“Funny Papers” is a group show of works on paper. Co-curator Ursula Gullow of Asheville explains the exhibit as “contemplating social malaise, political issues, philosophical angst and pop trends with a humorous edge.” Artistic styles run the gamut from comic book stylizations to contemporary abstractions and folk art portraits. The artists, all from Asheville, are Julie Armbruster, Andy Herod, Kreh Mellick, Michael Ohgren, Victor Palomino, Nathanael Roney, Martha Skinner, Kirsten Stolle and Jessica White. Margaret Curtis, of Tryon, is also co-curator.
In “Parallel Play,” Jan and Jim Kransberger are said to breathe wit, elegance and novelty into figurative glass sculpture (Jan) and mixed media folk art (Jim). The Asheville couple became artists after they were well into retirement. Each has achieved phenomenal recognition and success — both regionally and nationwide. Currently, Jim is in the highly praised exhibit “Waking Up with Van Gogh” at the Hickory Museum, and he is also featured in the soon-to-be published book “Humor in Craft.”
Jan’s glass work is in Blue Spiral 1 in Asheville, RedSky Gallery in Charlotte, River Gallery in Chattanooga, and Prismo, Aspen and Vail. She is a member of Southern Highland Craft Guild and Piedmont Craftsmen.
On Tuesday, June 5, 7 p.m., “Funny Papers” artists and curators will discuss social and political art in a free public program.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon – 4 p.m. For more information, call 828-859-2828 or visit  www.upstairsartspace.org.
– article submitted by Nancy Holmes