Art World Horror Stories: From Natural Disasters to Mangled Masterpieces and Social Media Meltdowns
Dim the lights, grab a cozy blanket and a mug of cider (or a pumpkin spice latte, if you prefer), and settle in for three tales of terror from our Art World Horror Stories series.
First on the chopping block is Mellyssa Diggs, a brand identity designer whose passion for social justice quickly spiraled into a nightmare of cyberbullying and social media censorship. Next, we turn to Asheville-based artist Wendy Newman. Last fall, her life was upended by Hurricane Helene, which not only obliterated her gallery but also displaced countless artists in her community. Finally, we meet painter Jacobina Oele, another Asheville artist, whose masterpiece was mangled beyond recognition at the hands of an unscrupulous gallery owner.
Presented by NOT REAL ART’s parent company, Crewest Studio, Art World Horror Stories is a podcast about bad things that happen to good artists. In today’s crossover episode, we delve into the spine-chilling stories usually reserved for the spookiest podcast in Crewest’s network.
How You Can Get Involved
- Listen: 5 Practical Tips From 30 Years of Art World Horror
- Listen: Muralist Amandalynn Took a Great Fall
- Visit the Art World Horror Stories website.
- Visit Mellyssa Diggs on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.
- Visit Wendy Newman on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
- Visit Jacobina Oele on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
- Learn more about Crewest Studio and our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power.
- Submit a horror story for 2026.
About Art World Horror Stories and Crewest Studio
Art World Horror Stories is a podcast about bad things that happen to good artists. The series is produced by Crewest Studio, an independent company specializing in entertainment media, publishing, and experiential content, serving a diverse network of professional creatives and enthusiasts. With a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire, the studio recognizes the significance of the $2 trillion creative economy and the 30 million professionals within it. At the helm are co-founders Scott “Sourdough” Power, a seasoned leader with decades of experience, and Man One, a passionate artist dedicated to the transformative power of art in society.
All images published with permission of the artist(s); featured episode artwork: David Schwartz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Art World Horror Stories” about?
“Art World Horror Stories” delves into terrifying tales from the art sector, focusing on challenges artists face like natural catastrophes and social media controversies.
How do natural disasters impact the art world?
Natural disasters can devastate galleries and displace artists, as seen with Hurricane Helene affecting the Asheville art community, leading to significant losses.
Who are some artists featured in this episode?
Artists like Mellyssa Diggs, Wendy Newman, and Jacobina Oele share their harrowing experiences with cyberbullying, natural disasters, and gallery betrayal.
What lessons can artists learn from social media struggles?
Artists like Mellyssa Diggs highlight the importance of resilience when facing online harassment and censorship, emphasizing the need for perseverance and artistic empowerment.
Why is artist resilience important?
Artist resilience is crucial for overcoming obstacles and continuing creative expression despite adversities like censorship or disaster.
How can social media affect artists negatively?
Social media can become a platform for cyberbullying and unjust censorship, impacting an artist’s ability to share their work and voice.
What role does community play in artistic recovery?
Community support is vital in artistic recovery, providing encouragement and resources for artists to rebuild after disasters or personal setbacks.
Does the podcast address artistic censorship?
Yes, it explores how artistic censorship occurs, particularly through social media platforms, affecting the freedom of expression for artists like Mellyssa Diggs.
Where is Wendy Newman from?
Wendy Newman is an artist based in Asheville, North Carolina, known for her work that survived Hurricane Helene’s onslaught.
Can art be a symbol of resilience?
Art can indeed symbolize resilience, as demonstrated by Wendy Newman’s umbrellas, which became a beacon of hope and recovery post-disaster.
How do gallery experiences affect artists?
Gallery experiences can profoundly impact artists, either positively or negatively, shaping their careers and personal growth, as seen with Jacobina Oele’s story of betrayal.
Why is it important to share horror stories from the art world?
Sharing horror stories from the art world helps raise awareness of the challenges artists face, fostering a supportive environment for creative culture.
What challenges do Asheville artists face?
Artists in Asheville, like Wendy Newman, face challenges such as natural disasters that threaten their workspaces and community stability.
How does betrayal manifest in the art world?
Betrayal in the art world can occur through broken trust and unethical practices, as illustrated by Jacobina Oele’s experience with her mangled masterpiece.
What is the significance of artistic perseverance?
Artistic perseverance is significant as it ensures artists continue to create and inspire, even when faced with adversity or criticism.
How can art help in overcoming personal struggles?
Art serves as a therapeutic outlet, helping artists process and overcome personal struggles, transforming negative experiences into creative expression.
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