The art of Tarah Singh

Trailborn Highlands arrived on the Plateau with a mission – yes, to coddle their guests in comfort, but at least as importantly to introduce them to the singular pleasures of the Highlands environment.

From casting a line in fish-studded rivers, to marveling at the wonders of our waterfalls, scaling rugged mountain cliffs or spotting migrating birds from scenic overlooks, Trailborn has always sought to connect its visitors with the beauty and wonder of this remarkable region. Now, the boutique hotel is adding another layer to its experiential offerings, a new Artist in Residence program launching with this New Year.

“At Trailborn, we strive to offer our guests an immersive experience that highlights the best of every destination,” says Carly Lincenberg, Director of Experience for Trailborn.

This initiative, inspired by the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, aims to support artists whose homes and studios were damaged or lost. The program will provide selected artists across disciplines with a two-week residency at Trailborn Highlands, offering both a sanctuary for creativity and a chance to share their talents with the community.

Each artist will lead classes for guests and locals from Wednesday to Sunday, culminating in bi-weekly pop-up art shows where their works can be showcased and purchased.

Trailborn’s first Artist-in-Residence, Tarah Singh, will hold classes in acrylic painting, chalk pastels, blind contour drawing, and mixed media January 2 through 16.

Tarah is a Guyanese American Artist who was raised in Western North Carolina. She is a visionary creative working in a variety of mediums to communicate with the world around her.

“Our goal is to foster a sense of connection within the local arts community while giving guests an unforgettable creative experience,” says Jen LaRue, Trailborn Highlands General Manager.

The first pop-up art show is set for debut in January, featuring not only the artist’s work but also live music from local musicians. These art shows, hosted every Thursday, promise to be lively celebrations of creativity, complete with a chance to meet the artists and connect over shared appreciation for their craft.

“We want to offer more than just a place to stay,” LaRue adds. “We want Trailborn Highlands to feel like a gathering place for the community—a space where people can come together to celebrate art, music, and the spirit of Highlands.”

Apply at trailborn.com/highlands/artists-residence-program to be one of the program’s featured artists, and make sure to visit trailborn.com/highlands/experiences to find the latest information on upcoming experiences and events.

The post Trailborn Spotlights Artists appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

Aida by Verdi

The National Theatre and the MET Opera will offer four screening of live performances in January and February at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut Street.

Thursday, January 23 at 5:00 P.M. The National Theatre will present Dear England, a new play by James Graham. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game? With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land. Gareth Southgate has brought hope back to the England squad but with the nation’s expectations upon his shoulders, what happens when football doesn’t come home?

Saturday, January 25 at 1:00 P.M. The MET Opera will present live from NYC Aida by Verdi. American soprano Angel Blue headlines as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country in a new production of Verdi’s Aida by Michael Mayer that brings audiences inside the towering pyramids and gilded tombs of ancient Egypt with intricate projections and dazzling animations.

Thursday, February 6, at 5:00 P.M.: The National Theatre will present The Motive & the Cue. Why would the most famous movie star in the world choose to do a play which everyone already knows? And what lures us back to the same plays, year after year? This fierce and funny new play by Jack Thorne offers a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity.

Thursday, February 27, at 5:00 P.M. The National Theatre will present The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde. It’s a trivial comedy for serious people. While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate. Max Webster (Life of Pi) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.

All screenings will be in the Martin-Lispcomb Theater. Tickets are available at HighlandsPerformingArts.com.

The post This Winter at PAC appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

Beth Jones is still goose-bumpy. She took a chance and entered The Laurel’s Winter Photo Contest.

With a few pictures shot from her deck and several vistas snapped while hiking, it was time to reveal them to the Universe. Their first destination,
The Laurel.

Think about it. Entering a contest on a whim, with little photographic experience. And the most delicious part of it all –Beth won!

A whirl-of-wow spins in her head every time she thinks about it. It’s so new. That spinning-wow generates another layer of excitement!

Beth is one of those people who contributes much to the world as a devoted wife, a great mom, a dedicated fourth-grade teacher, and a gifted woman who discovered a new, powerful talent later in life.

Her teacher’s soul wants to share with everyone – “You can find your inner artist too. You just need to be brave, get out of your comfort zone, and put yourself out there. You never know what might happen!”

Beth knows how that feels. She was born and raised in Iowa. Years later, moving to the mountains, she found Appalachia far from cornfield-flat.

Plus, living on magnificent land near Highlands where her husband Tony was raised, inserted other strata of height and richness. His boyhood home has opened its heart and its picturesque beauty to Beth, too.

Earlier, Beth’s experience with photography had largely been as a way of documenting her hiking experiences near Highlands and on the Appalachian Trail. But iPhones, which set the new standard for accessibility and clarity, energized Beth’s interest, pushing her closer to competition.

Now, in-between goosebumps, she ponders what’s next.

Several things came to mind: take a class; share artful photos on social media; consider her work as holiday gifts and after that, sales. Her New Year’s finest delight will be to share and celebrate The Laurel’s cover with her students and instill in them that “go for it” attitude to always keep on learning and pursuing their dreams.

There’s gonna be a whirl-of-wow in every kid’s eyes.

For more info about Beth, view her page on Instagram – jbethjonesphotography.

The post Picture Your Possibilities appeared first on Laurel Magazine.