Art in Recovery: Blue Spiral 1 Opens New Exhibits in Asheville
Asheville has been through quite a lot recently, especially with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm brought significant challenges for many residents and businesses, including the beloved Blue Spiral 1 Fine Art + Craft gallery on Biltmore Avenue. For a while, the doors had to close as crews worked diligently to restore utilities and address the damage caused by the storm. However, even during this temporary closure, something heartwarming happened. Many passersby expressed their eagerness to step inside the gallery, seeking art as a refuge from the devastation surrounding them.
Michael Manes, gallery co-owner and director, beautifully articulated this sentiment, saying, “Amid this widespread destruction, art has emerged as a vital and beautiful counterpoint — a powerful reminder of what endures and what can be rebuilt.” In fact, this need for something inspiring and uplifting is what prompted the gallery to announce the opening of four exciting new exhibits on New Year’s Eve. The highlight is undoubtedly Context: Celebrating 35 Years, a group exhibition that promises to showcase artists who genuinely embody the mission and spirit of Blue Spiral 1.
A Legacy of Creativity
Looking back, it’s fascinating to consider how Blue Spiral 1 has evolved over the past three and a half decades. The gallery’s remarkable journey can significantly be attributed to its founder, John Cram. Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Cram made the move to Asheville in the early 1970s and opened a small crafts shop known as New Morning Gallery in Biltmore Village. By the 1980s, he stumbled upon the extensive collection of modernist artist Will Henry Stevens, which catalyzed his vision to expand into downtown Asheville, birthing Blue Spiral 1 on New Year’s Eve 35 years ago.
Interestingly, downtown Asheville had a very different vibe back then. Manes recalls, “Downtown was an ‘odd place’ at the time. Cram’s immediate neighbors were an adult movie theater and a plumbing shop featuring toilets in its front window.” While many storefronts sat empty, Cram chose to take a leap of faith, and thanks to his foresight, he transformed that vision into a reality, paving the way for one of the most vibrant venues for contemporary art.
Welcoming the Art Community
As the years rolled on, Cram built a remarkable roster of artists, including famed environmental artist Bryant Holsenbeck, who fondly remembers the initial days when Cram shared his ambitious plans for the gallery. “Downtown was derelict,” she reminisces. “But he had a vision.” This vision flourished, and one of Blue Spiral 1’s long-time permanent artists is Patti Quinn Hill, who crafts stunning decorative baskets from heavyweight archival paper. Since her debut exhibition in 1994, she has become part of the Blue Spiral family.
Manes, who joined the gallery team 15 years ago and became part-owner after Cram’s passing in 2020, considers the gallery’s collection of around 100 artists as a close-knit family. This strong bond led to a significant change in direction in 2017 when Blue Spiral 1 began representing creatives on an international level. Manes explains, “When we took ‘Southeastern’ out of our tagline, it opened up so many doors.”
Commitment to Artists in Crisis
Despite expanding beyond local borders, many artists at Blue Spiral 1 still call Asheville home, and several of them have faced the hardships brought on by Hurricane Helene. “Many lost their homes and studios,” Manes shared with concern. Yet in the face of adversity, the team at Blue Spiral 1 has doubled down on its commitment to supporting its artists. Manes emphasizes that it’s crucial to ensure that their voices and work are still celebrated during this difficult time.
For Casey Engel, the exhibitions coordinator, this means collaborating closely with affected artists and highlighting their incredible work through group displays or solo shows. “Our curatorial approach is rooted in celebrating craftsmanship, materials, process, and design,” Engel explains, emphasizing the joy found in sharing this art with collectors and visitors alike.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming Context: Celebrating 35 Years exhibit is expected to be awe-inspiring, featuring a variety of pieces that honor the gallery’s legacy while illustrating the vital role of art during tough times. “Art has the power to heal, to remind us of our resilience, and to unite us,” says Manes passionately. His vision is to place art at the center of Asheville’s recovery journey, where it belongs.
The Blue Spiral 1 Fine Art + Craft gallery will open its doors for Context: Celebrating 35 Years on New Year’s Eve from 5 to 7 PM at their location on 38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. Visitors can look forward to exploring this milestone exhibit alongside Print + Pattern, Vase/Vase, and a solo show by Bethanne Hill. All exhibitions will be on view through February 19.
