The Upstairs Artspace has announced three new exhibits, which open Saturday.

An informal “Walk & Talk” with the artists will be at 5 p.m., and is followed by a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with refreshments, cash bar and live music.

In the Street Level Gallery, Peter Roux takes pictorial painting to a new level with his cloud paintings — no horizon, just glorious, cumulus clouds, gallery representatives said. He has exhibited in the Northeast and Europe, but is gaining traction in western North Carolina since moving to Hendersonville.

In the Small Works Gallery, the glass work of artist Michael Hatch will be featured. The

Weaverville artist is known for colorful glass pieces ranging from sculptural to utilitarian, funky to beautiful, representatives said.

In the Downstairs Gallery, “SOLO CONNECTIONS” will feature the work of three local, emerging, female artists; Libby Skamfer, Nancy Lettenstrom, and Vivian Torrence.

Skamfer started painting two years ago, though in the past, she pursued other arts like jewelry making. Cold wax and oil is a painting technique that allows her to express heart and soul through the emotional language of color, shapes and textures, she said.

“My pieces evolve from my intuitive spiritual side and they flow naturally from my creative center,” she said.

Torrence’s collage work has a nostalgic feel, with many references to history and mythology while addressing the affect that nature has in lives, representatives said.

Lettenstrom’s work allows her to dwell on something having to do with life, she said.

“I try pushing it into a visual form. Doing the work is a way of acknowledging what is essentially

‘mystery;’ it affords me some sense of involvement and even joy in the mystery of existence,

despite my knowing that finding answers is unlikely.”

The three exhibits run through Nov. 30.

Those interested in learning more may contact Gallery Manager Jen Gordon at manager@upstairsartspace.org or 828-859-2828.

The Upstairs Artspace is supported, in part, by the Polk County Community Foundation, Mary F. Kessler Fund and the North Carolina Arts Council.

– Submitted by Jen Gordon