This time of year, families gather around the table to enjoy a variety of aromas and tastes, and to give thanks for blessings. For most families, the bird is the centerpiece of the meal, surrounded by a plethora of fixins including green beans, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. These are the traditional flavors of the season that we all love. But if you‘re feeling the least bit adventurous, or just need a change of pace, we have the answer for you. The recipes that follow, provided by some of the best chefs and restaurants in the High Country including The Gamekeeper, Crave, and Heart…

 The house is built, the furniture, rugs, and lamps are in place.  You’vechosen just the right wall colors, bath fixtures, kitchen cabinets andcounter tops.  You’ve picked out all of the things that are pleasing to you,that make your home uniquely yours.  You looked at samples and you measuredeach space, you took your time, you asked for what you wanted, you even wentso far as to custom order or have items custom built.You should approach the purchase of  the original art that graces yourhome in the same manner.  Your dream of a beautiful, comfortable home isfilled with wonderful details and i…

 An Appalachian Summer Festival and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts present the 23rd Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition, Appalachian State University’s annual, national, juried outdoor sculpture competition.  The Rosen sculptures are on display now through February 2010, in outdoor locations on the university campus and in the Town of Boone.  A juror-led sculpture walk will begin at the Catherine J. Smith Gallery on Saturday, July 25 at 10am, followed by the announcement of the competition winner, and the unveiling of the exhibition catalog.Maps for self-guided tours are a…

Art Festivities in Greater Avery Galleries & Studios this Summer & FallWhat happens when a bunch of gallery owners, picture framers, artists and gallery managers get together over wine and goodies?  A casual onlooker might say “mayhem!”  But it’s actually creative juices in overload - spewing ideas into the night air.  This titillating scenario is occurring regularly between the art corridor centered on Banner Elk and bordered by Boone, Matney, Foscoe, Crossnore, Valle Crucis and Linville.  Together these aficionados of all things artistic are birthing a consortium, mischievously dubbed “COG” …

 No news here.  We’re living through a period when we’re scrutinizing our investment choices more thoroughly.  Our buying decisions – anywhere from the daily cappuccino to the upgrade in residence – are being reconsidered, delayed or discontinued altogether.  Regardless of the degree to which we are affected, it’s a wake-up call for accountability of our daily decisions, their subtleties and consequences. I have been involved in the business and/or creation of art for 35 years – the exact period of my marriage.  My husband is an artist and more recently we have owned and operated an art galler…