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Published by Carmen Eckard, 2018-11-08 06:09:51

Summer 18

Summer2018 pages

51

and critique criminal justice policy. Coursework space for LR’s Occupational Therapy program,
is provided in online and traditional face-to-face an expansion of the program offered on the
classroom settings on the Hickory campus. A Hickory campus. The Columbia Center also offers
Master of Arts in Religious Leadership program programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling,
was also added during the spring 2018 semester, Human Services, and Religious Leadership.
and will be provided in a fully online setting. The Columbia Center shares a campus with LTSS,
which merged with LR in 2012, and is one of only
Hickory, N.C. seven Lutheran seminaries in the southeast region.
LR will reach a major milestone in its journey LTSS is an ecumenical seminary with a mission
toward becoming the preferred provider of health to teach, form, and nurture women and men for
care professionals in the region, as it graduates public ministry. Its flagship program is the Master
the inaugural class of Physician Assistant Studies of Divinity which enrolls students from across the
students this May. The PA program began in country. Other degrees offered at LTSS include
January 2016 with the opening of the Wayne B. a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of
Powell Health Sciences Complex, a state-of-the-art Sacred Theology, and Master of Theological
facility offering advanced, graduate-level training Studies.
for medical professionals.  
Additionally, a Family Nurse Practitioner/Doctor of
Nursing Practice program will launch this fall, and Asheville, N.C.
last year the University’s Master of Public Health Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Asheville Center
program received accreditation by the Council on celebrated the grand opening of its newly
Education for Public Health (CEPH). renovated 6,900 square feet of space in April. The
project added two classrooms, one seminar room,
Columbia, S.C. an entrepreneurship mentoring space, and seven
In fall 2017, LR’s Columbia Center opened a Health offices.
Sciences Center on Main Street, representing LR’s Asheville Center is located downtown, and
continued growth for LR in the field of health offers degrees unique to the area such as a
sciences, and signifying a strong partnership Master of Business Administration in Non Profit
between the University and surrounding Management, a Master of Business Administration
community. The new classroom facility provided in Social Entrepreneurship, and a Master of Science
in Sustainability Studies among others.

52
Photo of fireworks at the Lenoir-Rhyne Hickory Campus by Brandon Pope

Amber McKnight Teena Brooks

Master of Business Administration – Healthcare Master of Arts in Clinical Mental
Administration Health Counseling

“I chose to pursue my Master of Business “My internship at local non-profits
Administration at Lenoir-Rhyne because it offered a provided invaluable hands-on
specific track in Healthcare Administration. I don’t experience and helped me grow both
have experience in the medical field and believe
this degree will give me leverage when seeking personally and professionally.”

employment.” Katelyn Holley

Nicholas Wilson Master of Arts in University Leadership
“Through the University Leadership graduate
Master of Science in Nursing
“As a nurse, I feel the skills I program, I’ve learned to be a stronger
have obtained through Lenoir- communicator, manage resources responsibly,
Rhyne’s graduate program have and build collaborative networks, all of which
enabled me to become a great
leader, especially in a changing are beneficial as I work toward my goal of
teaching and coaching in a university setting.”
healthcare environment.”

Learn more about LR’s students
and their experiences in graduate
school at Lr.edu/studentprofiles.

53

Steve Abee

Steve Abee is a potter working in the Catawba Valley Tradition. He’s one of the “Catawba Clay;
Contemporary Southern Face Jug Makers,” and perhaps one of the best known potters working
in this tradition.
Steve Abee fell in love with pottery after attending a kiln opening of Burlon Craig. He began to
learn the methods himself, studying Burlon’s forms. Steve is known for his excellent swirlware.
This is a type of pottery that originated in our valley and uses different colors of clay to
create beautiful swirls. He’s also known for his instantly recognizable face jugs. At right you
can see an example of both. This swirl ware face jug is an excellent example of Steve’s work.
He uses traditional clays along with rutile, iron and other elements to create the color swirls.
His face jugs are recognizable for pottery collectors. His jugs tend to have two rows of smiling
teeth and flared nostrils. Cobalt pupils are also a trademark, and his face jugs are highly sought
after. Steve is also quite skilled at miniature pieces. Both very large and very small pieces require
high levels of skill, and these tiny pieces that Steve creates are detailed and perfect in form.
Steve lives in Lenoir, NC, and uses a wood-fired groundhog kiln like all Catawba Valley potters.
Because of the nature of the glazes used in this tradition, as well as the wood-firing process, pieces

