Gallery exhibit "a girl and a gun: Asheville artists cope with love and death" opens Dec. 13th

Join local artist Taiyo la Paix as he gathers a sample of Asheville’s most talented in a provocative show about love and death, sex and violence, a girl and a gun. Opening at the Asheville Area Arts Council Gallery on Friday, December 13, a gun and a girl: asheville artists cope with love and death will give viewers an insight into life’s most moving experiences through the eyes of Asheville artists.

Taiyo la Paix is the sixth curator in the Asheville Area Arts Council’s Point of View, artists curate artists exhibition program. Point of View puts local artists in charge of creating a month-long exhibit showcasing the talents of their peers who illuminate the breadth and depth of Asheville/Buncombe County’s creative sector.  In la Paix’s artist’s statement, he admits he has a fear of dying and losing loved ones. His approach to this month’s exhibit continues his artistic exploration of sadness and joy by inviting local artists to share their visions of the same. “La Nouvelle Vague filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard infamously said, ‘All you need to make a movie is a girl and a gun.’ When it comes down to it, sex and violence are our timeless allegories for love and death, our most burning concerns,” says la Paix in describing his vision for his first curated show. Born in Philadelphia, PA, la Paix was raised in Kyoto, Japan and graduated with a BA in Art from Middlebury College in 1994. His artwork has been seen throughout the Southeast United States, and he now resides in Asheville, NC.

Opening reception Friday, December 13, 6:00-9:00pm at the Asheville Area Arts Council Gallery , 346 Depot St., a girl and a gun: asheville artists cope with love and death is on display through January 24, 2014.

A portion of the proceeds from artwork sold will support the Asheville Area Arts Council’s programs and mission to strengthen the vitality and visibility of the creative community, and grow Buncombe County’s arts, culture, and entertainment. Programs include supporting Kids Tixx, where the AAAC provides tickets to one child and one adult to attend various arts events in the Asheville area, and the AAAC’s Artist's Curriculum, providing area artists with resources and opportunities to build upon their business skills.

Asheville Area Arts Council Gallery hours Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-4:00pm.

For more information about the exhibit and the Asheville Area Arts Council visit www.ashevillearts.com or call 828.258.0710.