You will know you’re there when you see the giant silo by the roadside. That’s your first clue that you’re in for a real treat.

Southern Living named it one of the 16 must-do things in Highlands for good reason. This sprawling indoor/outdoor space is an antique store but so much more. They have a tremendous array of antique and vintage items that you can spend hours looking through, but they also have one-of-a-kind hard to find salvaged architectural items, a great selection of outdoor furniture and fire pits, yard art and so much more.

Reclamations is a destination within itself. You can happily spend hours searching through all the treasures – old windows and doors, jars and glassware, figurines, lamps, prints and paintings, mirrors, vintage signs, spinning wheels, tables, furniture, old whiskey barrels, and the list goes on. Whether you’re a collector, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking distinctive home décor, Reclamations provides an ever-changing selection of one-of-a-kind finds.

If you’re looking for that perfect piece that will stand out and add a touch of vintage charm to your home, you’ll find it here. You might not even know you were looking for it but we guarantee something will strike your fancy here as a must have.

Designers often stop here to find hidden treasures that can liven up and individualize their clients’ homes.

It’s all about reclaiming, repurposing, and revitalizing the old into something new. You may not know quite what you’re looking for, but if you find an item you like, the knowledgeable folks at Reclamations have more than enough ideas to help you imagine a new use for it.

Contractors and homeowners know that Sourced at Reclamations is the place to go to look for vintage wood, barnwood, old windows, bricks, cabinets, fixtures, and doors that can be incorporated into a new build or remodel project.

Reclaimed building materials have become an increasingly popular choice in construction and renovation projects due to their unique aesthetic appeal. Just a touch of vintage can add so much character to a home.

Reclamations is open seven days a week from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. They also have Facebook and Instagram pages that are a great place to keep an eye on new finds.

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It’s April, time to dust off the winter blues and breathe in spring. Rusticks, Cashiers’ premier mountain-chic design store, presents fresh starts and fabulous styles for your home, patio, guest house, and more.

Close your eyes and imagine your living space bouncier, bolder, better than ever before.

Rusticks can inject that kind of magic into any environment. It only takes a phone call to (828) 743-3172 ext. 1 to make dreams come true.

If re-imagining your entire home feels too big of a project for now, ratchet it down a notch or two and start simple: do a five-minute-make-over with just a few decorative interior/exterior throw pillows. Voila! Watch your spaces take on delightfully sassy new personalities.

And that’s just a beginning. The creative possibilities for transforming your home are endless, thanks to Stacie Platt, owner and interior designer at Rusticks. With a mind always bubbling with innovative ideas, Stacie can help redefine any room in your home.

Stacie and her husband have returned from their annual winter tour of selected markets and you’re going to love what they brought back – expanded tableware at a great price and exceptional quality.

It will make your garden party shine with spring colors. It may serve as everyday ware, but it’s in no way ordinary. New glassware, dinnerware, placemats, and flower arrangements will accommodate any event from an informal nosh-and-nibble to a summer soiree.

For the bedroom, Rusticks has incredible furniture that blends classic designs with whimsical touches to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Complete the look with beautiful lighting. How about a dazzling, luminous chandelier? Then select the perfect flooring, custom drapes, and more to create the ambiance that’s totally you.

Make your way to Rusticks’ opening for their 33rd Season. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Address: 32 Canoe Pt, Cashiers. You can reach them at (828) 743-3172 ext. 1. For design queries, email design@rusticks.com.

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Douglas Selph and Austin Davis

Georgia O’Keefe once said “If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for a moment.”

Douglas Selph and Austin Davis, co-owners of Southern Botanics, create magic that allows you to hold onto that world through their handcrafted pressed botanical works of art.

For those wishing to create lasting artwork commemorating their wedding, engagement, anniversaries or other special occasions, they will press your flowers into framed keepsakes, and can incorporate invitations, photos, and other memorabilia into their final design.

