Courtney Riggs, Friday Night at Green Kill, September, 2026

Join Courtney Riggs at Friday Night at Green Kill, Friday, September 4 and Friday, 18, 7-10 PM.

My work is about finding beauty in what has been overlooked and believing that healing, hope, and meaning can come from unexpected places.

I created Appalachian North in response to the opioid epidemic and the way it has changed the people, families, and culture of Appalachia. It’s also my response to fast fashion and the idea that everything has to be new to matter. I take secondhand garments, vintage clothing, and hand-dyed and hand-painted details, then transform them into one-of-a-kind wearable art. I wanted to get back to making things slowly… using what I already had, honoring older ways of creating, and giving forgotten materials another chance.

I don’t use sewing machines, and I had no experience sewing when I started. I simply began with what I had. I hope these pieces remind people that you don’t need perfect tools or years of training to create something meaningful. Sometimes all it takes is a little hope… a little faith… and the courage to begin.

Starting March 2026, Green Kill invites visual artists to be part of Friday Night at Green Kill, a lively salon-like monthly exhibition program where creativity meets community. Each artist can display one artwork (painting, print, or photograph) up to 30” x 60”. To join, send an image of your piece, a short artist statement, and a participation request to 229greenkill@greenkill.org. If accepted, your work will be featured online and exhibited during first and third Friday events—with up to 15 artists per night. There’s no entry fee, and you can sell your artwork (up to $2,000) with a 30% gallery commission on sales. Come enjoy an evening of art, open mic performances, and good company! Learn more.

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