Ginger Huebner
When you first learn about Ginger Huebner, you'll quickly notice that she is an artist that no boundaries. As a profound artist and as the founding director of Roots + Wings School of Art, she constantly works in a variety of mediums. From collage to chalk pastel and other mixed media, she enthusiastically works to capture life's stories. Her pieces personify people's dreams, passions, and those moments that define us as people.Her journey into art began with her studies at Virginia Tech for the field of architecture. Hindered by the limitations of her studies, she sought out new ways to voice her creative mind. For Huebner, each project was more than just a simple project. Emotion, purpose, and meaning all came into focus as she took projects beyond the necessary requirements.
With a Masters in Teaching Visual Art and a Bachelor in Architecture, Huebner draws on her unique talent and experiences that enhance her classroom. Apart from the teaching, she also works from her studio as a member of the Asheville River District Artists. You can view her work at K2 Home in downtown Asheville as well as her studio by appointment.
Harmony Republic Interview
Check out the Harmony Republic exclusive interview with Ginger Huebner.
Harmony Republic: You are the founding director of Roots + Wings School of Art. Why did you decide to start an art school in Asheville?
Huebner: Asheville has a wonderful assemblage of artists in many disciplines with a community of people who appreciate them. As a mother of two children under the age of 5, I was motivated to get them involved in a host of different activities. It was clear that there was an abundance of activities like gymnastics, music, dance or soccer, but no art classes. As an artist and art educator, I saw this as an opportunity to make a difference in the community by creating a place of artistic expression, not only for children, but all ages. Roots + Wings School of Art is bringing together the many teaching artists and their respective talents and sharing them with the community. The school's vision began there, and continues to grow. We have programs for all ages, including adults and children as young as 3 years old.
HR: With Roots + Wings you provide art education for people of all ages, beginning with pre-schoolers. Why do you believe it is important to teach art to children at such a young age?
Huebner: Pre-school aged children are sponges. Parents and educators understand this. This is precisely why we expose our children to a host of different activities at such a young age. Children's minds are hungry for new experiences, new activities and new challenges. Studies have shown that the visual arts enhance cognition, emotional expression, perception, cultural awareness, aesthetics, problem solving and critical thinking. This foundation of skills is essential in preparing kids for the rigors of the Kindergarten curriculum.
HR: You also create works of art celebrating defining moments in individuals' lives. What do you believe is the impact of using art to capture a milestone event or achievement in an individual's life?
Huebner: Life is full of stories and each fragment of life is an opportunity to capture artistically what often transcends expression in mere words. My work embodies people's hearts, their dreams, their passions in life, and the moments and individuals that define and refine them. I look for ways to express myself and to capture the reality that our lives and work are comprised of defining moments that end too quickly and fade too rapidly. Through my art, I seek to capture these moments and stories, to give them expression, to learn, to appreciate, and to grow from them.
HR: You donate a percentage of all of your commissioned work to Arts For Life in North Carolina, Red Feather in Montana and Tierra Nueva in Washington. Why do you support these specific organizations?
Huebner: These organizations represent meaningful, personal connections in my life, and they also happen to be in geographically diverse locations. It is my hope that my small donations not only allow me to continue to support them, but allow others to learn more about these extraordinary organizations. Prior to my move to Asheville, I was living in Seattle. As is often the case when you become involved in your community, you are constantly meeting new and amazing people doing remarkable things. It was here that I came to know Bob Ekblad of Tierra Nueva as well as Robert Young, who founded Red Feather Development Group. After moving to Asheville, I came across the Arts For Life website and was immediately inspired by their mission to use art as the vehicle to support children and young adults facing serious illnesses. I was fortunate to work with them as their interim Asheville Program Director in 2009. I continue to seek out new ways to collaborate and be involved in their programs.
HR: What advice could you provide an individual considering a career as a visual artist?
Huebner: I would encourage them to constantly push and explore their craft, continue to develop a confidence in their talents as an artist, and to share what they are doing with others. Art is meant to be shared and debated and critiqued and contemplated and enjoyed. Also, begin to develop and nourish different relationships with your community. This can be one of the most surprisingly powerful and supportive forces in your journey. I truly believe that you meet people in life for a reason, so be nice and be excited about what you do!
Below are a few of Huebner's works!
Harmony Republic: You are the founding director of Roots + Wings School of Art. Why did you decide to start an art school in Asheville?
Huebner: Asheville has a wonderful assemblage of artists in many disciplines with a community of people who appreciate them. As a mother of two children under the age of 5, I was motivated to get them involved in a host of different activities. It was clear that there was an abundance of activities like gymnastics, music, dance or soccer, but no art classes. As an artist and art educator, I saw this as an opportunity to make a difference in the community by creating a place of artistic expression, not only for children, but all ages. Roots + Wings School of Art is bringing together the many teaching artists and their respective talents and sharing them with the community. The school's vision began there, and continues to grow. We have programs for all ages, including adults and children as young as 3 years old.
HR: With Roots + Wings you provide art education for people of all ages, beginning with pre-schoolers. Why do you believe it is important to teach art to children at such a young age?
Huebner: Pre-school aged children are sponges. Parents and educators understand this. This is precisely why we expose our children to a host of different activities at such a young age. Children's minds are hungry for new experiences, new activities and new challenges. Studies have shown that the visual arts enhance cognition, emotional expression, perception, cultural awareness, aesthetics, problem solving and critical thinking. This foundation of skills is essential in preparing kids for the rigors of the Kindergarten curriculum.
HR: You also create works of art celebrating defining moments in individuals' lives. What do you believe is the impact of using art to capture a milestone event or achievement in an individual's life?
Huebner: Life is full of stories and each fragment of life is an opportunity to capture artistically what often transcends expression in mere words. My work embodies people's hearts, their dreams, their passions in life, and the moments and individuals that define and refine them. I look for ways to express myself and to capture the reality that our lives and work are comprised of defining moments that end too quickly and fade too rapidly. Through my art, I seek to capture these moments and stories, to give them expression, to learn, to appreciate, and to grow from them.
HR: You donate a percentage of all of your commissioned work to Arts For Life in North Carolina, Red Feather in Montana and Tierra Nueva in Washington. Why do you support these specific organizations?
Huebner: These organizations represent meaningful, personal connections in my life, and they also happen to be in geographically diverse locations. It is my hope that my small donations not only allow me to continue to support them, but allow others to learn more about these extraordinary organizations. Prior to my move to Asheville, I was living in Seattle. As is often the case when you become involved in your community, you are constantly meeting new and amazing people doing remarkable things. It was here that I came to know Bob Ekblad of Tierra Nueva as well as Robert Young, who founded Red Feather Development Group. After moving to Asheville, I came across the Arts For Life website and was immediately inspired by their mission to use art as the vehicle to support children and young adults facing serious illnesses. I was fortunate to work with them as their interim Asheville Program Director in 2009. I continue to seek out new ways to collaborate and be involved in their programs.
HR: What advice could you provide an individual considering a career as a visual artist?
Huebner: I would encourage them to constantly push and explore their craft, continue to develop a confidence in their talents as an artist, and to share what they are doing with others. Art is meant to be shared and debated and critiqued and contemplated and enjoyed. Also, begin to develop and nourish different relationships with your community. This can be one of the most surprisingly powerful and supportive forces in your journey. I truly believe that you meet people in life for a reason, so be nice and be excited about what you do!
Below are a few of Huebner's works!
