Art of the State

“Art of the State offers a sprawling, vital survey of North Carolina art now. . . . Impressively designed and rich with captivating images of art that are often paired with profiles of artists and collectors. These cutaway sections—separate from but interspersed with the main text—give the book the feel of a well-curated gallery, with individual pieces hanging on the wall and coalescing around a holistic theme.”—INDY Week

“If someone were to say, ‘Describe North Carolina art for me,’ I would recommend Art of the State by Liza Roberts to assist in their discovery. . . . The visual art pieces photographed by Lissa Gotwals . . . are contemplative and breathtaking, and the artists’ interviews allow a rare glimpse into their thoughts and concerns during the moment of creation.”—North Carolina Historical Review

“Using extraordinarily beautiful photographs of the artists and their work, Roberts shows their diversity and their charm. The photos and the book’s description of the artists’ different approaches gives its readers and viewers a spectacular introduction to the importance of North Carolina and all that it offers artists and art fans.”—D.G. Martin, ChapelBoro

“A joy to read. . . . In well-researched prose, thoughtful interviews, and stunning photography . . . Roberts juxtaposes traditional and contemporary art, craft, and fine art, established institutions, and grassroots organizations, offering an examination of the art of the state that is as complicated and exciting as the population itself. The two hundred interviews she conducted paint a dynamic and multifaceted portrait of our statewide arts community.”—North Carolina Literary Review

"In well-researched prose, thoughtful interviews, and stunning photography by Lissa Gotwals, Roberts juxtaposes traditional and contemporary art, craft, and fine art, established institutions, and grassroots organizations, offering an examination of the art of the state that is as complicated and exciting as the population itself. . . . Roberts’s inviting prose inspires readers to leave their homes and become an integral part of the thriving art community around them.”—North Carolina Literary Review

“Art of the State gathers and presents the fertile cultural wellspring of artists, the communities they thrive in, and the diversity of support and philanthropy that broadens visibility and ensures access to citizens across our state. Liza Roberts offers an inspiring historical account of the evolution of art in North Carolina. Poignant text and captivating images illustrate the magnificence of artists creating and preserving perspectives beyond form and craft.”—Jaki Shelton Green, Poet Laureate of North Carolina

“Visual art in North Carolina has long needed a map of its beautiful constellations—the people, the mediums, the long, deep history. Liza Roberts traces the humility and world-class production growing across the state, as well as the secret history of just how good it is to create work and life in North Carolina.”—Tift Merritt, singer and musician

“An impressive overview of contemporary art in North Carolina, written by one of its most passionate supporters. This is an excellent comprehensive resource for readers who are perhaps not aware of the vast and diverse artistic talent in our state.”—Zoe Starling, NC State University’s Gregg Museum of Art & Design