On Display at the Asheville Community Theatre’s Susan Harper Gallery

Jillian Hooper

Hendersonville, NC

I am an artist from Hendersonville, NC. I find inspiration all around me in the people I see and meet. When I see someone who has a unique appearance or style, I try to capture the moment. My goal is to highlight the inner aspects of a person through my drawings.

I believe represenation is important and I try to showcase the beauty in a diverse group of people.

I specialize in pencil, acrylic paint, and digital media.

Youth Artists from Umoja Health Justice & Wellness Collective

Asheville, North Carolina

Umoja’s HOPE (Healing Our Past Experiences) 4 the Future is a free prevention-based after school and summer camp for school aged children and teens. It provides a safe space for youth to gather, unpack and begin healing from trauma.

This program is trauma-informed, culturally aligned and knows that by reaching these youth now, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors such as substance use and violence, in their future. The youth get snacks, homework tutoring and opportunities for dance, making beats in the studio, assisting with a iHeart radio show, and access to the weight room.

On Display at Benne on Eagle

Jenny Pickens

Asheville, NC

Jenny Pickens is an Asheville, NC area native. She is a self-taught artist who has been making art all her life. Working in mediums including fiber arts, pencil, pen & ink, pastels, oils, as well as hand built pottery and repurposed jewelry, Jenny’s work has been featured in a variety of articles, galleries & festivals around the community.Jenny also works with children in afterschool programs, such as YTL, IRL and Asheville City Schools TAPAS program, to help young artists curate their talent and love for creating. She creates and designs custom artwork pieces for private buyers as well as the Noir Collective AVL, also known as the Block, where her work can be viewed and purchased as she curates art and provides mentorship to other up & coming artists.

On Display at the Workshop Lounge of the Foundry Hotel

Jerrie Settles

Asheville, NC

Jerrie’s art is an expression of being blessed, by God through her family, beyond measure.

In 2007 she authored and illustrated her first children’s book, A Prayer for Wings – A Journey of Nipaerilla the Caterpillar.

Over the years her art has taken on new dimensions, where she has tutored art students, taught art therapy classes, and expanded to digital art. No matter what the medium or the platform, the grace and love of God is always expressed in every creative work.

She signs all her work with JEMS

J- Jerrie her nick name
E- Essie her middle name from her grandmother, her childhood hero
M- Mae her grandmother’s middle name, Jerrie selected on adoption day
S- Settles her last name she received when marrying the love her life.

And the Lord said to me; “your signature means Jesus Eternally Making Sketches.” Now God is still working in her life behind the scenes; ensuring the sketches will never stop.

Tarah Singh

Asheville, NC

Tarah Singh’s work is a conscious integration of her feminine energy, encounters, and heritage. She strives to create an amalgam of her experiences and dreams, providing a visual dichotomy between the raw emotions of her reality and her tender compassion towards humanity.

Her goal as an artist isn’t to make pretty pictures, but instead to have the viewer get a glimpse through her eyes as she documents the world around her.

Jenny Pickens

Asheville, NC

Jenny Pickens is an Asheville, NC area native. She is a self-taught artist who has been making art all her life. Working in mediums including fiber arts, pencil, pen & ink, pastels, oils, as well as hand built pottery and repurposed jewelry, Jenny’s work has been featured in a variety of articles, galleries & festivals around the community.Jenny also works with children in afterschool programs, such as YTL, IRL and Asheville City Schools TAPAS program, to help young artists curate their talent and love for creating. She creates and designs custom artwork pieces for private buyers as well as the Noir Collective AVL, also known as the Block, where her work can be viewed and purchased as she curates art and provides mentorship to other up & coming artists.