How does a glassblower make a vortex, a potted flower, an octopus? Why does a landscape artist choose to paint in black and white instead of color? These and other questions are addressed during the popular Walk & Talk at the Upstairs Artspace on Sunday, October 10, at 2 p.m. Six artists will conduct a tour of new exhibits Mountain Glass and Line in Landscape.

Shane Smith, Logan MacSporran and Susan Cannon will talk about their glass art where their ideas come from and their different techniques. They will be joined by exhibit curator Hillary Frye in the informative give-and-take discussion.

Smith specializes in complex pieces depicting animal beauty and energy, while MacSporran sculpts exquisite bonsai plants. Cannon works with fused glass to create bold, abstract designs to hang on the wall.

Three landscape artists will speak about the importance of line in their work. Lori Raines paints and draws intimate landscapes with India ink and charcoal while Genie Maples applies an autumn palette to large abstract canvases. Tom Pazderkas mixed media pieces are distinguished by a strong horizontal line between earth and air and layers of stones, sticks and other natural materials.

The program lasts one hour and is free. Call the Upstairs at 828-859-6134 for details.