Diverse Materials and Perspectives in Upstairs Artspace’s Two Spring Shows

Tryon’s Upstairs Artspace gallery invites the public to the opening reception of two new exhibitions on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2 p.m.: Fight or Flight, a solo exhibition by Erika Diamond, and Birds of a Feather, a dynamic group exhibition featuring eight artists working across a wide range of media. Both exhibitions will be on view from April 19 through May 29, 2026, at 49 S. Trade St., Tryon, NC.

Fight or Flight features textile sculptures by Asheville-based artist Erika Diamond. Influenced by dance, costume, and material experimentation, Diamond’s work explores themes of protection, vulnerability, and resilience while addressing the politics of queer safety and visibility. This exhibition includes a selection of Diamond’s garments and quilts made using bulletproof Kevlar material and mirrored vinyl upholstery fabric. New works from the "Fight or Flight: Queer Birds" series combine the two materials in bird-inspired textile objects that embody the choice between staying to fight or seeking refuge. They reference defense mechanisms in nature, the art of drag, and other methods of survival in dangerous times.

“When we encountered Erika’s work at Tracey Morgan’s gallery in Asheville, we were blown away,” says Sarah Schroth, Upstairs Artspace Exhibitions Committee co-chair. “She was showing stunningly beautiful jackets and vests, which we learned incorporated bullet proof material. She told us: ‘I made them to protect my friends.’ The subject could not be more appropriate for our current time. We are delighted she is showing at Upstairs.” 

Diamond is a textile-focused artist, curator, and educator based in Asheville, North Carolina. She received a BFA in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Fiber from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at venues including the Cameron Art Museum, Center for Craft, Spring Break Art Fair (NYC), Contemporary Craft (PA), and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Her work is included in the collections of the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles and Ally Bank.

Birds of a Feather is a group exhibition curated by Erika Diamond to acknowledge the creative community to which her work is connected both geographically and conceptually. The eight featured artists are Anna Helgeson, Holly Hill, Rachel Meginnes, Jeannie Regan, Luis Sahagún Nuño, Barbara Schreiber, Kimberly Thomas, and Liz Williams. Reflecting diverse perspectives and material approaches, their works explore the intersections between personal experience and broader cultural narratives. Through photography, sculpture, textiles, glass, and painting, these works inspire complex conversations around themes of identity, danger, the human body, and our relationship to the natural world.

The opening reception offers visitors the opportunity to experience both exhibitions and meet participating artists. The reception is free and open to the public.

For more information about the contemporary art gallery​ and for further details on each exhibiting artist, visit UpstairsArtspace.org, call 828-859-2828, or email FrontDesk@UpstairsArtspace.org. Follow Upstairs Artspace on Facebook and Instagram @UpstairsArtspace for updates and upcoming events.