Kyndra Sweep

Alaskan-raised, Asheville-based illustrator Kyndra Sweep uses color and texture to carve silly little monsters from multiple mediums. She finds inspiration from folk tales, fantasy, therapy, and two wonderful dogs, Auggie and Ghost. Whether Kyndra’s creatures convey relatable mental health thoughts or the happy ignorance of real life, her work always represents a sense of whimsy we might have once forgotten.

When not in her studio, you’ll often find Kyndra playing a board game, jumping in a lake, trying new food with her husband Russell, or painting a mural around town.

You can find Kyndra’s work in Horse + Hero, Downtown Books And News, Regeneration Station, HollerHouse, Pollen and Art Garden

Keep up with Kyndra in Instagram: @flywithsparrowsart

Li Newton

Photo courtesy of Li Newton.

Asheville-based artist Li Newton uses an array of found paper collected from old books and magazines to create rich, textured pieces that beg to tell a story. 

“There is an intimacy to tearing out paper and watching a portrait or scene come to life as I build up layers. I feel closer to what I am trying to convey than ever before,” she states in her artist bio.

Her latest collage, featuring thousands of individually hand-cut pieces, testifies to her dedication to sifting meticulously through forgotten pages for the color, shape, or texture she needs to bring her vision to life.

Although mixed media collage is her primary focus, Li has explored many mediums, including pastels, silk painting, acrylics, oils, and more, dubbing herself a “Jill-of-all-Trades.”

Li is represented by Modern Wave Gallery in Asheville and Trackside 375 Gallery in Weaverville. 

Spencer Beals

“I'm currently working on a wordless picture book exploring natural pathways and non-verbal communication”, Spencer Beals, AFAP client, shares what he’s up to.

Meet the Artist

Spencer Beals

Artwork by Spencer Beals

Asheville based artist and van dweller, Spencer Beals, loves creating worlds. His work is imaginative, colorful, and often intricate, evoking a sense of wonder and play, while simultanously inviting inner exploration.

Inspired by nature, Spencer enjoys conceptualizing works that show the interconnectedness of life, each piece telling its own story.

Spencer’s Studio is located in the River Arts District at Foundation Studios, where he also hosts Sketch Book Club, a creative gathering for the community held twice a month to share inspiration. There is a meeting TONIGHT (April 3)! More details in the flyer below.

Amar Stewart

Photo of Amar Stewart with Painting.

Meet the Artist

Amar Stewart

Painting by Amar Stewart.

Asheville based artist Amar Stewart is opening his new studio in the South Slope. The new space is a multi use unit where Amar will create his works, showcase them in a gallery setting and also sell limited prints, homewares and merch. Amar’s work celebrates Hip-Hop culture and other genres of music that inspire him.

“I am curating this space where like minded people can come through, kick it and look at some art that isn’t usually found in this neighborhood. I’ll be creating new works every month in time for First Fridays.”

Amar’s studio is located at The Refinery which is in the heart of the Brewery district in The South Slope. The Refinery is a building filled with painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry designers and other creatives spaces.

First Fridays starts 3/3 from 4:30-8pm

The Refinery

207 Coxe Ave

Asheville, NC 28801