"Asheville Will Survive" Postcard

Black block printed post card, "Asheville Will Survive"

Grant Program: WNC Craft Futures Cohort 2025

Bio of the Artist: Edwin Salas Acosta (Mexico–Costa Rica, 1974) is a multidisciplinary artist working at the intersection of puppetry, theater, dance, and visual arts. For over 25 years, he has performed and exhibited his work across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, using handcrafted puppets and experimental storytelling to explore dark and complex themes.

His artistic practice blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary media, creating wooden puppets, interactive performances, and sculptural toy art. He has collaborated with international theater and dance companies, taught puppetry and political art workshops, and published a book on puppet mechanics. His work extends to multimedia and virtual reality, developing projects that merge physical and digital worlds.

Now based in the United States, he continues to create puppetry, printmaking, and interactive installations while pursuing a degree in New Media. His recent work includes large-scale public art commissions, virtual reality experiences, and toy sculptures exhibited in galleries and major conventions. At 50, he remains a full-time student and active artist, committed to pushing creative boundaries and engaging audiences through innovative storytelling.