54

made here are always a bit unpredictable, which makes the kiln unloading a special and exciting time.
Steve’s shop has a dirt floor, and his walls are slung with years of mud. Walking through it, it’s hard
to imagine that art is created within those walls that will last centuries. His space is full of tools-a
foot powered pottery wheel, an additional wheel, huge tanks for applying glaze, and lots of racks
for drying. Just outside we find a beautiful ground hog kiln that Steve built himself, with side stokes
to ease the process of firing. He also has a pug mill, used to mix clay. Like Burlon Craig’s his uses
a tractor motor instead of a mule.

Much like his space, Steve Abee is humble. He doesn’t put on airs, and speaks simply about what he
does, but with great passion. The passion is as evident as the dirt, which is to say, it’s hard to miss.
Steve is one of
several working
potters who are
keeping our
traditions alive.

Buy Pottery
Steve Makes

Swirlware
Watch Steve

Work

55

Bob Sinclair

56

“He just doesn’t ever sit still - ever”, says his wife, Carolyn. “He’s
cooking, re-cane a chair bottom, planting a tree, riding his bike
to the farmer’s market, playing with the kids or making plans for
some new adventure. He’s always busy - and always, always in his
head I am sure the music is playing.”

For Bob Sinclair the music does seem to be at his And Carolyn says that Bob never stops exploring the
core – it appears to move him and propel him down world for new music. “Artists send him discs in the
many musical paths. Perhaps best-known locally as mail, he speaks regularly with musicians from around
the Event Coordinator of the Sail Original Music Series the globe and he hungrily searches the internet, music
for the City of Hickory for the past six years, Sinclair publications and musical friends to mine the next
has many other musical irons in the fire. For nearly extraordinary talent to use at his events.”
30 years he has been an event planner, talent buyer Is that what keeps him so busy?
and musical consultant for a wide variety of clients. Maybe, but then Bob Sinclair also creates his own
Sinclair has a demonstrated knack for creating great music. He is a talented composer and songwriter. He
musical moments and an ear for emerging talent. His has been awarded a NC Artists Grant three times for
skills have lead him to produce or co-produce dozens composition, songwriting and performing; he performs
of music festivals (rock, folk, song/writer); manage the at festivals and venues throughout the US with recent
entertainment for national conferences; participate as a gigs at the United Center in Colorado and the Don
board member of various musical non-profits; physically Gibson Theater. Other notable performances include
help to build performance stages; help to evaluate Spirit Square, Flat Rock Music Festival, Blue Ridge
and remedy problems in acoustically challenged Music Festival and multiple appearances at Merlefest
musical spaces; plan weddings and special events; act where he was selected as an Americana Emerging
as musical mentor to aspiring young musicians and Artist. He has played at Charlotte’s Jazzfest and Duke
produce music events for private parties, municipalities University’s Garden Series. An upcoming performance
and special enterprises. He has been the curator of at the famed Station Inn in Nashville with his band,
one of the longest running house concert series in the Bob Sinclair and the Big Deals, demonstrates his wide
state. He was recently asked to consider the position as ranging appeal.
Executive Director of an international music association.
57

