneumanphoto.com

Wendy Neuman on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wendynewmandesigns/

Wendy Neuman on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/wendynewmandesigns/

Wendy Neuman on on Pinterest — https://za.pinterest.com/WNDesigns/

Stephanie Munn on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mcgrath-munn-a11694275/

Stephanie Munn on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/stephanie.munn/

Call Stephanie Munn — 828-273-0346

YMCA of Western North Carolina — https://ymcawnc.org/

OpenDoors Asheville — https://opendoorsasheville.org/

Arterial Network — https://artistsatriskconnection.org

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards — https://www.artandwriting.org/

Kenn Kotara —

In this episode, we introduce two bright young artists, Elizabeth Walton and Amy Massey, who are making waves in Western North Carolina and beyond. Both Elizabeth and Amy recently graduated from Artsville’s First Virtual Gallery of Artists Cohort program, a digital and live marketing initiative designed to help artists succeed in the business of art. Elizabeth is a talented jewelry designer, with a passion for metalsmithing, and Amy Massey is a 2D artist and massage therapist. In our conversation we delve into their journeys, discussing their inspirations, creative processes, and the impact of the program on their careers. We unpack what keeps them inspired, juggling different jobs, how to market yourself without a gallery, their unique approaches to their work, the biggest lessons from the Virtual Gallery of Artists program, and much more! Join us as we discuss their artistic journeys, the challenges they face, and the exciting future of arts in Asheville and beyond. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introductions and background about guests Elizabeth Walton and Amy Massey.
• Elizabeth’s journey from inheriting a studio to pursuing a sustainable metalsmithing practice.
• They share their main takeaways and lessons from the Virtual Gallery of Artists program.
• Amy discusses her unique fusion of art and bodywork and where she draws inspiration from.
• Discover Elizabeth’s design process and how nature influences her work.
• New friends and networking opportunities from the Virtual Gallery of Artists program.
• Explore their diverse career paths, including galleries and self-promotion through art festivals.
• Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities present in today's competitive art market.
• The vibrant arts scene in Asheville and the exciting prospects for artists in the future.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Amy Massey — https://www.amygmassey.com/

Amy Massey on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/amymasseystudio/

Ren Ren Jewelry — https://redrenjewelry.com/

Ren Ren Jewelry on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/redrenjewelry

Ren Ren Jewelry on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/redrenjewelry/

Not Real Art — https://notrealart.com/

Arterial Network — https://artistsatriskconnection.org

Appalachian State University — https://www.appstate.edu/

Sandhill Artists Collective — https://sandhillartists.wordpress.com/

Woolworth Walk — https://www.woolworthwalk.com/

Kenn Kotara — https://www.kotarastudio.com/

Michael Manes — https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-manes-97379a8b/

Blue Spiral 1 — https://bluespiral1.com/

Art Connections with Sherry Masters —