NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Morgan Laurens
Editor-in-Chief
editor@artsvilleusa.com
www.artsvilleusa.com
ArtsvilleUSA Presents Virtual Exhibition for Southern Highland Craft Guild New Members
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – September 21, 2026: ArtsvilleUSA is proud to announce the opening of a virtual exhibition of the Southern Highland Craft Guild New Members Show on September 25, 2026, one day before the live reception at the Folk Art Center in Asheville. The virtual exhibition, available at ArtsvilleUSA.com, will complement the in-person event by providing an interactive platform to explore the works and stories of the 39 newly juried Guild members. Visitors can explore artist profiles and read behind-the-scenes artists’ statements for each work from the comfort of their couch.
The virtual exhibition, part of ArtsvilleUSA’s ongoing PAVE (Partner Archival Virtual Exhibitions) program, extends access to audiences beyond the physical exhibit space. PAVE archives the exhibition digitally, allowing visitors to browse detailed artist profiles, view high-resolution images of the work, explore purchase options, and revisit the show long after the physical exhibition ends. The platform connects artists and galleries to ArtsvilleUSA’s virtual audience of nearly 100,000.
“Art is for everybody,” says ArtsvilleUSA Executive Director Elise Wilson. “Whether you can make it to Asheville or not, we want everyone to be able to experience the rich craft legacy being made right now here in Western North Carolina. PAVE is a landmark opportunity for galleries to expand the accessibility and reach of their shows while also allowing in-person visitors to connect with each work and artist on a deeper conceptual level.”
Featured artists include Rae Bachus, Julie Bagamary, Ashley Bangert Sharon Bass, Bob Bragg, Theresa Clower, Maggie Connolly, Charles deVries, Leslie Fawcett, Cathie Fitzjohn, Sherry Green, Amanda Hayes, Max Hendry, Karen Hovis, Jill Howell, Suzanne Hrytzik, Aaron Iaquinto, Sharla Kaufman, Nina Kawar, Doug Lowman, Shannon Lucas, Dalleen McClasky, Cindy Morgan, Cheryl Munyan, Vickie Napoli, Denise Phillips, Amy Pike, Janet Purcell, Rebecca Regal, Deborah Robertson, Lorie Russell, Kelsey Smith, Judy Spark, Martin Stankus, Maya Stansbury, Eleanor Trollinger, May Lyn Wake, Jeff Ware, and Lyle and William Wheeler (Wheeler Forge).
About ArtsvilleUSA
ArtsvilleUSA is an Asheville-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the arts community of Western North Carolina. Through exhibitions, podcasts, and storytelling, ArtsvilleUSA amplifies the voices of local artists and arts organizations, celebrating both traditional crafts and contemporary makers from Asheville galleries to rural studios and mountain communities. ArtsvilleUSA is a subsidiary of Arterial, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit media platform committed to amplifying art worldwide. Learn more at ArtsvilleUSA.com or sign up for our newsletter.
About the PAVE Program
ArtsvilleUSA’s PAVE (Partner Archival Virtual Exhibition) Program enables galleries and curators to create enduring digital versions of their live exhibitions. This initiative ensures art shows remain accessible and impactful long after their physical run ends, offering artists greater exposure and new sales opportunities. Contact us if your organization is interested in learning more about the PAVE program.
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