Sinclair’s first CD release of original songs, Always, country-swing. While there is so much great music out
was played in US and UK markets and was named a there, I have added Bob Sinclair to my list of special
Top Regional Release by AAA powerhouse WNCW- finds”!
FM. Songs from that disc have been included on So, is that what keeps him busy.
compilation discs sold in Target stores, been used Yes, except that he is also happily employed as the
on the ”Fresh Faces of Merlefest” CD with the Avett Director of Operations at Atriax, a Hickory, NC-based,
Brothers and Reckless Kelly and included on the “Blue multi-million dollar architecture/engineering firm.
Sky” compilation discs of Colorado. As a solo artist he Sinclair develops and manages the internal processes
has played The Evening Muse in Charlotte; Saturday for the administration of over 80 design projects with
Night at the Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN; and at design totals in excess of $80M. With Atriax, Sinclair
listening venues across the southeast. His reputation
as an insightful songwriter, inspiring band leader oversees multiple national
and performer is well- and regional design programs
known. with the Department of
Sinclair took a hiatus Veterans Affairs and he has
from performing to spent six months working for
raise a family but FEMA in the affected areas
recently returned to of Texas following Hurricane
writing and performing Ike’s devastation. Sinclair is
and has quickly re- the also main point of contact
established himself as for Atriax’s new Kansas-city
a significant contributor offices where he is managing
on the regional music six new design projects
scene. In late 2017, representing over $10M in
he campaigned for construction.
$17,000 to support Is that what keeps him so
the creation of a new busy?
disc of original songs. Probably, but then he is also
Funded in part by the an engaged husband and
United Arts Council of father. His wife, Carolyn, and
Catawba County, the their two daughters, Carter
CD From Nothing At All, and Sloane, are a happy and
beautifully represents intertwined family team that
the unique character of is often seen together around
Sinclair’s songs and the town. You can see Bob light
talents of his new band, up when he talks about
The Big Deals. They Carolyn. “I’m madly in love
describe their music as with Carolyn. She’s my best
“Original front porch friend.” he grins. Carolyn
swing music played by and Bob regularly host
happy people.” The last musicians from around the
few months have been world as they pass through
busy for Bob and the Hickory for one musical event
Big Deals with a steady or another. And they logged
stream of regional and over 1000 miles on their daily
national performances walks around downtown
in promotion of the Hickory in 2017. They talk
new CD including the and catch up on these walks.
Ellendale Concert They are a good pair.
Series in Frankfort, His children make him smile
KY, the Caves of Red too. “I am so proud of the
Rocks in Morrison, people my children are becoming. They are resourceful,
CO; the Drendel interesting, humorous, talented, mannerly and kind-
Auditorium (sponsored hearted children.” The family attends music festivals
by the United Council of the Arts), Isis Music Hall; The together and they regularly car camp across the US
Grind Artist Series and upcoming dates around the for their family vacations. They’ve been to Maine, the
southeastern US. Adirondacks and Colorado on recent family forays. The
Irish based band, I Draw Slow, said of Sinclair’s new family is involved as citizens in Hickory – serving on
songs, “We have the opportunity to see and hear lots of boards or steering committees. The children often join
bands and songwriters in the US and at home and the their parents at community or City Council meetings.
original songs we heard from Bob Sinclair and his band Is that what keeps him so busy?
mates was perhaps some of the most remarkable and Yes.
real music we’ve have heard in a long time. Fantastic
songs and lyrics, performed beautifully!” Grammy-
nominated artist Sally Barris said of Sinclair, “Sinclair is
a very talented artist who is creating original, fun-loving,

58

Visit Mystery Hill

Have you experienced North Carolina's only known Natural Gravitational Anomaly yet? Discovered in the
1920's on the hillside in the historic Hudson Apple Orchard this amazing Natural Phenomena has amazed
visitors since it was first opened to the public in 1948. Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock has grown over the past
70 years to include many different family friendly attractions but the Gravitational Anomaly believed to be
caused by the dense iron deposits in the hillside continues to draw visitors from all of over the world every
year. Starting this year new combo ticket options make it even more affordable for families to experience all of
the attractions at Mystery Hill including The Guided Tour of the Natural Anomaly, The Hall of Mystery Hands
On Science Center, The Giant Bubbles of Bubblerama, The 55,000 Native American Artifacts of the Moon
and Irene Mullins Artifacts Collection, The historic home of the Founders of Appalachian State University at
the 1903 Dougherty House Museum, Thousands of Fossils in the Appalachian Fossil and Dinosaur Museum,
Mining for Gems in the only area gem mine to offer ore directly from our local mines. Step back in time with
old time Souvenir Photos from Professor Finnegan's Old Time Photo Parlour. Some of the areas best shopping
experiences with five different gift and souvenir shops on site. Mystery Hill and the other attractions are open
7 days a week year round hours vary by season and are available online at www.mysteryhill.com or by calling

828-264-2792.

