Raven's Wing Studios began in Anchorage, Alaska in 1996 as a partnership between husband and wife, Don and Phoebe Blackwell. After retiring from the Air Force in 2000, they discovered their passion for working in many mediums and forms: pen and ink, colored pencil, polymer clay, quilling, silk and acrylic painting, and wood carving. In 2004, they moved to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Don began art instruction at Blue Ridge Community College in Henderson and Isothermal College in Polk County soon after arriving, and discovered his unique ability and talent for teaching, even to students who never believed they could be artists. After 12 years, they were fortunate enough to realize their dream of having their own school.
With the help of their very dear friends (who are really like family), Art Sauder and Larry Fitz, and wonderful neighbors, the Raven's Wing School of Art opened in 2019. They offer classes in Beginning Drawing, Intermediate Drawing, Colored Pencil Techniques, Pen and Ink Techniques, Beginning Woodcarving, Intermediate Woodcarving, Extreme Woodcarving, Watercolor Painting, and Writing Poetry. They also host meetings of the Flat Rock Woodcarving Guild and hold open studio sessions.
The school is an experience in itself, with a wall of cabinet doors, design elements in 95 year old wormy chestnut wood, and so many other interesting aspects. It is an environment where learning is foremost and love is the cornerstone of its foundation. The atmosphere is fun, positive, and very conducive to creating wonderful works of art. It truly is a partnership in love.
With the help of their very dear friends (who are really like family), Art Sauder and Larry Fitz, and wonderful neighbors, the Raven's Wing School of Art opened in 2019. They offer classes in Beginning Drawing, Intermediate Drawing, Colored Pencil Techniques, Pen and Ink Techniques, Beginning Woodcarving, Intermediate Woodcarving, Extreme Woodcarving, Watercolor Painting, and Writing Poetry. They also host meetings of the Flat Rock Woodcarving Guild and hold open studio sessions.
The school is an experience in itself, with a wall of cabinet doors, design elements in 95 year old wormy chestnut wood, and so many other interesting aspects. It is an environment where learning is foremost and love is the cornerstone of its foundation. The atmosphere is fun, positive, and very conducive to creating wonderful works of art. It truly is a partnership in love.