February 2019 2

FEBRUARY ART
In conjunction with the National Arts and
Crafts Conference taking place February 15
– 17 at The Omni Grove Park Inn, Grovewood
Gallery in Asheville will host craft demonstrations
by local chair caner Brandy Clements and
painter Bryan Koontz.
Bryan Koontz painting en plein air in WNC.
— Photo by Carol Koontz
Brandy Clements of Silver River Center for Chair
Caning - the nation’s only fully dedicated chair
caning school and museum - will be at Grovewood
Gallery on February 15-17, 11 - 4pm
demonstrating a variety of seat weaving techniques,
including hand-woven chair caning (laced
caning), Shaker tape weaving, Danish cord weaving,
and more. This is a hands-on demonstration
where visitors are encouraged to step up and
learn a few weaving techniques. Bring a photo of
your special chair and get advice on restorations,
or share your chair’s story.
Brandy is a 4th generation chair caner and
self-proclaimed “chair nerd.” She’s on a mission
to dispel the myth that chair caning is a dying
art. She and her husband/business partner Dave
Klingler have been weaving new lives into chairs
for over 13 years, and have taught over 250
sessions at their school, located in the heart of
Hand-woven chair caning (laced caning).
— Photo by David Simchock
Craft offerings at Grovewood Gallery in Asheville, February 15 – 17
BY STAFF REPORTS • NORTH ASHEVILLE
Asheville’s River Arts District.
Bryan Koontz, who was chosen to create
the artwork for Biltmore’s 2018 Christmas wine
labels, will be in the gallery on February 15 and
16, 11-4pm demonstrating traditional oil painting
techniques – working on a landscape, using
photos to aid his memory, or painting en plein air
(weather permitting). Finished works will be on
display and available for sale.
Koontz is an Asheville native who can date
his ancestry in WNC back to the late 1700s. His
deep appreciation for the mountain culture, heritage,
and the scenery is evident in his artwork,
which he paints in a realistic style similar to that
of the mid to late 19th-century American landscape
painters. Employing traditional methods
and archival materials, he aims to produce works
of art that will endure and be cherished for many
generations.
In addition to painting, Koontz has worked 30+
years in graphic design and illustration. Notable
projects have included pen and ink drawings for
the Mast General Store, as well as their annual
Christmas card paintings, and book illustration for
author Nadia Dean.
Brandy Clements of Silver River Center for Chair Caning
— Photo by David Simchock
Grovewood Gallery
Established in 1992, Grovewood Gallery is
nationally recognized for its dedication to fine
American art and craft.
Located in historic Grovewood Village adjacent to
The Omni Grove Park Inn, the gallery is noted for its
charming, old-world setting and rich craft heritage.
This site once housed the weaving and woodworking
operations of Biltmore Industries, an Arts and
Crafts enterprise - initially backed by Edith Vanderbilt
- that played a significant role in the Appalachian
Craft Revival during the early 20th century.
Today, Grovewood Gallery offers two expansive
floors of finely crafted furniture, ceramics, jewelry
and more, contributed by over 400 artists and
craftspeople from across the United States. The
gallery also boasts an outdoor sculpture garden
and presents rotating exhibitions throughout the
year. Free parking is available on-site.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 –
5:30pm, and Sunday from 11 – 5pm.
For more information on Grovewood Gallery, visit
www.grovewood.com or call (828) 253-7651.
22 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Vol. 22, No. 06 — February 2019
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