"Paris of the South?”

ASHEVILLE DREAM SERIES BY LISA RINGELSPAUGH-IRVINE

Opening Reception on Friday, July 9th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm at BlackBird Frame & Art

Show dates: July 8^th – July 24^th

If you have lived in Asheville for any length of time you have most likely heard Asheville compared to Paris. Who knows?  Maybe there is something to it... after all, Asheville is a very romantic place, and there is no lack of culture, diversity and nightlife. Our city has played muse to many notable artists, crafters, poets, and writers. Recently, we even had our own art heist just like the famous museums of Paris.

Lisa Ringelspaugh is a longtime resident and professional painter known for her lively watercolor interpretations of local landmarks. Inspired by turn-of-the-century Paris, Lisa asked herself, “If those artists visited Asheville, then what would happen?”  Her new “Dream Series” answers with a touch of whimsy, a healthy dose of imagination and plenty of artistic license. Through Lisa’s brush, Matisse, Gauguin, Chagall and Dali have finally come to visit our fair city and have reinterpreted their favorite works in a new southern Appalachian light.  Seen here, "Busking for Rubles", on which Lisa comments, "Often there's a classical musician playing in this storefront.  Who better to join in than Chagall's blue and purple violinists?  Oh yes, I know Chagall was Russian, not French." 

“Paris of the South?” is a fun, artistic romp through the city of Asheville, from Kim’s Wig Shop to the S&W Cafeteria.  Join Lisa on Friday evening for a special night of wine, refreshments, and stimulating conversation. We'll have fun food specially designed and named for the event, and perhaps a visit from a well-known Spanish surrealist (or at least a good likeness thereof) whose spirit is rumored to be occupying a penthouse condo at The Ellington.

BlackBird Frame & Art has Moved

to the former home of Merrimon Galleries, one of WNC's leading custom framers and oldest art galleries.    

The new shop on Merrimon Avenue offers expanded gallery space, lots of free parking, and a framing design area that is unmatched in WNC. 

With the improved parking & access, plus the expanded gallery space, we can offer you the best possible service & selection.  Framing choices include a larger offering of hand-gilded and carved period reproductions, WNC's largest assortment of fun, colorful inlays, fabric mats & liners, and more.  Experience the largest selection and most experienced staff, in a design space unrivaled in WNC. 

Our display of art now includes work from many local painters and artisans, some of the finest work being produced in Western North Carolina. 

Please visit the ART section of this website to sample some of their remarkable offerings.

At BlackBird Frame & Art we are expert framers, designers & consultants offering quality Custom Framing for art, objects and memorabilia. We have Asheville and Western North Carolina’s largest selection of picture frame designs.

The following local artists show their original work in our new Merrimon Avenue gallery (click underlined links to pages on this website): 

Paintings

Debbie Arnold (acrylics), Carol Bomer (mixed media), Jenny Boudreault (mixed media), Jerry Cram (acrylics), Philip DeAngelo (oils), Dave Goldman (oils), William Jameson (oils),  Peter Loewer (illustration), Said Osio (mixed media), Gayle Paul (oils), Lisa Ringelspaugh (watercolor), Susan Sinyai (oil pastels), Terri Walton (oils), Karen Weihs (oils)

Sculpture

Julia Burr (steel/wood)

Crafts

Joe Cunningham (turned wood), Dawn Dalto (ceramics), Jesse Lee (metals),  Les Powell (pottery)

Photography

Doug Cavanah, Paul Moberg, John Smith

Giclees and Reproduction Prints (Local Interest)

John Mac Kah, Robert Tino, Ann Vasilik (many of the artists displaying originals also offer giclee reproductions of their work) 

We carry a large selection of decorative prints and posters, and have extensive catalog and on-line resources.  We provide professional assistance with searches for art to decorate any style of home or office.

Express yourself, decorate

Display, Preserve, & Protect

Preservation Framing of: Paintings – Prints and Posters – Photographs – Textiles – Memorabilia – Needlecraft – Keepsakes –  Children's Art – Mirrors – Documents – Diplomas – Collectibles

Showcase your Business

Designers – Architects – Artists & Photographers – Corporate Awards – Employee Recognition – Client Appreciation –  Professional Certificates

Find the service you need

Rush Orders – Commercial Projects – Delivery – Installation – Crating – Art Consultation – Artist & Designer Accounts – Contract Framing – Volume Orders

Full-Range of Picture Frame Styles

Period Reproduction Frames - Arts and Crafts Frames - Solid Acrylic Frames - Inlaid Mouldings - Welded Steel Frames - Quarter-Sawn Oak - Gilded Frames - Carved Frames - Roma Moulding - Larson Juhl Picture Frame - Plein-Air Frames