Art of the State - by Liza Roberts (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This ... volume illustrates the vitality and importance of North Carolina's contemporary art scene, showcasing the creation, collection, and celebration of art in all its richness and diversity. Featuring profiles of individual artists, ... interviews, and ... full-color photography, this book tells the story of the state's evolution through the lens of its art world and some of its most compelling figures ... Roberts also provides ... historical context, such as the influence of Black Mountain College, the birth and growth of Penland School of Crafts, and short histories of North Carolina's art museums, including Charlotte's Mint Museum, Raleigh's North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem's Reynolda House, and those flourishing at universities"--

Book Synopsis

This beautiful and informative volume illustrates the vitality and importance of North Carolina's contemporary art scene, showcasing the creation, collection, and celebration of art in all its richness and diversity. Featuring profiles of individual artists, compelling interviews, and beautiful full-color photography, this book tells the story of the state's evolution through the lens of its art world and some of its most compelling figures. Liza Roberts introduces readers to painters, photographers, sculptors, and other artists who live and work in North Carolina and who contribute to its growing reputation in the visual arts. Roberts also provides fascinating historical context, such as the influence of Black Mountain College, the birth and growth of Penland School of Crafts, and short histories of North Carolina's art museums, including Charlotte's Mint Museum, Raleigh's North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem's Reynolda House, and those flourishing at universities. Artists featured include Stephen Hayes, Mel Chin, Cristina Cordova, Beverly McIver, and Scott Avett. The result is the most comprehensive, informative, and visually rich story of contemporary art in North Carolina.

Review Quotes

"Art of the State offers a sprawling, vital survey of North Carolina art now. . . . Impressively designed and rich with captivating images of art that are often paired with profiles of artists and collectors. These cutaway sections--separate from but interspersed with the main text--give the book the feel of a well-curated gallery, with individual pieces hanging on the wall and coalescing around a holistic theme."--INDY Week

"A joy to read. . . . In well-researched prose, thoughtful interviews, and stunning photography . . . Roberts juxtaposes traditional and contemporary art, craft, and fine art, established institutions, and grassroots organizations, offering an examination of the art of the state that is as complicated and exciting as the population itself. The two hundred interviews she conducted paint a dynamic and multifaceted portrait of our statewide arts community."--North Carolina Literary Review

"In well-researched prose, thoughtful interviews, and stunning photography by Lissa Gotwals, Roberts juxtaposes traditional and contemporary art, craft, and fine art, established institutions, and grassroots organizations, offering an examination of the art of the state that is as complicated and exciting as the population itself. . . . Roberts's inviting prose inspires readers to leave their homes and become an integral part of the thriving art community around them."--North Carolina Literary Review

"Using extraordinarily beautiful photographs of the artists and their work, Roberts shows their diversity and their charm. The photos and the book's description of the artists' different approaches gives its readers and viewers a spectacular introduction to the importance of North Carolina and all that it offers artists and art fans."--D.G. Martin, ChapelBoro

About the Author

Liza Roberts is a journalist and founder of Walter Magazine. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.