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The Closing Celebration for the current art exhibitions at Upstairs Artspace on Friday, Aug. 4, 6-7 p.m. will include ekphrastic poetry reading by Asheville artist DeWayne Barton, one of the artists currently exhibiting at the downtown Tryon art gallery.

Ekphrastic poetry is poetry written about another art form, such as music, dance, and visual art. In addition to being a social entrepreneur and found-object artist, Barton is well known for his dynamic art performances, which often include spoken-word poetry. He will be reciting poems that he has written about some of the works of art currently on display.

Also closing will be the work of Asheville artist Nava Lubelski. Her collection of cutout collages – Paper Trails – has been on exhibit since June 24.

“This should be a very different, entertaining, and enlightening Closing Celebration,” the gallery’s Board of Directors President Patti Trobaugh said. “At some point in the gallery’s history, it had poetry readings on a regular basis. This is something we are thinking about doing again. If you are interested in poetry or contemporary art, do come to this Closing Celebration for a final look at DeWayne’s inspiring sculptures and Nava’s most beautiful collages, which have roots in traditional eastern European folk art. She’s taken it to a whole new level.”

Upstairs Artspace is a contemporary and nonprofit art gallery at 49 S. Trade St. in downtown Tryon. It is open for free viewings Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m.