The World of Design at Acorns

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: July - 2022

Old Edwards’ home décor and furnishing store, has long been a mecca for regional fine arts and crafts. And there’s never been a better time to tap into this creative nexus than the month of July when the store welcomes a host of artists and craftsman to display and discuss their works at special trunk show events. Showcased the first 11 days of July is Ali & Bird Jewelry, an inter-generational collaboration between Ali Howell and her daughter, affectionately nicknamed “Bird.”Based out of Atlanta, all their handmade statement pieces feature pearls, stone, crystal, and semi-precious jewels.On Saturday, July 9, you’re invited to meet artist Theresa Forman. Working primarily in oils, Forman uses plein air studies and photographic references to produce studio pieces that reveal the harmony found in nature. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I observe the majesty of God’s creation,” says Theresa. She hopes to communicate the same sense of wonder and awe to her viewers.Highlands’ most popular and sought-after artist, Carol Misner, is at Acorns on Saturday, July 16. Misner is widely admired for the botanical paintings she renders in monochromatic tones from subjects that come from the flora she finds locally and in her travels; each work reflecting the simple beauty, grace, and fragility of the botanical it portrays.Stop by on Saturday July 23, to greet Don and Belinda Carringer of Carringer Farms in Franklin. After 14 years work-ing and farming together, selling their wares at local farmers markets, the couple are now full-time farmers, bakers, and jam and jelly makers selling to restaurants and at a few festivals. Saturday, July 23, is also a chance to meet artist Marie Ploof of Marie Painted Ornaments of Greenville, South Carolina. Captivated as a young girl by the brush strokes of Van Gogh, Ploof has been drawing and painting since high school. Best known for her hand painted pet ornaments in glass, she says that, “I love capturing the personality of a beloved pet – they are cherished, and they deserve their story too.”Discover the art of Phillip Curcuru on Saturday July 30. Curcuru, the owner of Upland Nature Lab, will be on hand to talk about his work, focusing on natural specimens by dramatizing objects through isolation, light, and backdrop. All his objects of study are found in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and photographed at his home studio in Highlands.There’s always something new happening in the world of design at Acorns. To learn more about these and future happenings visit, acornshighlandsnc.com.

by Marlene Osteen