

“BETWEEN THE TWO OF US”
A COLLABORATION FEATURING ARTISTS
MARK BETTIS AND NABIL EL JAOUHARI
Exhibition runs March 11th - April 1st, 2023
Mark Bettis Gallery announces a captivating and intriguing new art show featuring a collaboration between Asheville artists Mark Bettis and Nabil El Jaouhari, beginning March 11th 2023. This collaborative showcase is titled “Between the Two of Us” and explores the combinations of Bettis’ painterly approach with El Jaouhari’s linear pyrographic repetitive forms.
Bettis begins his work with oil paints, then builds up layers on the panel to create fields of color and texture. Using his particular painting techniques, Bettis’ work ranges between abstract paintings to magic realism landscapes inspired by his surroundings, near and far.
El Jaouhari’s current work consists of elaborate collages on wooden panels using pieces of his previous oil paintings, prints, and studies, combined with intricate wood burning - resulting in a rich, colorful, and multi-layered abstract body of work.
The artists’ different approaches to their work led them to wonder “How would combining our techniques reform the subject matter?” This ignited their creative curiosity to begin a body of work that combines both their approaches -a convergence that not only changes the visual aspect of the work but also opens the door to unique interpretations and experimentation.
“Between the Two of Us” exhibition will run at the Mark Bettis Downtown Asheville Gallery from March 11th, 2023 through April 1st, 2023. All works will be available for sale.

A ONE-OF-A-KIND ART EXHIBIT
“OFF THE GRID”
FEATURING GALEN CHENEY
OPENING RECEPTION: April 7th
Exhibition runs April 7th - April 21st, 2023
Mark Bettis Gallery announces an exciting and striking new art show featuring national artist Galen Cheney, beginning in April 2023. This limited solo art showcase is titled “Off the Grid” – a dynamic exhibit that connects a group of paintings in the shape of a grid that alternately weaves and warps, changes from being pulled taut, to coming apart or even barely there.
In describing this body of work, Cheney says, "All the paintings function in relation to the grid, which serves to create a sense of space. Sometimes the grid is closed, its squares solid like walls; other times they are open like windows, inviting the observer deeper into the painting. She adds, “Often when one thinks of a grid, they think of order, repetition, predictability. That is not what defines these paintings. These pieces are happier living off the grid, making their own rules, living independently, creating their own energy and luminosity.”
The new exhibit launches with an opening reception at the Mark Bettis Downtown Asheville gallery located at 15 Broadway Street, Asheville, on Friday, April 7th from 5 to 8 pm. Cheney will be present to meet and talk with guests and patrons about her creations, her inspiration and process.
Refreshments and light hors d’Oeuvres will be served. The event is free and all works on display will be available for sale.
Off the Grid Exhibition will run at the Mark Bettis Gallery’s downtown location at 15 Broadway Street.
April 7th through April 21st, 2023.
“INTO THE HOLLOW”
FEATURING ASHEVILLE ARTIST TESS DARLING
OPENING RECEPTION: May 13th
Exhibition runs May 13th - May 27th, 2023
Mark Bettis Gallery announces a new art show featuring Asheville artist Tess Darling, beginning May 13th, 2023 at Bettis’ River Arts Asheville gallery. This showcase, titled “Into the Hollow”, is a meditated mixed media exploration of the Appalachian cove.
“Into the Hollow” exhibition will run from May 13th, 2023 through May 27th, 2023 at the Mark Bettis River Arts Asheville Gallery located at 123 Roberts St. The gallery is hosting an opening night reception on Saturday, May 13th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The reception is free and open to the public; refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.
All works will be available for purchase.
Darling’s “Into the Hollow” approaches landscapes, wildlife
and portraiture with a subtle science fiction theme, using her detailed sketching and note-taking naturalist style. Her show features mixed media works – using acrylic, ink, and graphite on canvas, wood panels and paper. She describes her show
as a “means to rediscover the wonders of nature in Appalachia, combined with visualizing the concept of making contact with other life forms and reflecting on the self as a curious outsider."
Into the Hollow Exhibition will run at the River Arts District Gallery located at 123 Roberts Street, Asheville.
May 13th through May 27th, 2023

