Four hundred artists from eight countries submitted 1,159 entries to be considered for the ninth annual Drawing Discourse juried art exhibition at UNC Asheville. Only 48 artists were accepted. Of those, two artists hail from Asheville—UNC Asheville alumna Lori Brook Johnson, and Jon Sours, art preparator at the Blue Spiral 1 art gallery in downtown Asheville.
“I believe the significance of this exhibition has contributed to the recognition of the university, the Department of Art & Art History and our students nationwide,” said Tamie Beldue, associate professor of art at UNC Asheville, and coordinator of the exhibition. “What was once an exhibition that grew from a student-learning focus, the Drawing Discourse exhibition has provided an opportunity for emerging to professional
artists to submit and possibly be part of an exhibition that is noteworthy and respected in its field.”
Each year a different artist is invited to serve as juror for the exhibition; this year’s juror is Stuart Shils, a weekly critic at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where he also teaches painting. His work has been presented in solo shows in around the world.
“In the past we have exhibited drawings made with video, photography, wire, wind, rubber bands and even billboard sequins in conjunction with more traditional materials such as; but certainly not limited to, graphite and charcoal,” Beldue said. “This year, juror Stuart Shils, has thoughtfully selected work that doesn’t just aim to discuss what materials make a drawing, but rather the impetus of thought and emotion.”
Johnson, a 2016 graduate of UNC Asheville’s Department of Art, has been selected by three different jurors for three different Drawing Discourse exhibitions.
“This will be my third year in Drawing Discourse and the recognition definitely drives me in my drawing, especially on days I’m exhausted from working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Johnson said. “Being chosen by three different jurors encourages me to continue working hard and learning from others.”
“As her former faculty advisor, I couldn’t be more proud that Lori’s tireless devotion to her practice has been received favorably by three separate jurors including receiving additional recognition through awards of distinction,” Beldue said.
Sours, art preparatory for the Blue Spiral 1 Gallery, has lived in Asheville since 2007, and says he looks forward to attending Drawing Discourse every year, which has “consistently elevated the quality and scope of Asheville’s art scene.”
“Faculty members and UNC Asheville alumni have exhibited with Blue Spiral 1, reflecting the city’s emerging as well as established artists,” Sours said. “Drawing Discourse and the visiting artist lectures are a tremendous resource for Asheville, offering the opportunity to see a critical survey of work being made across the country and the chance to connect with some of the most talented and inspiring artists working today. As a practicing painter, it has been a privilege to meet so many art world heroes: Alex Kanevsky, Susan Lichtman, Diarmuid Kelley, Susan Hauptman, Stuart Shils…it’s mind-boggling.”
Drawing Discourse opens Friday, Jan. 19, with a juror lecture and reception. The opening lecture by Shils will take place at 5 p.m. in Humanities Lecture Hall and a reception will follow at 6 p.m. in S. Tucker Cooke Gallery, where the exhibition will remain on view through Feb. 23. For information about upcoming exhibitions and UNC Asheville’s Art and Art History Department programs, visit art.unca.edu.
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