Aiden McAllister
Asheville, NC
Aiden McAllister is an Irish-American photographer and fiber artist based in Asheville, North Carolina. His work documents the Appalachian craft tradition through both lens-based media and his own hand-woven textiles. McAllister photographs the studios, tools, and processes of traditional craftspeople across western North Carolina, creating an archival record of knowledge systems at risk of disappearing. His own weaving practice, learned from weavers he photographs, produces functional textiles that connect his documentary work to the lived experience of craft. He holds an MFA from Appalachian State University and a BA from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
The Process
Background
Education
- 2021MFA, Studio Art — Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
- 2017BA, Art — University of North Carolina at Asheville, NC
Exhibitions
- 2025Craft Portraits — Asheville Art Museum, Asheville, NC
- 2023Appalachian Futures — Center for Craft, Asheville, NC
Residencies
- 2022Craft Research Fellowship — Penland School of Craft, Bakersville, NC
Awards
- 2024North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship — Raleigh, NC
Available Work
Woven Scarf, Madder and Marigold
Aiden McAllister
hand-woven merino wool, natural dyes
Blacksmith's Forge, Spruce Pine
Aiden McAllister
archival pigment print, edition of 15
Cabin Blanket, Indigo and Walnut
Aiden McAllister
hand-woven wool, natural dyes
Weaver's Hands, Cherokee
Aiden McAllister
silver gelatin print, edition of 12
