Arts AVL’s annual State of the Arts Brunch took place on October 30, 2023 at The Orange Peel.
At this sit down event, arts advocates learned about the state of the local creative sector, heard from City and County leaders about what local government is doing to support the arts, and saw the presentation of the 2023 John Cram Arts Leadership Award to Brian and Gail McCarthy.
“The Crammy”
John Cram Arts Leadership Award
This year we honored Brian and Gail McCarthy. The founders of Highwater Clays and Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, moved to Asheville in 1979 to begin their business blending clays in an artists’ cooperative studio on the Swannanoa River. They quickly became stewards of the burgeoning River Arts District, supporting the creation of the River Arts District Artists association and starting the neighborhood’s studio stroll.
Sponsored by Blue Spiral 1, this award is named after local entrepreneur and philanthropist John Cram, who passed away in 2020. The Crammy seeks to honor individuals who have made a large contribution to the arts in Buncombe County.
Gail and Brian McCarthy
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Email Rebecca Lynch at rebecca@artsavl.org for more details.
Mountain BizWorks