BOONE, NC — May 6, 2025 — The Department of Art at Appalachian State University proudly announces strong representation in the "Embers" exhibition currently on display in downtown Spruce Pine, NC. Thirteen of the eighteen featured artists are current AppState students or alumni, showcasing the university's excellence in metalsmithing and industrial design education.
The exhibition is open to the public now through May 22nd, Wednesday through Friday from 11am to 4pm, or by appointment. A special celebration event will be held on May 15th from 4-6pm.
AppState students and alumni featured in the exhibition include Nathan Gates (Industrial Design: Product), Hayden Girling (Metals & Jewelry Design), Alissa Gobel (Metals & Jewelry Design), Samanatha Hatchett (Metals & Jewelry Design alumni), Sean Hiemenz (Metals & Jewelry Design), Evelyn Kline (Metals & Jewelry Design), Maggie MacKenzie (Metals & Jewelry Design alumni), Mia Martin (Industrial Design: Product), Havana Merriman (Studio Art BA), Adri Pritchard (Metals & Jewelry Design), Maggie Schupp (Metals & Jewelry Design), Rachel Thomas (Industrial Design: Product), and Elizabeth Walton (Metals & Jewelry Design alumni).
"Embers" is dedicated to providing young and early career blacksmiths and metal artists the opportunity to showcase their work during and after the annual Fire on the Mountain festival. The exhibition aims to make the festival more accessible to emerging metalsmiths and artists who may face barriers to exhibiting in traditional venues.
A virtual tour of the exhibition is available here.
Media Contact:
Art Office
artoffice@appstate.edu
828-262-2220
https://art.appstate.edu/
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About Appalachian State University's Department of Art
The Department of Art at Appalachian State University offers comprehensive programs in studio art, graphic design, art education, graphic communication management, photography, art history and art management, emphasizing both technical mastery and conceptual development. For more information, visit art.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://faa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Embers Exhibit ART
Embers Exhibit ART