ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Blue Spiral 1 has been a major player in the art world of downtown Asheville for 35 years. The 3-floor gallery is home to around 100 different artists and located in the heart of the city at 38 Biltmore Ave.

This week, Blue Spiral marks a new era in its storied history. Nicole McConville, an arts professional with nearly three decades of experience in the Asheville creative community, has been named as the new gallery director at Blue Spiral.

Meet McConville

McConville has worked in several creative fields in Asheville, including a stint for the publisher Lark Books and over a decade managing her own photography and consulting business. In both positions, McConville worked to uplift and spotlight other artists and creative professionals, a goal she aims to keep as she begins her work at Blue Spiral.

“Stepping into the role as gallery director for Blue Spiral, I see the past 25-plus years of experience driven by this purpose to magnify the unique magic in people and bring it to those who can help support their path,” McConville said.

McConville is excited to bring new voices and ideas to the Blue Spiral floor, while also maintaining the gallery’s reputation as a vital component of the Asheville arts scene.

“I would say that, honestly, Blue Spiral 1 is the cornerstone of legacy in the creative community in Asheville,” McConville said. “At the end of the year, we will be celebrating our 35th anniversary, and so, the gallery itself is built upon a foundation of respect for tradition in craft. But now, bringing in new voices and perspectives, in art, and so there’s a lot of convergence and conversation between tradition and innovation.”

Blue Spiral is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

“It’s a massive space of inspiration,” McConville said. “It is a place for everyone to come and be inspired. But it is also a deeply meaningful business that has a mission to serve and uplift the artists within our community.”

For more information, visit www.bluespiral1.com.