By Karen Weihs
For NC Mountain Guide

The Cashiers area is a magnet for artists to paint its fine high views and waterfalls, and to work peacefully in its sanctity of space and inspiration. Many fine art artists live in the area and are open to visits to their working studios by appointment. They sell their works in their own studios and show and sell their works in the fine art galleries in nearby Highlands, but participate in the Cashiers art festivals and community offerings of its tiny village. Cashiers offers an arts festival bi-annually where sculptors and painters juried in from all over come and participate in the fine art outdoor painting event, En Plein Air. Sculptors descend upon the area to display their evolution of sculpture for the Village Green and learn from each other, while painters perch on high mountains and interiors of waterfalls, making their paintings to be sold at the auction gala supported by The Village Green of Cashiers. The Village Green Park in the center of town offers a wonderful walking tour of fabulous sculpture and artistic venues throughout the year. The Village Green strives to preserve, protect and enhance land for our community: civic, spiritual, educational, cultural and recreational activities to maintain quality of life. This central area and what it protects is the pulse of Cashiers with a fantastic board of directors who support the arts with educational events, festivals and lectures.

Some of the professional artists that work in their beautiful studios are:  Karen Weihs who lives in the Glenville Community and also teaches at The Bascom Art Museum in Highlands. Her husband, Chris Weihs offers privatized cooking classes at their home/studio as well. Academy award winning sculptor, Wesley Wofford lives in the Found Forest area. So is the husband and wife duo, Shari Erickson and Doug Gifford. Shari paints the islands and mountains while master gardener Doug, paints his inspiration from his amazing summer garden, a real mountain treasure to visit. Blue Mountain Gallery located on Slab Town Road, offers other local artists for sale in this charming gallery and sells supplies for those wishing to buy needed provisions. Velda, the owner offers classes for beginners on up! Summer events and private workshops will offer other artists venues, so often you can spot artists making their craft in this special rain forest environment!