Asheville’s Grovewood Gallery Opens “Into the Wild” Exhibition Showcasing Artist Tina Curry’s Unique Animal Sculptures

Asheville Welcomes a Creative Journey Into the Wild

Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the Grovewood Gallery prepares to unveil a stunning solo exhibition featuring the remarkable work of artist Tina Curry. This highly anticipated event, titled “Into the Wild,” opens on Saturday, October 12, with a warm reception scheduled from 2–5 p.m. As visitors step into the gallery, they will be transported into a world where nature and art intertwine beautifully, filled with fascinating stories waiting to be discovered.

A Deeper Look Into Animal Stories

Tina Curry’s artistic journey explores the rich layers of animal behavior, diving deep into the unique personalities of her subjects. “My focus in recent years has been observance of animal behavior and their individual personalities,” Tina explains. “Each one has a story.” Her sculptures feature little details that may not stand out in photographs, but these subtle nuances invite viewers to engage and immerse themselves in the narrative of each piece. It’s a delightful prompt to spark imagination and appreciation for the wild critters that inspire her work.

Artistic Techniques That Bring Life to Clay

Having worked with clay for over 30 years, Tina has developed a distinctive style that sets her apart in the art world. She employs alternative firing techniques, avoiding traditional glazes in favor of more natural methods. Tina utilizes bisque firing followed by barrel firing with an array of natural elements like wood chips, banana peels, and even cow manure to create stunning colors and textures in her sculptures. “The realism of skin and fur textures brings life into the clay,” she shares.

The colors can range dramatically, from light grays to deep blacks, creating an organic vibrancy that captures the essence of her animal subjects. The process is a fascinating blend of science and art, where smoke and natural combustibles introduce unpredictable yet beautiful results. “Combustibles added are wood chips, dried coffee grounds, banana peels, salt, copper carbonate, and cow manure. This produces an array of colors from gray to burgundy to black.”

Adding Personal Touches

In her craftsmanship, Tina goes the extra mile with detail. After her sculptures are fired, she employs a method known as a “cold finish,” where she layers acrylics to enhance color and texture. “The time I spend adding subtle textures and details to my sculptures needs to be visible in the final finish,” she explains. For Tina, using traditional glazes often masks the intricate details that she meticulously works to reveal. “In many instances, it adds too much gloss, both of which add too much visual heaviness.”

Honors and Contributions to the Art Community

Tina’s talent and dedication to her craft haven’t gone unnoticed. She has completed commissions for esteemed institutions such as Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in Canada. In 2021, she was selected to design and create the Governor’s Arts Awards, which is one of Tennessee’s highest honors in the arts. This recognition is a testament to her impact on the artistic community.

Moreover, Tina is actively involved with the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, serving on their Board of Governors. “I love seeing people smile when they look at my artwork,” she reflects. Hearing stories from viewers who connect personal experiences with her pieces enhances her passion for creating art that resonates on a profound level.

Visit Grovewood Village

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Tina Curry’s enchanting world at the Grovewood Gallery, located at 111 Grovewood Road, adjacent to the Omni Grove Park Inn. The gallery is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there is free parking available onsite. With the exhibition running until the end of the year, there will be plenty of opportunities to witness the magic and creativity that Tina brings to life through her sculpture. To learn more about the exhibition, feel free to visit Grovewood.com or call 828.214.7768.