spotlight on the arts TDB#3

Grace appeared in my life last summer when I first met Saluda poet Charles O. Hearon, Jr. A lifetime “Summer Resident” and now full time resident of Saluda, Mr. Hearon is probably best known locally for his book of stories “I Remember Saluda.” However, as a young man of eighteen he first published a collection of poems called “The Sun’s Gonna Shine in My Back Door Someday.” The poems capture the world around a young man coming into his prime in the South during the 1930’s. On Saturday from 10am to 12pm Mr. Hearon will make a public appearance at Pace’s Store in Saluda to share and sign copies of his latest effort “The Sun’s Gonna Set Pretty Soon.” This collection offers joyful reminiscences and observations of a Southern life lived with love.

Then the word “grace” leapt out at me as I scanned the biographies and works of local artists such as Dale McEntire, Richard Conn, and Bonnie Bardos contributing to the Empower Local Film Art Auction at the Historic Melrose Inn from 7-10pm this Saturday.

Vibrant landscape artist Dale McEntire states his artistic goal as expressing “nature is grace” to his viewers. Richard Conn’s metal work is described as being “graceful in seemingly impossible ways.” Bonnie Bardos’ dreamy acrylic paintings she calls “art of the spirit” include “My Saving Graces” in her online gallery. Seeking enlightenment, I visited dictionary.com to check the definitions of grace and discovered “the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.” This aptly describes the spirit bringing so many talented artists and musicians together this Saturday night on Melrose Avenue.

While the event originally was organized to raise money for local filmmaker Chris Riddle and MiracleMax productions to film in Polk County for Asheville’s 48 Hour Film Project, a portion of the proceeds will now also be going to Reach for the Skye. Dale McEntire has shown his generous spirit and grace by agreeing to donate his art to both events.

Across from the Melrose Inn on Saturday evening, Reach for the Skye Benefit Concert and silent art auction will be taking place at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. The purpose of the event is to raise money to help with the strengthening and recovery of Polk County High graduate Aleisha Skye Barkschat.

As stated on the nonprofit’s website, 26 year old Skye Barkschat has shared her grace providing therapy for autistic children, working with an orphanage in Costa Rica, serving as a doula for woman in labor, and helping adolescent immigrants to express themselves with photography among other activities. In March Skye suffered a debilitating brain injury riding her bike home from the grocery store. Now her friends and family are struggling to raise the funds for her recovery without the aid of health insurance.

It appears that nearly every musician from Green Creek will be on stage that night as friends and neighbors of Skye’s family offer up their talents to help with fundraising. From the sweet soulful music of Straight from the Heart and traditional Appalachian/Celtic sounds of Gingerthistle, to the whimsical “bluejazzgrassrock” of Jay Lichty and the rockin’ Lone Derangers the music is sure to leave the audience feeling rejuvenated and uplifted.

Why not spend the evening on Melrose Avenue and catch both events? Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres at the Melrose Inn while viewing and bidding on art there, then cross the street to TFAC to admire and bid on more beautiful artwork and listen to inspiring music.

Take time to enjoy local art this weekend, and may you be filled with grace.