59

The Hickory Playground
THIRD ANNUAL ONE-ACT PLAY
FESTIVAL BRINGS LOCAL TALENT AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER STAGE
By Edward Tashjian

After raising and donating $13,000 to support local Alex Lee, Brown & Neuwirth Oral & Cosmetic Surgery,
school arts programs, the Hickory Playground One-Act and LRU all made significant contributions last year, as
Play Festival is bringing back the most fun you can have did many individual donors. Members of the academic
in 48 hours! and business communities are equally enthusiastic
After last year’s smash event, local theatre company about the festival.
Hickory Playground is returning to the SALT Block’s “This is truly remarkable,” says Molly Rice, who leads
Drendel Auditorium for another fun-filled evening of the theatre program at St. Stephens High School
great art. In this unique festival, eight original one-act and directs the Tractor Shed Theatre Company. “Arts
plays are cast, written, and performed in a 48-hour education has never been more important. At a time
period by local artistic talent from the Hickory area. On when funding is being cut, these students stepped up
Thursday, July 26, playwrights and actors will meet to and gave back not only to the local high schools, but
randomly select their casts. Then they will get to work to our community.”
writing and rehearsing their one-act plays, which will be “It is so gratifying to see our former students engage
performed live on Saturday, July 28 at 7:00 p.m. At the in entrepreneurial activities to support the local arts
end of the festival, the audience votes on their favorite community,” says Steve Clarke, head of the music
play and the winning playwright and cast steps up to program at Hickory High School. “We are extremely
receive uproarious applause. grateful for the $3,000 contribution and used it to fund
This fun and fast-paced event is impressive on a few programs that benefit current students.”
different fronts. First, the nonprofit is organized entirely “Often supporting the arts means more than
by three young up-and-comers in the arts community. just a financial contribution,” adds Molly Bass, who
Dylan Tashjian will graduate this year from NYU’s Tisch directs the Hickory High School theatre program. “It
School of the Arts and Stern School of Business. Jordan means showing up! And that’s exactly what these young
Makant recently graduated from LRU studying with a men are doing with the Hickory Playground. They are
degree creative writing. Robert Fuller is currently creating opportunities for playwrights to write, actors
working in film production at Plan A Films in Asheville. to act, and production and lighting students to practice
Each of them is pursuing a career in the arts. their craft and experiment. I would not be surprised at
“In the past two years, more than 600 people attended all if some of these people end up on Broadway.”
the festival, and we raised enough money to donate “We met with several business leaders who not
$14,000 to local schools,” says Tashjian, producing only made generous financial contributions, but
artistic director of the Playground. “The support from also reviewed our business plan, made thoughtful
the community has been nothing short of amazing, suggestions, referred us to others, and provided
including support from local businesses. One of our encouragement,” adds Tashjian.
goals is to build lasting relationships with corporations “We were very impressed with their business plan,” says
and individuals through the arts. That, along with being Hani Nassar, an executive at Klingspor. “The planning
able to give back to the arts in public education and for fundraising, promotion, and production was well
building a nurturing and inclusive environment for all thought out. Whenever someone takes the initiative
artists, is the mission of the Playground.” He added “ to develop a sustainable original idea that benefits the
The mission of the Hickory Playground is to invest in the whole community, and presents a thoughtful plan to
arts in our community by nurturing the creation of new, execute it, we believe it is our civic responsibility to
original stories and supporting the artists of tomorrow. help support them. We were proud to be the primary
The long-term vision of the Hickory Playground is to sponsor of last year’s event, and this year it should be
engage communities around the world by enabling the even better.”
creation of new art, the support of new artists, and the “This kind of initiative is exactly what Hickory
sustainable development of an artistically adventurous needs,” says John Bray, CEO of Vanguard. “These
culture.” boys essentially created their own internship so they
Klingspor, PepsiCo Hickory, Vanguard Furniture,
Century Furniture, Valdese Weavers, Graystone Eye,

