In the months following what has come to be known as The Storm, we at American Folk have found solace in the simple domesticity of daily life, dedicating our attentions to home & family. Such a world-shaking event often reveals our capacity for resilience and flexibility, allowing us to embrace time-honored traditions with a fresh perspective. The people of Western North Carolina have learned that softness is essential in hard times, and to embrace this duality we present our upcoming show “The Ties That Bind”.
For the artists featured in this show, the threads of connection among neighbors and strength of community are themes that have long-since been anchors of their creative process. Their voices and hands produce bespoke works that evoke the spirit of summer breezes, the softness of an old threadbare quilt, and the comforting creak of a familiar chair.
Ellen Langford incorporates the rustic charm of sun-dried laundry and the simplicity of country living, beautifully interwoven with Mississippi scenery and heartfelt home scenes. Her chosen moniker for her body of work is ‘the story of the backyard’ and there isn’t any better way to explain the small, yet mighty moments that she captures on her canvas.
Transforming softness into sturdy pottery, Winton & Rosa Eugene immortalize Southern iconography in their exacting and elegant works. This classic duo captures scenic back roads, quilt squares on ancient barns, and pine trees that have witnessed the weight of time alongside the gentle sway of a tire swing.
Woodblock printer Kent Ambler captures the meticulous nature of textiles using his chisel on pine boards. The work he has created for this show explores the geometric and mathematical precision of quilting, as he cuts and pieces his retired woodblocks to create mesmerizing patterns.
Liz Sullivan’s whimsical scenes of domestic bliss pay homage to the rural community she has called home for decades, and make you smile with the simple joy of looking out your kitchen window. Doug Frati will brighten your home with timeless carvings in salvaged wood, revealing the intricacies of pattern and place. Sonya Clemons consistently connects us to family with the exceptional portraits of her mother’s hands, whether they are wisely peeling an apple or cutting fabric for a garment made just for you. Church Goin’ Mule paints a mighty song full of allegory and faith starring her main character: the common mule who built the South.
“The idea for this show was born while I was doing laundry in our creek after Helene,” says gallery owner Julia L. Mills. “Somehow in all the madness of the storm’s aftermath, time slowed and we were performing the mundane acts of daily life in the most beautiful ways. That’s really what kept me grounded, just to keep on doing what was needed to take care of my people.”
Featured artists include:
Ellen Langford • Liz Sullivan • Doug Frati • Winton & Rosa Eugene • Sonya Clemons • Kent Ambler • And a new addition to our folk art family : Mississippi painter Church Goin’ Mule!
“The Ties that Bind” debuts right here on our website at 11 AM, Wednesday August 6th. For a full hour, the entire show will be available for previewing before phone sales begin promptly at noon. The remaining pieces will be on view in the gallery from Friday, August 8th through Wednesday, August 27th, 2025
An evening reception celebrating “The Ties That Bind” will be held in the gallery on Friday August 8th 5-8PM; any & all are invited to join us as we celebrate the sacred mundane!