ASHEVILLE, NC - The Wyre, a newly developed multifamily community by Woodfield Development in Asheville’s River Arts District, has announced the launch of Brian Schick River Arts District Artist Residency, a yearlong program designed to support a working local artist while fostering creativity, connection, and community engagement among residents and neighbors.
Located at 146 Roberts Street, The Wyre is a 237-unit residential community thoughtfully designed to celebrate and preserve the artistic spirit of the River Arts District in Asheville, North Carolina. Conceived as a place where artists and residents can intersect, the community features dedicated spaces for art creation, exhibitions, and cultural programming, reinforcing its role as a creative anchor within the district.
The Wyre has selected Greg Carr, a contemporary fine art realist painter and founder of Tall Greg Art, as its inaugural Artist-in-Residence. Through the residency, Carr will receive a one-year, rent-free apartment in exchange for hosting monthly art classes and community events, creating a signature hallway mural, and offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at life and work at The Wyre through social media.
Known for blending nostalgic, lighthearted imagery with classical Impressionist still-life techniques, Carr brings both technical depth and approachability to his work. The residency comes at a pivotal moment for both Carr and the River Arts District, following Hurricane Helene’s widespread impact on the area. The program offers Carr stability and space to create, while allowing him to give back through teaching, mentorship, and creative collaboration.
The program was created by River Arts District President Jeffery Burroughs alongside the late Brian Schick, a partner at Woodfield Development and a driving force behind The Wyre. Named in Schick’s honor, the residency reflects his belief that housing should foster connection, creativity, and a true sense of belonging.
“We are proud to launch this program in honor of Brian Schick, who believed deeply in creating places where people feel supported and inspired,” said Mike Schwarz, partner at Woodfield Development. “This residency not only strengthens our ties to the River Arts District but also reinforces The Wyre’s role as a creative community. Naming Greg Carr as our first Artist-in-Residence brings that vision to life.”
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Carr began drawing at an early age and later pursued formal training at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration. After several years working in advertising and teaching as an adjunct professor, he transitioned to painting full-time in 2020 from his studio and gallery in Asheville.
Developed by Woodfield Development, one of the nation’s leading developers of Class A multifamily communities, and completed in 2025, The Wyre stands as a symbol of resilience and reinvestment in the River Arts District, an area significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. The community reflects an intentional approach to placemaking that honors the district’s creative legacy while supporting its ongoing revitalization.
Built by general contractor CF Evans Construction, The Wyre offers a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 635 to 1,376 square feet. Community amenities include an elevated saltwater pool, a fitness center with yoga studio and wellness pods, a residents’ lounge, rooftop terrace with views of the French Broad River, conference and study spaces, a pet run and washing station, an on-site art studio, and dedicated areas for exhibitions and cultural events. The property also includes 16,000 square feet of street-level retail designed to support a vibrant, interconnected neighborhood.
As part of its commitment to the arts, The Wyre has commissioned murals by local artists throughout the property. Eight exterior mural panels visible from Clingman Avenue pay tribute to the River Arts District’s storied musical history and creative energy.