60

could learn firsthand what it takes to be a production The Hickory Playground is a non-profit theater company
company. It is highly creative and entrepreneurial, but dedicated to the creation of new theatrical and performative
best of all it benefits the entire community. People are works by local artists. In addition to the varying projects
not only entertained, but the proceeds are given back we produce throughout our three-month-long summer
to support the next generation of dreamers and doers.” season, our signature event is a forty-eight hour playwriting
“Last year’s event can only be described as ‘the most festival, held every summer. The Hickory Playground’s full-
fun you can have in 48 hours,’” says Tim Plaehn, winner length projects nurture the creative process while allowing
of the first Hickory Playground One-Act Play Festival. audiences a glimpse backstage and fostering a dialogue
Audience members feel the same way, and the Hickory between creator and consumer. We are committed to
Playground is now the buzz of the artistic community raising awareness and providing financial support for talent
because of its fast-paced style of theatre along with its in the region by donating directly to public schools’ arts
inclusion and encouragement of audience participation. departments and promoting artistic endeavors in Hickory,
The event itself features eight original plays (among North Carolina, and the surrounding community.
other entertainment) and is less than two hours in total. The Hickory Playground is a certified non-profit organization
The event is open to all ages with darker subject matter with a large majority of its proceeds earmarked for local
placed toward the end of the night. “We are passionate performing arts and is currently pursuing 501(c)(3) status.
about making art available to everyone,” says Tashjian, This year’s event is on July 28, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. at the
“and we feel that the Hickory Playground is the perfect Drendel Auditorium on the SALT Block. Each play is original
way to get the entire community involved.” and is written and performed over a two-day period by
“With actors and playwrights from around the local writers, actors, and directors specifically for the Hickory
community participating, the Third Annual Hickory Playground. The plays are performed one night only. The
Playground is destined to be another unprecedented event is free to the public but donations are gratefully
success,” concludes Tashjian. “We have a goal of accepted. It is recommended that you arrive early to get
filling the Drendel Auditorium to support the arts in a seat. This year’s sponsors include Vanguard Furniture,
the community. The plays are a mix of music, comedy Klingspor, Bass-Smith Funeral Home, Pepsi, Alex Lee,
and drama, and each was an artistic expression with a Lenoir-Rhyne, and Terra Dotta, along with many others.
message. We can’t wait to see the incredible work these For more information, visit www.hickoryplayground.com.
talented artists produce next.”

wpsymphony.org 61

(828) 324-8603

RENOVATION AND NEW BUILD BY THE
TEAM AT STEELE’S CONSTRUCTION

The Steele’s Construction They are Packers and A claw foot tub, beautiful
and Design Team recently Panthers fans, and custom lighting, custom tile and an
finished renovating this theatre area boasts 5 flat elegant shower make this
beautiful Lincolnton home, screen televisions, as well bathroom a true oasis.
as well as building a large as two rows of leather
new pool house. reclining seats. This breakfast nook offers
The team worked with the The space is the perfect a lovely view of the pool.
homeowners to determine backdrop for the Custom furniture and
what they loved about their homeowners’ three high- lighting fill the space nicely.
current home and what their quality game tables.
needs were. A kitchen and dining room The design team pauses
The house was renovated make this space incredibly together. They work
beautifully, with many lush functional. Wolf appliances seamlessly together to bring
features like Wolf appliances and a giant table can designs to life.
and custom tile. The team handle large crowds. The
created custom furniture team designed a custom
for the house as well, and tufted bench with storage
the result was stunning. and the table seats 16.
But everyone admits that The bathroom in the
they had the most fun pool house was designed
building a pool house for with extra care. Custom
the family. High roofs with concrete floor tiles are an
visible rafters are reminiscent excellent choice for a pool
of the home owner’s favorite house floor, as they stand
restaurant. up to water incredibly well.
The homeowners are parents This house is certainly
of two, and were looking for ready to host an
a solution for entertaining Independence Day bash, or
large crowds. They enjoy any other large gathering.
their pool, their children, All furnishings and
games and football. The accessories are custom
Steeles kept these passions made and furnished by the
in mind as they designed the Steele’s Design Team and
pool home of their dreams. Boutique.

