The event will feature the work of all 11 artists in residence, including Katherine Caldwell (woven wheat), Sarah Carawan (mixed media), Lissa Friedman (oil paintings), Mitch Kolbe (oil paintings), Elizabeth Walton (jewelry), Deb Kolp (painting and mixed media), Aaron Rose (textiles), Chelsey Noel (mixed media and textiles), Wren Ribble (mixed media), Elena Ribble (jewelry), and Jude Stuecker (textiles).

Tunnel Studios is the result of a unique collaboration between neighbors and friends. Co-owners Jude Stuecker and Paul Dixon are married, as are fellow co-owners Will Eccleston and Allison Williams. The four decided to embark on the renovation project together, unified by their shared interest in preserving Asheville’s craft history and providing more space for artists to work and connect. The space officially opened in September 2025. 

Deborah Kolp, a painter who works predominantly in oils, is developing an ongoing series titled Prayers for the People, which focuses on the beauty and complexity of the human face. Works from this series will be on display at the December event. “ Considering the harms of deepening polarizations ranging from political violence at home to wars on a global scale, my intention is to draw out the individual from the collective sea,” she says. “In these poignant faces we see spiritual depth, a desire for freedom, and the need for love and a nurturing environment.”

In her new space at Tunnel Studios, Elena Ribble has grown her craft as a jeweler and also explored other media like ceramics and printmaking. “One of my favorite aspects of making jewelry has been gifting it to my loved ones and I'm hoping my work can be shared and gifted to others during this holiday season,” she says. “I've always loved metalworking but I haven't until recently made an effort to share my work with people outside of family and friends. I'm new to Asheville and I've been really fired up by the artist community here and how supportive they are of new and emerging artists and a huge part of that for me has been the community at Tunnel Studios.” 

Event Details:
Tunnel Studios Holiday Open Studio
Saturday, December 20, 12–6 p.m.
940 Tunnel Road, East Asheville

Tunnel Studios is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, find @tunnelstudiosavl on Instagram.