ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Local artists John Nelson Batovsky and Jesse Lee have a new art exhibit on display at BlackBird Frame & Art. The installation, “Filthy Casual,” will feature digitally-crafted artwork and tactile abstract pieces.

“Filthy Casual” will be on display from Nov. 7-Dec. 31 at BlackBird, 365 Merrimon Ave.

“Filthy Casual” art exhibit

Batovsky might be best known in the Asheville art world as one of the creators behind “Skeletown,” a revolving yard display of plastic skeletons and seasonal decorations on Chestnut Street in North Asheville.

For more about Skeletown, read our feature here.

However, this exhibit was crafted in a different artistic mode entirely.

“This series is a short breather from pushing paint on canvas and taking a step into the digital realm,” Batovsky wrote in an artist statement.

“The process starts with a capture of existing art that I’ve created. Mostly geometric abstracts and intuitive line drawings to be used as a background for the subject matter. While merging this image with a photo I’m able to manipulate it with filters and settings while bouncing it back and forth between multiple apps until the desired outcome arrives. Then off to have the file printed on high quality archival paper, which I then add more texture with additional line work. The final part of the series is reworking an existing frame to become part of the art design.”

Lee, meanwhile, is a frame and wall sculpture artist for BlackBird, often working with ceiling tin and other metals.

(Courtesy: John Nelson Batovsky) “3D Study II” by Jesse Lee.

In his artist statement, Lee described his contributions to “Filthy Casual.”

“Since 2025, I have been making wall hangings as well as metal wrap frames. Around 2010, I evolved to creating abstract and patchwork pieces. A notable departure for me coming from an accounting and carpentry background where things are even square and balanced,” Lee wrote. “During Covid, I started experimenting with vivid color by two tone painting projects. Which is where my current passion has found itself. Experimenting with vibrant colors and strong textures. The journey continues to be as satisfying and interesting as the pieces I create.”

For more information about BlackBird, visit www.blackbirdframe.com.