ArtsvilleUSA, a nonprofit that celebrates the art and artists of Western North Carolina (WNC), launched its newest virtual exhibition, Open // Air, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Curated by Executive Director Elise Wilson, the exhibition showcases outdoor sculptures, installations and site-specific works by artists based in the 25 counties of WNC. Notably, this is ArtsvilleUSA’s inaugural PAVE exhibition. The PAVE (Partner Archival Virtual Exhibition) Program creates enduring digital versions of live shows, ensuring ongoing accessibility and greater exposure for artists.
Featured artists include Melissa Borrell, Elizabeth Brim, Robert Burch, Grace Cathey, Josh Coté, Rachel David, Todd Frahm, Julie Guy (NC Arboretum Formal Gardens Curator), Robert Levin, Dale McEntire, Julie Slattery and Robert Winkler. Their works, crafted from materials such as wood, stone, wire, glass and even flowers, are installed in public spaces ranging from town squares to far-flung sculpture gardens.
To encourage rural arts tourism in the post-Helene era, ArtsvilleUSA is also publishing a travelogue on Wednesday, June 10 to help visitors map their trips to as many featured works as possible. Highlighted sites include downtown Asheville, downtown Waynesville, Burnsville Town Square, Grovewood Village at the Omni Grove Park Inn, Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden and the NC Arboretum.
Open // Air invites viewers to explore the exhibition online through the ArtsvilleUSA virtual gallery or embark on a real-world adventure to experience these works firsthand. The exhibition will remain open indefinitely, with all works digitally archived for continued access. For more information, visit ArtsvilleUSA.com.
