New Focus Exhibition “My Happy Place”

Located on the second level of the the Folk Art Center, the exhibit features more than 55 colorful pieces of six different media. Showcasing work by Sarah Tremaine, Marlow & Diana Gates, Zan Barnes, Michael Hatch, and Richard Flottemesch. The exhibition showcases a broad spectrum of tastes and styles—all with a happy disposition.

The felted and silk apparel on display is designed and crafted by Sarah Tremaine, known for her elegant designs and exquisite textures. “Inspired by the natural world outside my door and 20th Century modern art, I design clothes that are styled to be timeless and delicious to wear.  I make accessories, such as scarves, shawls, beach wraps and beach tunics. I also make garments, such as silk velvet Kimono Jackets and Dusters and nuno felted tops, tunics, dresses and coats,” says Tremaine. “Each unique garment or accessory is made of the highest quality materials. My collections reflect a simple and relaxed life-style; I want my garments to be in your wardrobe for years to come.”

In contrast of style, the brooms of Marlow & Diana Gates, are far from relaxed, seeming to dance on the walls where they hang. “Brooms as art were stifled in their infancy by the invention of the broom machine in the 1850’s,” Gates shares. “Freed from the constraints of machine production, we investigate shape, size, color and texture to create unique functional pieces of sculpture that exemplify traditional Appalachian strength and longevity.”

My Happy Place is open now through November 3, 2020. Admission to the Folk Art Center is free. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in east Asheville.