The Upstairs Artspace in Tryon presents two exhibits, “Revolver” and “Marked Up,” opening July 13 and continuing through Aug. 25.
“Revolver” showcases work by the painter Daniel Nevins and wood/mixed media artists Dustin Farnsworth and Daniel Marinelli. All are linked by forms that turn, twist and revolve to depict complex internal landscapes. Nevins lives in Asheville, N.C., while Farnsworth and Marinelli live in Greenville, S.C.
Nevins explores the natural world through bold, saturated paint colors and organic shapes pushed to abstraction. Marinelli, a recent resident artist at Penland School of Crafts, uses wood, steel, paper and paint to make two- and three-dimensional pieces. In the past four years, Farnsworth has participated in more than 40 exhibits, including the prestigious SOFA Chicago show. He has studied with Stoney Lamar and Brent Skidmore.

“I’m really excited about the upcoming shows,” says Margaret Curtis, Tryon artist and Upstairs board member who curated the exhibits. “Farnsworth, Marinelli and Nevins are very different artists whose work has such strong visual connections and resonances.”
The show “Marked Up” introduces Nava Lubelski in a solo exhibit of textile art. The work has been described by Toronto’s The Globe and Mail as “multimedia painting-embroidery hybrids,” and by The Village Voice as “lacey creations imbued with Abstraction Expressionist verve.” The Asheville artist says her process begins with destruction and progresses to rework and repair through seemingly random patterns of stitchery.
“Nava’s work brings such subtlety and sophistication to humble mediums,” said Curtis.
A public reception is Saturday, July 14, 5 – 8 p.m. Prior to the reception, the artists will lead an informal “Walk & Talk” tour of the art at 4 p.m. Staff and members of the Upstairs board of directors will be available to answer questions. They also invite anyone interested in getting involved with the gallery to discuss opportunities to volunteer.
The Upstairs is located at 49 S. Trade Street; hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Contact 828-859-2828, www.upstairsartspace.org.
– article submitted
by Harold Maass