Upcoming Exhibitions...

Merlin Strivelli

August 7 - September 1, 2009

Opening Reception Friday, August 7

6:30 PM - 10 PM

Merlin Strivelli was born in Haywood County, NC, in 1990. Three years later, his family moved one county over, to be closer to Asheville. He is currently a senior at North Buncombe High School in Weaverville, NC. Eldest of six, he lives with his parents and five younger siblings.

Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at four years old, he learned to communicate early by drawing pictures. As he got older and started to communicate more verbally, he expressed a continuing interest and talent in drawing. He would often request “How to Draw...” books for gift-giving occasions.

Merlin's early themes were cartoons, children's shows, and superheroes. His favorite movie as a toddler was Disney's Fantasia, a highly-acclaimed animated film. He continued his interest in the animation genre when he discovered X-Men, Scooby-Doo, and Superman.

As a teenager, he entered the Open Hearts Art Center in Woodfin, NC. There, he works with an artist one on one to hone his artistic abilities. Through Open Hearts Art Center, he has sold several art pieces locally, and appeared in numerous group exhibitions. For the past 4yrs he has worked and continues to work one-on-one with Jason Sabbides, a fine arts graduate of University of North Carolina-Asheville.

In November 2007, he traveled to Washington D.C. to accept an “Award of Excellence” in VSA Art's Driven exhibit at The Smithsonian Institution's S. Dillon Ripley Center. He was one of 15 national finalists in the competition, for his piece “Comics and Stories, Part 1” mixed media (20”x48”).

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