While having a lovely dinner at Snap Dragon in Burnsville, I had the opportunity of meeting one of our famous local artists, Rhea Ormond.   Rhea currently has some of her paintings on exhibit at TRAC, in Burnsville.  She has painted several murals in Burnsville and Spruce Pine also.  Images of two of her lovely murals appear below.  Be sure to enjoy the many murals in downtown Burnsville and Spruce Pine, and catch the latest exhibits at TRAC in Burnsville, and Spruce Pine.  Louise Lindsay

Nearby Asheville is always winning awards and making many different top 10 lists.  A recent Country Living article ranks Asheville #1, among the top ten coziest cities!  Enjoy a visit to Asheville, perhaps to one of their great restaurants, or breweries, to an art gallery, for some bluegrass music, or check out all the many Asheville activities on our helpful Links page.   

We have the best location in the world here at the Heritage Ridge Villas.  We are an easy 35 minute 4 lane highway drive from Asheville.  But we gain 1500 ft. in elevation along the short trip.  That means we have much cooler summer temperatures than Asheville.  Every one of our villas has amazing long range views, as we are nestled on a ridge top with views to the east and the west sometimes.  We have our own on site hiking trails and all the amenities of Mountain Air, including restaurants, a spa and swimming pool, tennis courts and golf,  But lovely Asheville beckons whenever we are up for trying a new restaurant, seeing the latest movie, or attending one of the world class festivals that call Asheville home.

From Rob Levin comes this message, sent out to those on his email list:
 “If you're in the mountains next weekend, here's a quick reminder that the Hwy. 80 South Art Hop will be Saturday & Sunday, October 8 & 9, from 10 - 5.   A number of studios on or near Rte 80, south of Micaville, will be opening our doors to visitors, including 4 of the 5 glass studios in our valley.  With the tour involving a relatively small area, it should be a relaxed, easy to navigate studio tour.  Studios will be marked with Art Hop signs; maps and info can be picked up at the One of a Kind Gallery in Micaville.  Here's a link for more info:  http://www.80arthop.com/

Also on tap next weekend -- the Spruce Pine Potters Market and fall colors at higher elevations!

AND: Mark your calendars for the annual TRAC Holiday Studio Tour, coming up December 2,3 &4.  You'll be pleased to know my daughter Hannah will be joining me in my studio to exhibit her pottery.  More info to follow next month.
Hoping you are having a happy and artistic Fall,
Rob”

1    One of a Kind Art Gallery               
2     Garold Amsberry                
3       Lynda Gayle Banner               
Bridget Fox               
  4    Rolf Holmquist               
5     Sarah House                
6      Loretta Forde & David Wilson               
  7     Kat Turczyn               
Jane Willig               
Matt Willig               
  8    Rob Levin               
   9  Kim & Pete McWhirter               
10     Mountain Farm              
 11    Toe River Crafts               
 12     Katie & Billy Bernstein               
​

"The Spruce Pine Potters Market is a unique gathering of our region’s greatest potters and clay artists. Enjoy wonderful food and beautiful handmade pottery on a colorful autumn weekend. Admission is free and lunches are available for purchase on site."   October 8th and 9th.

We attended the opening of H. Allen Benowitz' photography exhibit.  It is up for the next week, and we recommend seeing it.  It is at TRAC (Toe River Arts Council) in nearby Spruce Pine.