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
Heather Clements
Interactive Art, Deep Resilience, and a Creative Comeback You’ve Got to See
If you're heading to Asheville and want to connect with the heart of our art scene — not just the galleries but the stories behind them — you need to meet Heather Clements.
Heather is one of those artists who doesn't just make art — she makes meaning. Her work is layered in every sense of the word. Using watercolor, hand-cut paper, and a bit of engineering magic, she creates interactive pieces that move, spin, open, unfold — and honestly, feel like tiny portals into another world. Her pieces don’t just hang on walls. They invite you in.
But the art is only half the story.
Heather arrived in Asheville after surviving Hurricane Michael, where she lost nearly everything and still found a way to keep creating. And then? Just as she was finding her footing here, Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina — and y’all, I don’t know about you, but I’ve been watching with so much awe as folks in our creative community pivot, rebuild, and bloom in brand-new directions.
Heather is one of those stories. A rise from the ashes kind of story. And it’s exactly the kind of hope we all need more of right now.
I was already obsessed with her work — especially her gorgeous, emotional, interactive coffee table book Pull Me Apart, which explores themes of emotional unraveling and renewal in a truly stunning, hands-on way. But now she’s also offering classes, and that has me squealing.
If you’ve ever wanted to get creative yourself, learn new skills, or just hang out with a wildly inspiring human, Heather’s upcoming classes are going to be the thing to check out this season. Whether you're local or visiting, her studio offerings are a chance to learn the techniques behind her magic — and take a piece of that joy home with you.
You’ll find Heather’s work (and sometimes Heather herself!) at 310 Art in Riverview Station, right in the heart of the River Arts District. Stop in, especially on a Second Saturday, when you can catch open studios, demos, and good vibes around every corner.
You can also peek at her work online:
Website: heatherclementsart.com
Interactive Series: heatherclementsart.com/interactive
Instagram: @heatherclementsart
And if you're looking for inspiration — or a reminder that art can come out of even the hardest seasons — look no further.
We see you, Heather. We’re cheering you on.
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.
