Studio Stories
Shining a Light on Asheville’s Creative Soul
When Hurricane Helene swept through our region, it didn’t just damage homes and businesses — it shook the foundation of our creative community. Many local artists lost studios, supplies, and spaces they had poured their hearts into for years.
But artists are resilient. They rebuild with color, hope, and vision — and Studio Stories is here to help lift them up.
This new series is dedicated to celebrating Asheville’s creative soul and the vibrant artists who shape the spirit of the mountains. We’ll regularly feature local talents from Asheville and the surrounding Appalachians, giving you a glimpse into their studios, their stories, and their work.
If you’re visiting Asheville, we hope you’ll add these incredible studios and shops to your must-visit list. And if you’re browsing from afar, we’ll share ways you can support them online — whether it’s ordering a piece for your home, gifting art to a friend, or simply spreading the word.
Because when you support local artists, you’re helping keep the heart of Asheville beating strong.
Are you an artist who’d like to be featured? Contact us for details!
Asheville Artist
Amar Stewart
Opens New Studio and Launches flowers + faces Brand
Discover the vibrant art scene of Asheville through our new Studio Stories series, where we spotlight the incredible creatives shaping the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We’re proud to feature Asheville-based artist Amar Stewart as our very first story.
Amar Stewart, an internationally known painter recognized for his striking portraits of hip-hop icons, has made a new creative home right here in downtown Asheville. His studio is located in the newly formed Resurrection Studios Collective (@ressurection_avl), housed inside the historic former Moog Building — a space that’s quickly becoming a hub for local art and innovation.
While Amar’s earlier work focused on portraiture, his latest project marks an exciting new chapter. His brand, flowers + faces (@fleursetvisages), blends fine art and functional design. Using his original paintings, Amar creates limited-edition collections of clothing, prints, home goods, and more — all celebrating the connection between humans and nature.
Visitors are invited to stop by Amar’s studio, watch him work in real time, and then see how each piece evolves into beautifully crafted products just weeks later.
In Amar’s own words:
“The work for this brand focuses on the connection between humans and nature. With the state of the world we live in, I believe connecting to the natural world is important now more than ever. We all need a bit of color and light in our lives.”
If you’re in town for First Friday in Asheville, don’t miss your chance to experience Amar’s work up close. On Friday, May 2nd, from 5–9 PM, flowers + faces will launch a booth inside Resurrection Studios’ lower level, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to shop, connect, and support Asheville’s creative community.
Follow @amarstewartpaints and @fleursetvisages on Instagram to see more of Amar’s latest works. For visiting hours and other studio events, check out the Resurrection Studios Collective website.
At Discover Asheville, we’re honored to spotlight Amar Stewart as part of our ongoing commitment to celebrating the creative soul of the Appalachians. Stay tuned for more stories featuring Asheville artists, makers, and visionaries who keep the spirit of the mountains alive.