(828) 322-8011

63

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65

BLOW UP: INFLATABLE CONTEMPORARY ART
July 21 - November 25, 2018
Shuford & Coe Galleries
BLOW UP explores the imaginative ways that
artists use air as a tool for creating large-scale
sculpture and includes imagery that is figurative
and abstract. Accessible, yet rich with meaning,
these pieces use perception of space and
unexpected materials to open a dialogue about
pop culture and social norms.
“Inflatable structures connote fun and whimsy,
and challenge our everyday, feet-on-the-ground
perspective. The show creates a spectacular,
immersive environment and taps into our fascination with inflatables with artworks that are surreal,
humorous and poetic,” says the exhibition organizer Carrie Lederer, Curator of Exhibitions, Bedford
Gallery.
This traveling exhibition includes major works by Claire Ashley (Chicago), Lewis deSoto (Napa),
Patrick Flibotte (New York), Billie Grace Lynn (Miami), Guy Overfelt, Momoyo Torimitsu (Tokyo), and
Lee Boronson (Brooklyn).

BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art
was organized by Carrie Lederer, Curator of
Exhibitions, Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for
the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA. This exhibition was
made possible by a grant from The National
Endowment for the Arts.

Billie Grace Lynn, White
Elephant 1, 2007, ripstop
nylon, chiffon, electric fan, 10
x 6 x 8 feet

66 Use the code to access the
exhibit guide.

People notice your smile.

Oakwood Dental Arts is a full service dentistry firm based in the heart
of Hickory, North Carolina in the historic Oakwood district. Our mission
is to help you thrive in our town. Whether you have a troubled tooth
that needs help or want to get that smile you’ve always dreamed
about, we are here to serve. We will work with you to create a plan to
achieve the best oral health possible. Let’s take the journey together.

828-324-6235

OakwoodDentalArtsNC.com
mckinneydds@

OakwoodDentalArtsNC.com

67



Immersive History

for Foothills Students
Photography by Jon Eckard. Story by Carmen Eckard

In fourth grade, North Carolina students study house is on hand to greet the bus loads of 4th
their state’s history at length. It’s an exciting graders as they arrive. Like every other adult
year of history, because our state’s history here, save the teachers that are chaperoning,
is intriguing and fascinating. But, hand-on he is dressed in historical clothing and has
learning is always
more effective. a story to tell.
Science is easiest to There are several
learn when you are stations set
able to do science up around the
experiments. grounds, and
History is no each covers a
different, but there different part of
aren’t many ”history our history.
experiments” that A crowd favorite
students can take are the Spanish
part of. Conquistadors.
The Hickory This duo explains
Landmarks Society the history of
saw that problem, and they set out to solve it. Spanish exploration here, and they manage
Their solution centered around a field trip to to be very funny in the process. The kids
the Maple Grove House. This is a historical giggle as they learn of the grand trips and
house in Hickory, explorations. The duo explains that in
NC, right along Morganton, the
highway 127. The remains of one of
house was originally the Fort San Juan
built by Adolphus have recently
Lafayette Shuford, a been excavated.
captain of industry This was the
in these parts. The FIRST European
house was built in settlement in
1883, just a decade the interior
after Hickory was of the United
established as States, predating
”Hickory Tavern” the Roanoke
In fact, ”Dolph” Colony by 18
Shuford was one of years! After the
the original founders of the town. Spanish left the
The house has been turned into settlement, it’s location was lost until
a museum, and it is decorated to 2013. The discovery has been a major
appear as it did in the mid 1890’s. advancement in our historical knowledge.
The house and adjacent land provides a Also popular was the Native American exhibit.
perfect backdrop for this day. A Cherokee family presented many of their
A descendant of the original owners of the traditional objects and described their way of
life. The students were especially interested
in the descriptions of handball, an intense

