ASHEVILLE, NC.- The Asheville Art Museum is proud to present Cherokee Carvers: Tradition Renewed from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, December 6, 2009. The public is invited to an opening reception for the exhibition with artists on Friday, July 10, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Cherokee Carvers: Tradition Renewed will examine different aspects of late 20th and early 21st century Cherokee carving. It will include ritual objects, functional wares and pieces designed to be sold to tourists and collectors. The exhibition will include both stone and wood carvings and focuses on artists working in Western North Carolina today.

Artists in Cherokee Carvers: Tradition Renewed will include Davy Arch, Irma and James Bradley, Amanda Crowe, Virgil Crowe, Butch Goins, John Grant, Virgil Ledford, Pete Long, Freeman Owle, Joel Queen, James Bud Smith, Stan Tooni, Jr., Stan Tooni, Sr., Charlie Watty and Fred Wilnoty.

Amanda Crowe (1928 – 2004) was a major influence on contemporary Cherokee artists. She earned degrees from DePaul University and the Art Institute of Chicago and later received a fellowship to study in Mexico with sculptor Jose de Creeft at Institute Allende. In 1953 she was employed by the Cherokee Historical Association as an instructor at Cherokee schools and held that position for nearly 40 years. Many of the artists in this exhibition studied with Crowe.

This exhibition follows Transformations: Cherokee Baskets in the Twentieth Century which examined Cherokee basket making over the past century, and how the materials and styles have evolved during this time period. Just as Transformations traveled throughout the Southeast, Cherokee Carvers will also travel. A catalogue produced by the Asheville Art Museum will be available for purchase in the Museum Shop.

This exhibition was organized and curated by the Asheville Art Museum. This project is sponsored in part by RTCAR, Cherokee Preservation Foundation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Western Carolina University. Additional support provided by Mr. William P. Massey.