Meet Jerry Jackson | Gallery Owner and Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerry Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerry, what is the most important factor behind your success?

The most important factor behind my success/brand’s success is a combination of innovation, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the arts community, cultivated over twenty-six years in the arts nonprofit sector. Having worked as deputy director at Penland School and director at John C. Campbell Folk School and the Imperial Centre for Arts and Sciences in NC, I’ve forged invaluable relationships with regional and nationally renowned fine art and craft makers. These connections have now afforded me the opportunity to represent their work as a gallery owner, where I continue to utilize the same skills honed in the nonprofit field.

I hold an MFA in Ceramics and Painting, providing me with a broad understanding of various mediums and enhancing my ability to appreciate and represent diverse artistic expressions. Currently, I serve as the President of the Folk Education Association of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to identifying, supporting, and facilitating community-based, learner-led education as a strategic tool for community organizing. This role allows me to further contribute to the arts community and deepen my understanding of the importance of community engagement and education in fostering creativity and inclusivity.

Our brand voice reflects our commitment to artists and communities, with an encouraging, inclusive, engaging, educational, collaborative, empowering, and adaptive approach. We aim to uplift and inspire, ensuring everyone feels valued and included, while fostering dialogue, education, and cooperation within our artistic community.

Our purpose is clear: to empower artists, engage communities, and foster a culture of creativity and inclusivity through comprehensive support, education, and collaboration. We envision a future where every individual, regardless of background, can explore, express, and thrive creatively within an inclusive and vibrant artistic community.

Our values are deeply rooted in building long-term relationships with artists based on trust and respect, providing platforms for them to showcase their work, and celebrating their achievements. We prioritize enrichment and nurturing a culture where creative expression thrives, benefiting individuals, makers, and the broader community alike.

As we move forward, our goals include enhancing the enrichment of individuals and makers connected to creative expression, nurturing a culture where creative expression thrives, and expanding our brand visibility while acquiring new customers.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My career has been characterized by a fortunate journey through leadership roles at prestigious institutions that have not only nurtured my professional growth but also fueled my artistic endeavors. Community engagement has been a cornerstone of my career, shaping both my professional trajectory and the ethos of Gallery 164, where I now oversee branding and operations.

Having served as deputy director at Penland School of Crafts, director at John C. Campbell Folk School, and director at Imperial Centre of Arts and Sciences, I’ve been privileged to contribute to the vibrant arts landscape and facilitate meaningful connections between artists and communities. My educational background, including a BFA and MFA from East Carolina University, has provided me with a solid foundation in the arts, complementing my practical experience.

As a practicing artist with a substantial exhibition record, I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in various artistic endeavors, further enriching my understanding of the creative process. Additionally, my role as a juror and consultant for arts organizations and artists has allowed me to contribute to the broader arts community while refining my own artistic vision.

The path to where I am today has been marked by challenges, but each obstacle has been an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the arts. Building meaningful relationships, both within the arts community and beyond, has been crucial in overcoming these challenges and achieving success.

What sets me apart is not just my extensive experience in arts management and my artistic background, but also my unwavering commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement. Through Gallery 164, I aim to create a space where artists and art enthusiasts alike can come together to celebrate creativity and enrich their lives through artistic expression.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Welcome to Waynesville! We’ll start with a stroll down Main Street, soaking in the quaint charm and friendly atmosphere of the town. Lunch at Patio Bistro in its beautiful plant covered patio, followed by coffee and dessert at Orchard Coffee. Explore the unique shops along Main Street, with highlights including Ax & Awl for handcrafted leather goods and HH Walker Antiques for fine European antiques. Dinner at Singletree Heritage Kitchen, where we’ll savor delicious farm-to-table cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

Today is for exploring the great outdoors. Hike one of the scenic trails in the area, such as Richland Balsam Trail or Waterrock Knob Trail, both offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, we can choose from a variety of outdoor activities. A walk around Lake Junaluska is a great way to end the outdoor adventures.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Visit the Haywood County Arts Council Gallery and explore the work of local artists. Take a leisurely stroll through the Historic Frog Level district, admiring the charming architecture and browsing the eclectic shops. You dont want to miss stopping by Cultivate, a local garden store that includes a great beer bar.
Lunch at Panacea Coffee is an excellent choice. In the afternoon, we can explore the town’s history at the Shelton House Museum of NC Handicrafts.

Day 4: Relaxation and Indulgence

After a few days of exploration, it’s time to relax and indulge.
Spend the morning pampering ourselves at a local spa or wellness retreat, with options for massages, facials, and more. Lunch at Boojum Brewery, where we can enjoy a meal and locally brewed beers.
In the afternoon, we can explore Waynesville’s thriving arts and crafts scene, with visits to local galleries and studios.

Day 5:

Today, we’ll take a day trip to nearby Asheville, just a short drive from Waynesville. Explore the vibrant downtown area, with its eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visit the Biltmore Estate, a stunning mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds. Visit the River Arts District, home to a diverse community of artists and craftspeople.
Dinner at the Corner Kitchen, farm-to-table restaurant in Asheville, where we’ll enjoy a delicious meal made with locally sourced ingredients.

Day 6: Outdoor Adventure

Head out for another day of outdoor adventure in the beautiful mountains surrounding Waynesville. Explore a nearby waterfall or take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Southern cuisine, where we’ll enjoy classic dishes with a modern twist.

Day 7: Farewell and Reflection

On our final day in Waynesville enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Beach Mountain Diner in Hazelwood followed by a
final stroll through the shops on Main Street,

Visit the Biltmore Estate, a stunning mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds.
Lunch at a trendy restaurant or brewery in the downtown area, where we can sample some of Asheville’s famous craft beer.
In the afternoon, we can explore the River Arts District, home to a diverse community of artists and craftspeople.
Dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant in Asheville, where we’ll enjoy a delicious meal made with locally sourced ingredients.
Day 6: Outdoor Adventure

Today, we’ll head out for another day of outdoor adventure in the beautiful mountains surrounding Waynesville.
Choose from a variety of activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, or zip-lining.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot along one of the area’s many hiking trails.
In the afternoon, we can explore a nearby waterfall or take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Southern cuisine, where we’ll enjoy classic dishes with a modern twist.
Day 7: Farewell and Reflection

On our final day in Waynesville, we’ll take some time to reflect on our adventures and memories from the past week.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a cozy cafe or diner, where we can savor our last moments in this charming town.
Take a final stroll through Main Street, saying goodbye to the friendly shop owners and locals we’ve met along the way.
Departure and farewell, with memories of an unforgettable week spent exploring the best of Waynesville and its surrounding mountains.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been influenced by extraordinary mentors throughout my journey in education and non-profit arts management. While there are too many to name individually, each of them has shared a deep passion for the arts and a relentless drive to make the world a better place. Their success lies in the artists who have embraced this same passion, dedicating themselves to honing their skills, expanding their artistic horizons, and achieving excellence in their craft to create opportunities for others.

My shoutout goes to these talented makers and individuals who harness creativity to effect positive change in the world, bringing joy to our daily interactions within our communities and beyond. They embody the transformative power of art, inspiring us to see the world through new perspectives and enriching our lives in countless ways.

Website: gallery164.com

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