Brian Serway: Providing Space for Neo-Appalachian Art
Emory & Henry Class of 2013HollerHouse is the new venture Brian and a partner in Asheville have undertaken as a way to provide space for what he is calling “Neo-Appalachian.” There are as many as 50 different artists represented in this very hip, sleek retail space on State Street in Bristol, and each one lives in the Tri-Cities or the near region (think Western North Carolina or East Kentucky). Each art style is unique and completely captivating, and Brian says nothing makes him happier than when someone seems surprised that these are all creations by local artists. “As my grandmother likes to say, I’m tickled to death when people say, ‘This is an artist from Kingsport?!’”
And while the art you see in the store may challenge old perceptions of Appalachian art, Brian is excited to say that everything in the shop is very much rooted in Appalachia. He says this new venture is about giving voice to people in Appalachia who haven’t always had a place to shine: many of whom are younger and most of whom are finding new ways to create art in the place they call home. “This art may not look like the sort of thing we’re used to seeing in Appalachian art galleries, but every one of these artists is Appalachian – and the art has been inspired by Appalachia.”
One of the unique aspects to the store is that it is not solely a store filled with over-sized prints for sale: art lovers will also find stickers, postcards, enamel pins, 4x4 canvases, and more. “You can come in here and get a cool piece of art without spending more than $20.”
Enjoy an insightful conversation with Brian on the Duck Pond Wall Podcast. Check out their Facebook page: HollerHouse, and their website HollerHouseBristol.com. And visit the store soon (509 State Street, Bristol, VA) for a fresh and exciting new vision of Appalachia.
Open gallery