Brides will be excited to know they can preserve their bridal bouquets by turning them into one-of-a-kind framed works of art. They carefully take the bouquet apart, press the flowers and then compose the pressed flowers into a lovely piece suggesting the look of the original bouquet.

Douglas and Austin suggest that brides wishing to preserve their bouquets in this manner contact them prior to the wedding to schedule their service.

Although these gifted artists have enjoyed a second home in Highlands for six years, they’re now thrilled to be living on the Plateau year-round. They’ve always found their inspiration in nature, and waking up in our mountain paradise each morning has inspired them to explore new mediums and engaging ways to connect with their customers.

They now offer pressed botanical workshops at Trailborn Highlands as part of Trailborn’s Experiences program, the first of which this season is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 P.M. Participants will be provided with a mini-press and native plant materials in order to learn the basics of botanical pressing and mounting. They will then be able to create their own botanical art at home once the plant materials are dried and ready to remove from the press. For details, cost, and to secure your spot, contact Trailborn Highlands.

They’re also venturing into plaster casting of flowers and botanicals, and three-dimensional resin casting offering customers even more opportunities to enjoy their art.

Southern Botanics’ artwork can be purchased locally at Acorns and The Bascom Gift Store in Highlands and Objet D’ Art in Cashiers. Don’t miss their trunk show at Acorns on July 5.

You may also purchase their artwork at etsy.com/shop/southernbotanics. You can reach them by phone at (404) 314-5650 or by email at southernbotanics@gmail.com. Also check out their website at southernbotanics.com and their Facebook and Instagram pages, which offer stunning galleries of their work.

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The guest speaker will be Zach Claxton, an oil painter. He will talk about his artistic journey that began almost by accident in 2008 during a visit with his daughter and son-in-law. It was then that a much earlier interest in painting was revived.

Zach is self-taught. With a BS in math, a master’s degree in business information systems and a career in software development and bank operations, he has no formal training in painting.

Until 2008, he had not picked up a brush in more than forty years. Once he re-discovered the art form, he found himself in front of the easel almost daily. Some neighbors chanced to see his work and wanted to buy it. They encouraged him to enter local shows.

Soon afterwards, he gave it a try and had success. A few shows later, customers began asking him for commissioned work.

His medium is exclusively oil, and his style is representational across a variety of subject matter – anything that seems worthy of the materials and time.

Early on, he would tell customers, “I paint what I see.” Now he tells them, “I paint what I wish I had seen.” Over the years, he has supplemented his self-improvement with occasional online courses and demonstrations in drawing, color theory and oil painting.

With hundreds of pieces completed, he still finds joy in painting, although his volunteer work with several local non-profits has reduced his output. When he is not working on commissioned pieces, he still produces enough for a couple of shows per year

The Art League invites you to attend this meeting to meet and greet other ALHC members and friends and to hear Mr. Claxton’s presentation. To learn more about the Art League, visit artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com.

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The show will run from May 2 to May 4, with tickets priced at just $20-25.

Matilda the Musical follows the journey of Matilda Wormwood, a precocious and gifted girl, as she navigates the challenges of her family, school, and an authoritarian headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. With its witty dialogue, memorable songs, and themes of resilience and empowerment, the production promises to captivate audiences of all ages.

Over 35 local kids, ranging from first-time performers as young as five to seasoned performers, will take center stage, supported by a talented ensemble of 10 adults. The majority of these young performers come from the Highlands/Cashiers Plateau area, reinforcing PAC Educational Theatre’s commitment to the community. The show marks a significant expansion from last year’s successful production of Oliver!

This year’s larger cast not only adds to the energy and complexity of the performance but also provides even more opportunities for local kids to shine.

PAC EDU’s mission is not just to create amazing productions, but to use theatre arts as a platform for teaching valuable life lessons. By giving these young actors the chance to work in a professional theater environment, they develop essential skills in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Students learn the importance of working together toward a common goal, how to manage their time, and how to overcome challenges both on and off the stage. These experiences go beyond the footlights, helping them build confidence and a work ethic that will serve them well throughout their lives.

