Photo Essay written 11 March 2008
Gritty, authentic, and right on the wrong side of the tracks, Asheville’s River Arts District refuses to bow to art’s high-brow conventions.
Photographer Jen Bowen, in her studio at The Wedge, in Asheville’s River Arts District. Bowen is currently working on a documentary portrait project called “Faces of Asheville.”
Muralist Ben Betsalel plays guitar on the opening night of his exhibition at The Wedge Gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Pianist Seamus McNerney delivers a stunning solo performance in the Flood Gallery, in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Phil Mechanic Studios, home to the Flood Fine Arts Center, is the most active venue in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Artist John Murphy creates one of his “Stupid Creatures” at Railside Studios in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Apprentice Hayden Wilson grinds stone on the sidewalk of Roberts Street, in the heart of the River District.
Glass blower Robert Gardner (right) and assistant Alex Greenwood, sculpt glass at Studio Glassworks, in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Ceramicist Josh Copus holds a hand-thrown vase in the Clayspace Co-op. Copus is an up-and-coming potter in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Graffiti in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Max Cooper has been a member since 11 November 2007 and goes by Cooper.
Currently in Asheville, NC.
I am a fine art and documentary photographer based in Asheville, NC.
You can also find Max at www.darktopography.com.