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In the heart of Historic Waynesville
98 N. Main Street, Waynesville NC 28786
(828) 456-1940
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-5:30
Sunday 1:00-4:00
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Dancing with Nature
April 2021 Issue 3 Vol 11
News, Life, and the Art Culture in the Smoky Mountains
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I am living a double life right now as a NC gallery owner/chief bottle washer and a FL farmhand/financier. The two have interesting parallels. In the gallery we sell artwork depicting blueberries, zinnias, grapes, and peanuts. |
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At the farm we are growing, with hopes of selling, blueberries, zinnias, grapes, and peanuts. |
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Splitting time between the two, the farm getting 10%, has been a joy as they are direct opposites, giving me a break from the gallery, of which I am incredibly proud, and some much-needed family time. I never dread the thought of going to work each day and the farm is rewarding, so I have two beautiful worlds. |
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My parents owned a large tract of Panhandle FL property that included a deep-water swamp with a cabin, a lake, lovely woods, and a pasture. With the graces of Hurricane Michael, the properties, devastated by the storm, were split up amongst my siblings, and with that, I acquired the pasture, a.k.a. Playzure Arabians. |
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It was a perfect acquisition as my PCB son had always loved this property, from the age of 3 wanted to be a farmer, and lives in range to oversee our projects.
There are so many memories of growing up in the pasture; John, myself, and our children with countless stories that emerge from that property, not only from family but also the community. So many stories, making it difficult to narrow down. But here is a recent story … no, two. Playzure Arabians was quite a menagerie in its heyday (no pun intended) with ostriches, camels, an occasional lion, goats, sheep, goats, peacocks, alpacas … and there were horses ~ many. This was located on Highway 90, pre-I-10 for all you FL folks. Viewing was available from the fence by driving on a dirt path off the highway. During the, now Sunny Spot Farm, renovation a local contractor reminisced as a child, “My parents would say, 'If you are good all week we can go see the animals on Sunday.' It worked like a charm every time plus I am left with great memories.” #2 My parents were known to the community as Dr. Richard and Dr. Sarah. My son named his Labradors after them. Recently, another local contractor walked up, the dogs greeting him, and we told him that their names were Sarah and Richard. He said, “Of course, how appropriate! They delivered me and Dr. Sarah was my pediatrician.” Nothing like small-town living. The opportunities of making a memory surround us all over. Don’t miss out on the moment!
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My Florida ties continue, but the North Carolina mountains still hold my heart.
Downtown Waynesville is flourishing with a couple of changes in properties, but we are mostly full. Watch for next month's newsletter with updates. Covid still presents its challenges as the nation, our state, and our town are still falling victim. I am grateful for the mask compliance that our guests have respected. Thank you. It is not time to let our guard down thus the decision to not continue with Art After Dark at this time, but do check into our Saturday events. If you are not able to be here, check the events out on Facebook Live. We are kicking off “the season” on May 8th and look forward to seeing old friends.
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As the summer season approaches and things start to open up more, we hope that you will mark your calendar to include a trip to Waynesville and make memories to last a lifetime. |
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An added note: Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers of all kinds.
May You Walk in Beauty ~ Carrie
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SPOTLIGHT ARTIST:
Deb Edwards
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“Since childhood, I have always loved making hand-crafted items for family and friends. They did not hesitate to show their disappointment if they received a store-bought gift and not one of my “made with love” creations. I discovered the art of pine needle basketry almost 25 years ago. It amazed me that you could take something nature provided, like a simple pine needle, and turn it into a beautiful and functional piece of art.”
Deb is an Air Force veteran, an equestrian and an avid craftswoman. She has dabbled in several mediums over the years but her passion and artistry really shows in her basket work. With just a simple book to guide her, she is a self-taught artist that strives to reflect her love of nature and animals. Many natural elements, like walnut slices, antler sheds, horsehair, and beeswax, are used to enhance her pieces.
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May Featured Artist
JUDY RENTNER
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Judy Rentner works and lives in Waynesville, in the heart of the mountains of Western North Carolina. Judy graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University and worked as an interior designer before becoming an art teacher. Today she creates her work in Waynesville, reflecting the beauty of her environment through her fine landscape paintings.
Judy began her fascination with watermedia by attending workshops given by such artists as Al Stine, Janet and Steve Rogers, Ann Vaslik, Tom Lynch, and Steve Quiller. It was by watching their techniques and observing the luminous quality of the medium that the doors of expression opened wide for her. Recently she has begun to explore using oils to express the beauty of the North Carolina mountains and countryside. She says, “Everywhere one looks is a landscape waiting to be painted.”
View work by Judy in the gallery or on our site here.
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Oil Painting Demonstration |
Join us in the gallery on Saturday, May 8th for an oil painting demonstration with our May featured artist, Judy Rentner.
As with last year, we will follow CDC recommended guidelines and create a safe environment for all to enjoy!
Can't join us? We will go live on Facebook at 1pm with Judy for those at home!
Facebook event details here.
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Festival of Peonies in Bloom |
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Wildcat Ridge Farm in Clyde will be open to the public during the month of May, everyday from 10am to 4pm. Free. All peony lovers are invited to visit during the month long celebration and enjoy the blooming paradise! More info here.
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What's there to do in Waynesville?
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2021 Synchronous Firefly Lottery Announced |
Maybe this year will be your year!
The lottery for a chance to view the infamous synchronous fireflies will open on April 30th.
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Join us in the gallery with Suzanne on Saturday, June 5th from 11-4. Stay tuned for event details and mark your calendars! In the meantime, pick out your favorites and learn more about Suzanne here.
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Twigs & Leaves 2021 Featured Artists & Demonstrations |
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Keep tabs on more upcoming regional events here
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Find Haywood County COVID19 updates here
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98 N. Main Street
Waynesville, NC 28786
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