'Emerging Artists' display coming to upper gallery of Black Mountain Center for the Arts

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is happy to present Emerging Artists, a gallery show featuring the work of instructor Bob Travers’ students on display in the Upper Gallery and celebrated with an artist’s reception from 3 - 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.

The Upper Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and the Emerging Artist show runs through April 5.

It’s been 12 years since the Arts Center welcomed the talents of Bob Travers to its slate of teachers and classes. Travers is a nationally recognized wildlife artist who teaches drawing and painting classes at the Arts Center on Monday and Tuesday.

Since then, scores of students have benefited from his instruction. This show will feature at least one of Travers works and the best work of his 20 students.

One of the things that sets Travers apart from other instructors is his breadth of knowledge in a wide array of mediums, styles subject matter.

“All of my students work at different levels,” Travers said. “It’s up to the student to decide what they want to create and what medium they want to master. My job is to guide them.”

His classes offer opportunities to work in acrylic, watercolor, oil, scratchboard, colored pencil, charcoal and anything else they are drawn to.

“One of my students is painting on metal this year,” Travers said. “I’m happy to support my students’ choices and provide them with the foundation they need to achieve their goals.” When it comes to subject matter and style, students are free to pursue the full range of realistic, impressionistic and abstracts styles as they evolve and grow. “The door is wide open."

This show is generously sponsored by Grace Jewelers, a local company who has supported this show and been a loyal partner to the Arts Center for many years.

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization serving the community with 30 classes a week, community theater, concerts, storytelling and special events throughout the year.

The Upper Gallery supports nine shows a year and shares the work of hundreds of artists by offering with free admission to Black Mountain visitors and the regional community.

Travers teaches all levels of experience students 14 and up from beginner to professional Mondays and Tuesdays year-round.

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 W. State Street. For more information call 669-0930 or visit blackmountainarts.org.