Voices of the River Contest

Booklist says, “Allan Wolf makes reading and writing poetry cool.”  He is the author of poetry collections, picture books, and young adult novels, including two North Carolina YA Books of the Year and one Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist. He is also a presenter and performance poet who puts on assembly presentations in schools and libraries. More importantly, Wolf believes in the healing powers of poetry writing and recitation. To find out more about Allan Wolf, go to www.allanwolf.com or just google him.

Amanda McLenon is a conservationist at heart who started her career teaching high school biology in Michigan, and she completed her Masters in marine biology in Charleston, SC. During her studies, she started painting and she was quickly recognized for her accurate wildlife paintings and unique style. In 2012 she received the prestigious Lowcountry Artist of the Year award.

Amanda’s final scientific work was a 53-day research cruise to Antarctica. When she returned to Charleston, SC she committed full time to painting, with exhibits at the Piccolo Spoleto, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and various juried shows on the East Coast. 

In 2022, Amanda moved to the mountains of Western North Carolina, and opened Amanda McLenon Fine Art Gallery & Studio at 344 Depot St. Suite 102 (in the Pink Dog Creative Building). Amanda is recognized for her large scale oil paintings of wading birds, and her use of silver and gold leaf gilding.

Angela Alexander’s artistic journey took root in the picturesque landscapes of Asheville, NC, where she found herself drawn to the vibrant creative energy of the mountains. Her relocation from Charlotte in 1997 marked the beginning of a transformative period, one that would lead her to discover her true passion as an artist.

Starting with stained glass, Angela’s initial foray into the world of creativity allowed her to explore the interplay of light and color. However, it was in 2004 that she stumbled upon a new avenue of artistic expression: painting caricatures of her beloved Chihuahua, Sadie. Unbeknownst to her, these whimsical paintings would lay the foundation for a remarkable career that celebrated the unique bond between humans and their four-legged companions.

Nicknamed the “dog lady” within the vibrant arts community of Asheville, Angela Alexander’s artistry has found its heart in portraying dogs. These loyal companions became her muse, reflecting the warmth, companionship, and playfulness that dogs bring into our lives. With a distinctive style that captures the essence of each dog’s personality, Angela’s creations have garnered admiration both locally and on a global scale.

In 2010, Angela’s artistic journey reached a milestone when her works were showcased at the prestigious AKC Museum Of The Dog in St. Louis, MO. This recognition served as a testament to the depth and authenticity of her artistic vision, propelling her into international recognition.

Angela’s creative footprint can be traced not only through exhibitions and galleries but also in the realms of entertainment. Her works have made appearances in the movie “Pup Star: Better 2Gether” and, more recently, on the TV show “The Real Friends of WEHO,” further solidifying her presence in popular culture.

Beyond her artistic accomplishments, Angela Alexander is an advocate for homeless animals, channeling her passion for art into a force for good. She uses her talent to support local shelters, donating proceeds from her art to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. This act of kindness beautifully exemplifies her dedication to both her craft and her community.

Angela’s studio, nestled in the artistic haven of the River Arts District at NorthLight Studios, serves as a sanctuary for creativity. Here, she collaborates with her French Bulldog muse, Ellie, whose presence continues to inspire Angela’s daily artistic endeavors.

Angela Alexander’s journey from stained glass to celebrated canine artist is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the deep connection between humans and animals. Her art not only captures the essence of our furry friends but also serves as a beacon of compassion and community engagement.

As her brush strokes continue to bring dogs to life on canvas, Angela remains an unwavering advocate for the arts and animal welfare, a creator whose passion enriches lives, both human and canine alike.

Bridget Benton has been a working and teaching artist for over 20 years. She combines encaustic, photography, plant prints, and found materials to create paintings exploring themes of transformation, connection, and memory. The symbolic narratives that emerge invite viewers to sink in and find their own stories.

Benton holds a B.A. in Studio Arts and an M.S. in Creative Studies. Dedicated to helping adults find their creative voice, her book on creative process “The Creative Conversation: ArtMaking as Playful Prayer” won a Nautilus Book Awards Gold Medal.

Her work has appeared in Wax Fusion, Mixed Media Art Magazine, and Professional Artist Magazine. She is Past-President of the Portland Chapter of the International Encaustic Artists (IEA), was awarded an IEA Artists Project Grant, and served on the RADA Board. She has shown in galleries across the US and Europe and has taught for Art Unraveled, The Nature Printing Society, and Painting with Fire. She is currently the lead encaustic instructor at 310 Art in Asheville, NC.

Carrie is originally from northeast Georgia but has now lived in the Asheville area for six years. Carrie went to college for environmental science, but a painting hobby eventually compelled her to switch careers. She now works as a middle school art teacher in Haywood County but continues to paint whenever she has time. Her colorful landscape paintings, mostly of river scenes, are inspired by the places she has lived, including Upstate South Carolina, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. When she is not teaching or painting, Carrie enjoys running, working in her garden, and hanging out with her cat, Charlie.

Danny “Chops” Schuster is a slam poet on Asheville’s own Beasts of the Mountain Poetry team. He hosts a poetry open mic, called “Unpublished,” at Elevated Kava Downtown every fourth Tuesday of the month. He also hosts trivia and other events around Asheville.

Jason Huber is a poet, musician, and writing instructor at Western Carolina University. When he’s not in the classroom or responding to emails, you’ll find him reading, listening to, sharing, and enjoying poetry.

Roxanne has bachelor’s degrees in creative writing and communications. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, her poetry has been featured in numerous publications. She’s contributed to the spoken word communities of Milwaukee, Austin, and Asheville, with more on the horizon!