In every production, PAC EDU strives to provide professional-level experience, helping the students rise to the occasion. From rehearsals to the final performance, the goal is to challenge the actors, enhance their skills, and showcase their growth. It’s about more than just putting on a show, it’s about creating well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on any challenge life presents.

With a stellar cast, an engaging story, and valuable life lessons woven into every scene, Matilda the Musical is sure to be a hit. Mark your calendars for May 2-4, and don’t miss your chance to see this incredible local production in action!

The post PAC Kids Take the Stage appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

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.

The post Connecting Art & Home appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

The audition process was a rigorous one, designed to find the perfect cast for these beloved musicals. In addition to initial auditions, candidates were invited to participate in a dance call, where they showcased not only their movement skills, but how they could bring their character to life through movement.

A vocal call followed, where those asked to continue in the audition process were challenged to learn harmonies singing in groups of four, mirroring the iconic characters of the two productions while demonstrating their ability to blend their voices with others.

“We were blown away by the talent that walked through the doors,” said Executive Artistic Director, Scott Daniel. “We’re excited to assemble these casts and bring these stories to life in a unique and captivating way.”

New to Mountain Theatre Company this season, The Marvelous Wonderettes and Forever Plaid will be presented in repertory with each other, offering audiences a fun and nostalgic summer experience. This “girls vs boys” summer experience will pair the harmony-rich, female-led “Wonderettes” against the charming, all-male quartet of “The Plaids.” While the two shows may seem like vastly different entities, they share a common thread – a rich tapestry of harmonized voices that not only weave together in perfect blend to support the chord, but also beautifully reflect the way the characters support and uplift each other through friendship.

By running these shows in repertory, MTC invites audiences of all ages to experience the best of both worlds, celebrating the iconic sounds and styles of a bygone era.

As a professional theater company nestled in the heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, MTC relies on the talent of actors from all across the nation to bring their high-quality productions to life.

This means MTC must cast a wide net, seeking out the brightest from coast to coast. This approach not only enriches the productions with diverse perspectives and talents, but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among their cast and crew.

However, this endeavor would not be possible without the generous support of the patrons.

By attending shows, donating to our non-profit organization, and spreading the word about the importance of live theatre, patrons play a vital role in enabling MTC to continue to bring outstanding talent to the stage.

Stay tuned for more casting information coming soon!

The post This Cast Will Be A Blast appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

Katarina Quartet

For over 40 years, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival has brought world-class chamber music to the Plateau, transforming local venues into dynamic performance spaces and fostering a deep connection between the community and the arts.

Founded by a small but passionate group of civic-minded residents who believed in the power of music to enrich lives, the festival has become a cherished institution, offering audiences extraordinary performances and unique opportunities to engage with renowned musicians. One of its most impactful initiatives is the Residency Program, an annual effort designed to bring chamber music into everyday spaces and reach audiences beyond the traditional concert hall.

Each year, the Residency Program offers a unique opportunity for students, seniors, and music enthusiasts to experience the power of live chamber music up close. Through performances at local schools, the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center, and a free public concert on May 3 at the First Presbyterian Church, the festival brings world-renowned ensembles to the Highlands and Cashiers communities, emphasizing accessibility and education. Artistic Director William Ransom has championed the program to inspire young musicians and deepen the appreciation for classical music across generations.

May 2 and 3, the Residency Program welcomes the Katarina Quartet, a dynamic and expressive ensemble known for its technical mastery and engaging performances. Formed in 2019, the quartet has gained a reputation for their dedication to outreach, regularly performing in schools, community centers, and intimate venues.

