Featured Artist: Pattiy Torno
When getting to know Pattiy – you’ll probably realize that ‘artist’ is not a big enough word to describe her…I’d also add: arts advocate, pioneer/property owner in the RAD, entrepreneur and retailer, fashion designer – and I’ll also add gardener - because she has a beautiful one!
I’ve had the good fortune to build a relationship with Pattiy over the last few years and I want to encourage you to visit her at Curve Studios in the River Arts District. Ladies – you’ll love the clothing Pattiy designs and makes; Guys – you can see pottery and chair caning in the Curve buildings or walk next door to 12 Bones while the women shop!
Pattiy attended Parson’s School of Design in NYC, she apprenticed in the clothing industry, and then she started her own fashion company designing and producing women’s sportswear. She wanted to be closer to her raw materials so she relocated to Asheville in ’84, and in ’89 bought the 3 buildings that would become Curve Studios in the River Arts District. Her business has evolved and changed…she focused on quilting for a while and became a member of Piedmont Craftsmen and the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Nowadays Pattiy incorporates her quilting background and her love of photography into ‘foto-piecings’. If you visit, you’ll likely find Pattiy behind her sewing machine stitching up a beautiful dress or jacket…she’s always ready to greet you and make you welcome into her world.
