Connecting Art & Home

Issue: April 2025 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro

Among Highlands’s fine qualities are two merits that have Pulitzer potential: One, Mother Nature’s eye-popping beauty, and two, exceptional community kindness. Where else could you sit atop a mountain under a blue, robin-egg sky and chat with neighbors who just happen to be real estate brokers with Sotheby’s International Realty?

And yes, we are talking about the empire that originated in London in 1744.

With the empire’s luxury real estate division established in 1976,  Sotheby’s International Realty reflects the same heritage of art, culture, and exceptional living as does the Sotheby’s Auction House.

Sotheby’s auctions are familiar to most. Just as the Auction House showcases exceptional art, distinguished antiquities, heirloom pieces, and opulent décor, the realty division embodies the same commitment to excellence in extraordinary homes.

This year marks the silver anniversary of Highlands-Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty, established by Jody and Wood Lovell.

But the Lovells weren’t finished – they opened another artisan door. They underwrote The Bascom Gift Shop at a time when it was just a concept. Over the past decade they’ve helped local artists connect their artwork to collectors. Linking art-to-home is at the heart of the Sotheby’s legacy. Their goal is to strengthen relationships with the arts, the artists, the gallery, and art exposure.

They are doing so by sponsoring local artists’ receptions. Individual art shows (May-August) are held downtown at Highlands-Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty’s downtown Highlands office, 114 N. 4th Street. Artists and works rotate, changing-out monthly. Openings are on the first Friday of each month, May – August, from 4:30-6:00 P.M.

Artists hold casual talks, showcasing their work and engaging the community. Wine and charcuterie are served.

“We value our relationship with the Lovells and are grateful for their continued and longstanding support of The Bascom. With our partnership, our hope is to enrich our community with creativity and a shared passion to create more beautiful places to live. Art is more than just expression – it helps bring us together to build connection and inspiration within our community,” said Jessica Lammers, The Bascom’s retail manager.

While there’s already plenty of foot traffic downtown, the Lovells are always looking for ways to expand art experiences. Artists need to sell. Collectors are eager to buy.

In winter months, exhibits rotate bi-monthly, but in the summer, new showings are monthly.

For more information, contact Cassie Ross at cassie.ross@highlandssothebys.com.