Art & Gratitude

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2018/11 - November

Smitten’s Kat Evans, Annelize Giliomee, and Bonnie Earman enjoyed another banner year, thanks to you, their supporters, clients, artists, and friends.  Smitten would like to express its gratitude this Thanksgiving season by hosting a party for its award-winning painters, sculptors, crafts-persons, and patrons of 2018.

Smitten delights in bragging about its stable of phenomenal talents, hailing from the Plateau all the way to Canada.  Highlands’ own mayor and skilled potter, Patrick Taylor, offers collectible series of animal jugs, mugs, bowls, and his unique, hand-held Yunomi cups for tea, coffee or wine.  Cashiers painter Jill Wolfe, with her interior design skills, can custom-create a masterpiece for any decor.

Two summer residents share their unique take on wildlife: Deb Hudson’s colorful, charming animal paintings; and retired entomologist Vicki Ferguson’s wildlife illustrations, chockfull of humor.

Regional artists include Diane Kilgore Condon, from Greenville, South Carolina, whose acrylic whimsical birdies painted on wooden blocks are a customer favorite.  Birds’ nests from master watercolorist Jill Gunn of Augusta, Georgia, are a great complement to any décor.  Potter Dona K Burke from Helen, Georgia, creates trays, bowls, and platters in distinctive shapes and sizes.  Janice Baldwin’s Keswick Candle Co. from Dobson, North Carolina, makes candles and soaps using premium essential oils that smell good enough to eat.

National artists include Jonathan Spoons and Moonspoon from Pennsylvania, which hand-produce cherry wood products that are both beautiful and functional, a true delight for your kitchen!  From West Virginia comes JQ Dickerson Salt Co., making finishing salt and a Burnt Caramel Sauce from an old family recipe using all organic ingredients.  Funky Rock Design hailing from Maine, makes rock products that are fun, unique, and gorgeous!

Although Smitten represents over 200 American artists, they also welcome Canadians.  Ann Marie Chignon, an award-winning jewelry designer from Montreal, offers design work that’s both remarkable and timeless.  Hilborn Pottery from Ontario makes handmade slab pieces that look like fine porcelain but are microwave, dishwasher/oven safe, and set an

elegant table.

Join Third Thursday’s party, November 15, from 5:30 P.M. ‘til the fat lady sings and the cows come home.  Phone (828) 526-9300. Smitten’s address is 468 Main Street, downtown Highlands. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. You can email Kat at [email protected].