Bottle Riot's 'trash art' exhibit, Posana's new chef, wine classes

ASHEVILLE - A local wine bar and special guest artist demonstrate how plastic trash can be turned into treasures; a downtown restaurant introduces a new menu, hours and wine classes; a brewery pioneer joins the tourism bureau.

A River Arts District watering hole and a North Carolina artist are inviting the public to come together over drinks and a shared goal to reduce plastic waste.

Bottle Riot, a chic bar and listening lounge, will host “trash artist” Harvest Ganong’s Asheville Art Show from Aug. 12 to Oct. 12 at 37 Paynes Way, Suite 9.

Ganong, of Wilmington, uses plastic trash to create large-scale, three-dimensional portraits of music icons. At a distance, images of artists like David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Willie Nelson may be seen but closer, the toy figurines and doll accessories, dental floss packs, electronic cases, compact discs and other materials are hidden in the details.

Ganong, who earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Western Carolina University, said she was drawn to the art medium two years ago after observing how much non-recyclable and single-use plastic was consumed in her daily life.

“When I became a mom, I became overwhelmed with the amount of plastic I started consuming in my life,” Ganong said. “Here, in Wilmington, we weren’t recycling except a few of the numbers, and I was having to throw so much plastic away. Being a major in art with a concentration in sculptures, I knew I could do something with it. … Before it ends up in the landfills, before it washes up on our beaches, I started using plastic waste as my medium.”

The art not only showcases Ganong’s talents and skills but acts as conversation pieces to inspire viewers to reflect on the impact of plastic flooding homes, communities and waterways.

“As of now, there are more microplastics in the ocean than there are stars in our galaxy,” Ganong said. “We consume over a credit card’s worth of microplastics every year. It is literally in our produce, it is in our bloodstreams, it is in unborn fetuses, it is now raining plastic. With plastic in our bodies, other things are able to cling to it that causes diseases. It truly is an overwhelming crisis that we have.”

Ganong collects microplastics from community members at her Wilmington art studio.

On Aug. 12, guests are encouraged to bring discarded plastic to the exhibition's opening reception at Bottle Riot to donate to Ganong for her future art projects. Materials requested must not be clear or larger than the palm of a hand.

“We’re so used to throwing our trash away and once it’s picked up it’s out of sight, out of mind. I hope that it brings awareness to the amount of waste we all consume in our day-to-day lives. ... toothpicks, toothbrushes, coffee cup lids, kid toys and balloons ― there’s so much that we have in our day-to-day lives that we can cut back on. That we can start to think, ‘How can I change an aspect in my life?’”

Artworks will be available for purchase during the exhibition’s run.

Bottle Riot has committed to donating a percentage of wine sales to RiverLink, an organization that “promotes the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed.”

Bottle Riot’s menu features wine, spirits, signature cocktails, beer and small bites.

For more, visit harvestganong.com and bottleriot.com.

It’s a season of change for the esteemed downtown restaurant and wine destination, Posana.

In August, the local fine dining establishment introduces a new chef, special patio hours, and a series of wine-centric classes at 1 Biltmore Ave.

Chef De Cuisine David Van Tassel is new to the Posana team and will offer his expertise in local, seasonal ingredients to elevate the restaurant’s gluten-free menu of contemporary American cuisine.

Previously, Van Tassel was executive chef at Sovereign Remedies.

Posana has been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, through August, the restaurant’s patio will be open from 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays serving from a limited, special menu of appetizers curated by Van Tassel, plus cocktails, mocktails and wine from Posana’s expansive and award-winning cellar. Seating is first come, first served.

Advanced Sommelier Cara De Lavallade will continue Posana’s educational wine series with two more classes lined up for August and September.

On Aug. 15, “Global Rosès” will be hosted from 4-5:30 p.m. at the restaurant. The session will focus on international pink and “pinkish” wines from Spain to Slovakia and delve into topics such as how climate, grape variety, and tradition can change each.

On Sept. 19, "Pretty Pinot Noirs" will be presented from 4-5:30 p.m. and will explore six pinot noir wines of differing origins and styles from regions including Burgundy, Willamette Valley and South Africa. Topics will include harvest times, fermentation techniques and barrel aging and how to pair the wines with food.

Both ticketed events have limited seating and cost $75 per person (tax and gratuity included). Seasoned wine enthusiasts and curious beginners are welcome ― as long as they’re ages 21 or up.

For details and to purchase a ticket, visit posanarestaurant.com/wine-education-at-posana/.

In September, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority will have a few new members on its board, including Lucious Wilson, co-owner and general manager of Wedge Brewing. Wilson, appointed by City Council, will serve a three-year term through Aug. 31, 2026. Then, he will have the option to be reappointed for a second three-year term.

For more, visit ashevillecvb.com/bctda/ and wedgebrewing.com.

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with asubscription to the Citizen Times.