New business: Arise and Shine Arts looks to unite through arts education
HENDERSONVILLE - Local musicians Monica and Matthew Tucker met in 2012 in West Asheville at an open mic event and instantly formed a bond. Little did they know that just over a decade later, that bond would turn into a business partnership.
They both love music and the arts and from that love and passion, Arise and Shine Arts was born in 2023 in the Continuum Art Gallery at First Avenue East in Hendersonville. According to its website, Arise and Shine Arts' mission is "to unite communities through accessible arts education and outreach, while bringing together WNC creators through collaborative opportunities and events. We focus on empowering the artist within people of all ages and backgrounds, and serve communities through equitable outreach and a diverse cultural lens."
"We wanted to see what would happen if we brought our creativity to the forefront, instead of always simmering on the back burner," said Monica Turner. "Not only that, we wanted to help others be more creative in their own lives and build a network of creative individuals who could collaborate, educate, and inspire one another. By 2023, we had both left our full-time office jobs to be full-time artists and start our own business."
Monica Tucker is from Altamont, New York, and Matthew Tucker is from Fallbrook, California. After living in West Asheville for five years, the couple moved to Hendersonville in 2017 shortly after their daughter, Magnolia, was born. Along with Magnolia, 7, the Tuckers have a 2-year-old son named Max.
"They both played a big role in our decision to leave our full-time jobs and pursue our dreams. Not only does it give us much more time to devote to them daily, it means they get to watch their parents embrace their true selves and follow their passions," Monica Tucker said. "While our household has always been full of music and art, they now get to experience creativity as a way of life as it is the bedrock of our business. It’s certainly a busy life, especially as we are also tending to our tiny homestead with chickens, bunnies, bees, cats and a new puppy. But it’s fulfilling to the utmost extent. Each day is a different adventure, and we like it that way."
The Tuckers offer a variety of multi-media classes, including digital music production, screenwriting, graphic design, bookbinding, screenprinting and even art classes for children.
The Tuckers said they are also eager for Arise and Shine Arts to partner with local community organizations, non-profits and schools to do arts education outreach and support.
"We want to make sure that children from all backgrounds and areas have the opportunity to experience a creative outlet," Monica Turner said.
A launch party for Arise and Shine Arts is set for noon-3 p.m on April 15 and will feature live music, pop-up classes and fun for all ages.
Classes officially start on April 24. For more information or to register for classes, go to www.ariseshinearts.com and follow ASA on all social media platforms at @ariseshinearts.
Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Arise and Shine Arts focuses on unity through arts education
