Explore the Whimsical World of West Asheville Through Art
In the vibrant city of Asheville, a charming artist is using her unique perspective to capture the essence of the neighborhood through her delightful illustrations. Karine Rupp-Stanko has been making waves on social media with her Instagram page, @up_and_down_asheville, where she shares her whimsical drawings of the local scene. Her art has even been described as “childish,” which she embraces wholeheartedly as a compliment.
Every Drawing is a Treasure
From her joyful depictions of the cozy corners near the Haywood Road Ingles to her playful observation that there seem to be more tattoo artists than bakers along Haywood Road, Rupp-Stanko’s work paints a delightful picture of West Asheville. But what really drives her inspiration? We had the chance to stroll through West Asheville with her and find out.
Inspiration on Foot
Yes, you heard it right! Rupp-Stanko doesn’t drive, which adds a magical twist to her artistic journey. She finds inspiration by simply waking, biking, or taking the bus around the neighborhood. “Not driving gives you a very different pace and gaze on the neighborhood,” she explained, noting that she stumbles upon inspiring little treasures that are often overlooked.
With a thoughtful gaze, she shared, “I’ve never lived in a place like this.” Growing up in a historic town in France, she appreciates the beauty of those tall white buildings, but she finds Asheville to be “so alive.” Since moving here in 2020, Rupp-Stanko feels like she’s constantly discovering new stories hidden within homes, shops, and art.
Art Beyond the Canvas
Her colorful illustrations often emerge on a variety of unusual materials like paper scraps, old notebook pages, junk mailers, and even grocery bags. Each piece is carefully crafted into a collage that vibrant illustrates local scenes filled with personality. Rupp-Stanko describes herself as an ambivert, balancing introverted and extroverted traits that show up in her art.
While her drawings may be intensely personal—like a sketch capturing the delightful smells encountered during a walk to the West Asheville Library—her ultimate goal is to strengthen community connections. “If I can even encourage 10 people to pay attention, I notice the shift in conversations,” she observed. “People start chatting about the little things they notice around them.”
A Zine for the Community
This weekend, Rupp-Stanko is excited to unveil her latest project: a zine highlighting the vibrant street art of West Asheville. What began as a simple fascination with local murals transformed into a fully-fledged zine—a return to her creative roots after pursuing formal art education. She previously honed her skills in letterpress printing and earned a book arts certificate, giving her the confidence to publish several solo and collaborative zines.
You can find her “Haywood Murals” zine this Saturday, September 21, at the AVL Zine Fest. The zine will be available at the Center for Craft from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. It features a variety of stunning murals, accompanied by stories and anecdotes that bring the pieces to life. Plus, it includes a small scavenger hunt booklet so you can check off the murals from your must-see list as you explore West Asheville. And keep an eye out for the elusive manatee hidden within the art!
More to Explore at AVL Zine Fest
If you’re planning to be at AVL Zine Fest, don’t forget that more exciting programming and workshops are happening on Sunday, September 22, at venues like Firestorm Books and The Odd. It’s a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into the local art scene and connect with other creatively-minded individuals.
Whether you grab a zine or join in the workshops, there’s something for everyone at this weekend’s event. Rupp-Stanko reminds us that the art around us is full of stories waiting to be told, so let’s get out there and start noticing!
