
Black Mountain artist Lorelle Bacon speaks with host Meredith Adler about Lorelle’s life as an artist, art teacher, and highly involved member of community art groups.
Lorelle works with many art mediums and teaches at various venues in Asheville, other parts of Western North Carolina, and nationally. She has been a mentor to many budding artists, and her love of teaching shines through during this conversation.
It is hard to believe that this very active artist is 75 years old, but she says so during the interview, so I think it’s ok to tell you here!
I am thrilled to present to you this interview with an artist who paints everything from miniatures to murals!
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To Connect with Lorelle and see More of Her Work:
- SCROLL DOWN this page!
- Visit her website: lorellebacon.com
- Visit Arrowhead Gallery in Old Fort, NC
- Visit 310 Art Gallery in Asheville, NC

Highlights from this show include:
- Lorelle’s opinion about having a set style with one art medium (hint: she personally uses many mediums!)
- How teaching art has improved Lorelle’s own work
- How so many years of teaching have brought Lorelle to the conclusion that anyone can create art
- A discussion of Lorelle’s view that the subject “tells her” what art medium to use
- The importance for an artist of being involved in community with other artists
- How one local art group is helping revive the small WNC town of Old Fort, NC
- How an accident and a comment from a doctor gave Lorelle her start as an art teacher
- Examples of how Lorelle has personally seen art transform the lives of her students
Local resources mentioned during this episode:
- Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League in Old Fort, NC
- 310 Art in Asheville, NC
- Florence Thomas Art School in West Jefferson, NC
- Battle of the Brushes in Old Fort, NC
- Woolworth Walk in Asheville, NC
- Black Mountain Center for the Arts
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Asheville, NC
- Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League
- Monte Vista Hotel in Black Mountain, NC
Local Artists mentioned:
Upcoming Events for Artists mentioned:
- Battle of the Brushes, in Old Fort, NC
Resources from outside this area mentioned:
- Lorelle’s upcoming workshops at Naples Art Association in February 2017: Scratchboard and Painting on Silk
- Bonita Springs Art Center
- International Society of Scratchboard Artists







What beautiful work. Hard to pick a favorite. I am lucky to know you.. beautiful painting lift ones spirit.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Kathy, and I’m so glad you like Lorelle’s work!
Wonderful interview! Lively and engaging. Love the references to happy accident and starting over.
Thanks, Nancy! So glad you got to listen. Yes, very interesting where the twists and turns of life will take a person…
Loved the episode and connected in many ways Lorelle’s philosophy. You are so fortunate to have so many artists and teachers in your area. Wish I could close my eyes and fly over!!!
I totally see how you would resonate with Lorelle’s teaching style, Carol. Would be great if you could visit and check out a class or two! Thanks for listening and for being so supportive of the show…
Lorelle is an amazing artist and a great teacher. Her compassion and love of art and people come through as she encourages each person who comes to her for learning whatever medium they choose to be taught.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Evie. Yes, Lorelle is quite the gift to those of us who have been lucky enough to find our way to her classes!
What an inspiring artist and teacher. I really enjoyed the interview as I as well am a self taught artist. I start teaching a class next week at Olli and Lorelle had some excellent advice I can incorporate in my program. I hope I get the opportunity to meet with you at some point in the future.