Articles By Johanna Hagarty

The Cost of Creativity and Beyond: Mountain Xpress Article By Johanna Patrice Hagarty

Are you curious about the intersection of creativity, community, and the challenges that come with both? Follow the link to discover a collection of articles by Johanna, written for Mountain Xpress, Western North Carolina's Premier Arts and Culture Magazine, where she delves into the stories of local artists, creatives, and nonprofits, highlighting their triumphs and struggles.

One highlight is "The Cost of Creativity", a thought-provoking 3-part series that has captivated over 100,000 readers. In this series, Johanna dives into the financial, mental, and emotional costs tied to the creative process, sharing insightful interviews with musicians, poets, and puppeteers. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with balancing creativity and its demands.

Also featured is a Q&A with Katherine de Vos Devine, a lawyer who ‘speaks artist’. Katherine’s story is a fascinating journey from North Carolina to New York City, where her upbringing in a diverse and bohemian neighborhood shaped her understanding of the arts and the law. Plus, Johanna sits down with Ruth Pittard of the ‘LOVE’ Project, where a small group of friends quietly spread messages of kindness on the busiest corner in Black Mountain.

Other articles include a conversation with Jazmin Whitmore, owner of the plus-size consignment shop More to Love, and a look into how local nonprofits are working hard to keep older adults engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here to read more of Johanna’s insightful stories and learn how art, community, and resilience shape our local landscape. You'll find stories that are as inspiring as they are revealing. Happy reading!