The Katarina Quartet will perform for students at Highlands School, Blue Ridge School, and Summit Charter School, offering young audiences an interactive experience that fosters curiosity and a deeper understanding of music. These school programs are a cornerstone of the Residency, introducing students to the nuances of ensemble playing and the artistry behind great compositions.

The Residency also extends to the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center, where residents will enjoy a private concert tailored to their setting. The program culminates in a free public concert on May 3 at 5:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, an event eagerly anticipated by the community.

With the Katarina Quartet’s vibrant artistry and a commitment to outreach, this year’s program promises a celebration of chamber music’s power to connect, inspire, and transform lives.

The post The Power Of Music appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

Le Nozze di Figaro

The Highlands Performing Arts Center invites you to immerse yourself in live performance this spring with two exceptional on-screen presentations. Enjoy the best of theatre and opera from the comfort of your local theater.

First, journey into the extraordinary life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan with Nye on Thursday, April 3, at 5:00 P.M. Michael Sheen delivers a tour-de-force performance as the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state and created the NHS. This National Theatre Live production takes audiences on a mind-bending journey through Nye’s memories as he confronts mortality. From his Welsh mining roots to his triumphs and tribulations in Parliament, including clashes with Winston Churchill, Nye offers an intimate and thought-provoking exploration of a life dedicated to social change. Tim Price’s compelling script and Rufus Norris’s (Small Island) masterful direction create an epic theatrical experience.

Later in the month, experience the timeless brilliance of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro on Saturday, April 26, at 1:00 P.M. This Metropolitan Opera live broadcast brings the wit and charm of this beloved comedic masterpiece to Highlands. Conductor Joana Mallwitz makes her Met debut, leading a stellar cast through the opera’s delightful twists and turns. American bass-baritone Michael Sumuel shines as the quick-witted valet Figaro, while Ukrainian soprano Olga Kulchynska embodies the cunning maid Susanna. Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins portrays the philandering Count. Italian soprano Federica Lombardi delivers a moving performance as his wronged wife. French mezzo-soprano Marianne Crebassa adds youthful energy as the lovestruck page Cherubino. Prepare to be captivated by Mozart’s glorious music and the hilarious antics of this unforgettable opera.

These two live broadcasts are just a taste of the diverse 2025 programming offered by HPAC. The center is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of Highlands, providing access to world-class performances without ever leaving town. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of stage and opera on screen this spring.

The post Every Act Is Art appeared first on Laurel Magazine.

This highly competitive program provides artists with dedicated time, space, and resources to deepen their practice while enriching connections with the local community. As a cornerstone of The Bascom’s commitment to artist development, exhibitions, and outreach, the residency expands access to contemporary visual arts and encourages dialogue around the evolving role of photography.

The program culminates in a solo exhibition in The Bascom’s Joel Gallery, offering visitors an opportunity to experience photography’s power to document, interpret, and reimagine the world around us.

The Bascom is pleased to welcome Margaret Holland Adams as its 2025 Photography Artist in Residence. A professor of photography at Radford University and an accomplished artist and curator, Adams explores themes of cultural identity, memory, and the shifting landscape of the American South.

Through a compelling blend of analog photography, video installations, and new media, she constructs visual narratives that intertwine personal and collective histories. Drawing from Southern vernacular traditions and oral storytelling, her work engages with pressing social and environmental issues while examining the enduring legacies of family and heritage.

By integrating traditional and contemporary techniques, Adams invites viewers to consider the intersections of place, memory, and transformation.

Adams’ work has received widespread recognition, including being named “Best Fine Art Photographer” by FotoWeek DC, and is featured in The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes by Christopher James.

Her residency at The Bascom reflects the organization’s mission to make the visual arts accessible and transformative. Through exhibitions, artist talks, and community engagement, Adams will contribute to thought-provoking artistic experiences that generate new possibilities for inquiry and connection.

Join us in welcoming Margaret Holland Adams to the Plateau. Her solo exhibition will open on April 26 in The Joel Gallery, with a public reception on June 12.

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