Local Artist, Jonas Gerard featured on ABC’s 20/20

When ABC correspondent Bill Weir came to Asheville recently in search of what makes people happy, he knew that author Eric Weiner’s book “The Geography of Bliss” had named Asheville the happiest place in America. The ABC 20/20 program that came out of this visit emphasized the connection of community that people experience living in Asheville.

It didn’t take Bill long to discover Jonas Gerard in the River Arts District in his Studio painting in the component of happiness called “flow”. Without any sense of time and only rhythm in the background Jonas becomes completely absorbed in his creative expressions when he is focused on his passion of painting. In the flow, the colorful abstract expressions come through him to the canvas intuitively with a gestural and spontaneous style of painting that leaves him completely oblivious to any end result. The process unfolds with music, movement, color and texture on to the canvas. The creative energy is expressed in this flow.

Walking around the River District one can feel the excitement of creation. There are many studios in this artistic neighborhood of old brick buildings filled with both an exhilaration of energy and a quiet of contemplation. Art seekers from all over the world might stop by the Clingman Café for a quick cup of coffee before they begin the search for a connection to the spirit of a River District artist. It might be a metal sculptor in Phil Mechanic Studio, a potter in The Potters Mark at the Cotton Mill or a painter of large, colorful, abstract canvases at Jonas Gerard Fine Art.

When one person really appreciates his work Jonas knows his mission is complete. There’s a passing and very satisfying benefit given and received. Any crowd’s energy expands Jonas’ creativity so he always invites visitors to watch him paint in his Studio. Very mindful of his gift, he regularly schedules painting performances to benefit various endeavors in Asheville and the surrounding region.

Jonas Gerard has found the flow in his life and shares it as best he can with the community of Asheville, making it even a happier place to live.

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Iron sculpture outside the Wedge Building

River View Station in the River Arts District

Glass Blower demonstrating craft in the Phil Mechanic Studios

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Local Artist, Jonas Gerard featured on ABC’s 20/20

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