Exploration & Discovery

Written By: Audra Bullard, Center for Life Enrichment | Issue: June 2024

Jennifer Pharr Davis and Alan Shuptrine

The Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment is back for another exciting season of exploration and discovery. With more programs and events than ever before in the organization’s 32 years, there is sure to be something for everyone this summer!

On Wednesday, June 12, from 10:00 A.M. to Noon, acclaimed artist, master craftsman, and author Alan Shuptrine will lead a presentation on the history of gold leaf and the lost art of water gilding. Drawing on experiences from his time in Florence, Italy, as a guest instructor for a Master’s Gilding course, Shuptrine will explore examples of gilded works and address the importance of the marriage between fine art and framing. Following his presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to try their hand at laying a leaf on a frame or sculpture piece!

Mario Cartaya

On Thursday, June 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., folks are invited to join Shuptrine at one of Highlands’ beautiful private homes to discuss his book, “I Come From a Place.” Focusing on the land, people, and culture found along the Appalachian Trail, Alan highlights our ancestors hailing from the United Kingdom and their influence on our culture today. Additionally, he will share stories about his childhood and upbringing in Highlands.

Those with a creative streak and an eye for style are invited to join in the fun at Rusticks on Thursday, June 20, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Stacie Platt, Rusticks’ Interior Designer, will lead a presentation on current design trends and how to incorporate them into your home. The discussion will be followed by a demonstration of a fun, easy way to dress up your dining room table for a dinner party. Whether you prefer a timeless, classic aesthetic or like to change things up, this event is sure to provide an abundance of interior inspiration.

Stacie Platt

On Wednesday, June 26, 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., author Mario Cartaya will present a lecture inspired by his book, “Journey Back Into The Vault: In Search of my Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints.” Born in 1951 in Havana, Cartaya’s story sheds light on one of the most relentlessly complicated, international political dynamics of the last 60 years: the tortured relationship between Cuba and the United States. Through his powerful storytelling, Cartaya will discuss how he reclaimed memories lost during his metamorphosis into an American, his journey to find inner peace, and his rediscovery of 1950’s Cuba, its historical contrasts with the Cuba of today, and the island’s evolution challenges going forward.

For more information on programs and registration, please visit clehighlands.com, call (828) 526-8811, or visit the office in the Peggy Crosby Center in Highlands anytime Monday through Friday, 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.