70

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sport that was the basis of Lacrosse. This game GRARNetDaiOl OPEuNtleINt G!
is still played at the Cherokee Reservation today.
The Mecklenberg Militia was onhand to 3509 Hickory Blvd
demonstrate what life was like during the Hudson, NC 28638
Revolutionary War. Students were drawn in by
the musket fire, but stayed for demonstrates on 828.396.9625
how to build a fire and make coffee. They were
full of questions, a sure fire sign they were very Open Mon-Tues & Fri-Sat
interested. 10 am-5pm
These reenact-ors were fascinating to
watch, and students were able to see a
medical tent, the sleeping arrangements of
soldiers, and a glimpse of day to day life.
Several Piedmont Wagons were on hand. These
interested the students, especially a group of
boys who stayed to listen to the history of the
company, and ask questions about how fast the
wagons went (not very) and how hard they were
to maintain.
There were also many craftsmen on hand.
Demonstrations of pottery making, basket weaving
and knitting helped the students understand how
differently things were manufactured in our past.
Everywhere you looked, our history was
represented, and students were interested. This
event, which occurs each year, was a clear success
and we thank the Hickory Landmarks Society.
You can find out more about the Hickory Landmark
Society at http://www.hickorylandmarks.org/.
You can help support the organization by donating
money or purchasing their new book, From Tavern
to Town, An Architectural History of Hickory, North
Carolina.

Follow the journey...

Curt Butler



Curt Butler

Curt received both a B.A from Kent State University and an M.F.A from Savannah
College of Art and Design. He has taught at various institutions including
Braitman Studio, Gaston Day School, Gaston College and Gaston School of the
Arts. In 2004, he was recognized and honored with Teacher of the Year award at
Gaston Day School. He has also hosted a number of guild workshops throughout
the South East for art students as well as professional artists. He considers
himself an artist who teaches and enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with
others to create a journey for someone else.
His own journey has lead him to start his own business called Butler Studio, where
he creates between 90 to 120 paintings a year for galleries, corporations, and
private collections. In 2009, Butler Studio opened a gallery/studio in downtown
Gastonia where he currently teaches small classes and paints full time.
His interest in impasto and scumbling techniques is evident in his currently
medium of oil and encaustic. The word encaustic literally means to “burn in”
and involves a heating tool of some kind with the addition of colored pigments or
oil paints mixed into the wax. “I enjoy the play of carving back into the wax with

76

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a palette knife to create different
textures. Heating up the wax allows
me to fuse layers of paint to create a
surface that is varied and complex.
Each layer must be carefully fused
to the next to ensure there is no
cracking. Stand oil is routinely
applied to the wax to give it a little
flexibility and makes it possible to
work on a canvas surface rather
than a board. I sometimes put the
wax and pigment on cold and melt
it with a heat gun, and at other
times, I start with a hot wax directly
on the canvas. I have found these
techniques feel very sculptural in
nature. At times, I am building up
the surface and at other times,
I am subtracting or carving into
the surface of the paint. Encaustic
painting with oil has given me
the emotional response that I am
currently seeking in my work. To
be able to suggest a subject rather
than illustrate it, to literally feel
the surface of the paint and to be
able to engage the viewer from
a distance, and yet retain them
when they are close are all reasons
I choose to work the way I do.”
His work has been represented in numerous permanent collections including Dallas Art
Museum, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Gaston Day Gallery, and Duke University
Cancer Center. He is currently represented by Providence Gallery, Wells Gallery, The
Design Gallery, Thomas Deans Gallery, Tyler White Gallery, Stellars Gallery, and Brandt
Roberts Gallery.

78

Standing Ovations to
Creative Meals Served in a

Renovated Theater

Photography by Jon Eckard. Story by Carmen Eckard.

79

WEBB CUSTOM KITCHEN

In our Winter Edition, we covered the beautiful restoration of this Art Deco Movie
Theatre into an upscale restaurant. We were enthralled at the transformation, as well
as the historical details that remained. We loved the atmosphere, and the fact that
you could watch vintage movies while you ate.
What we didn’t talk about was the food. It turns out, the most exceptional thing about
this restaurant is the cuisine. After we dined there, we knew we’d need to share the
experience with our readers. Chef Jon Spencer has art in his soul, and it makes what
he serves truly delightful.
Webb Custom Kitchen is in Downtown Gastonia, a town in the midst of an
exciting revitalization. The owners and managers of Webb Custom Kitchen are
leading the charge to make their downtown a center of art and culture. This
revitalization is particularly interesting because it’s led entirely by business owners.
We arrived just as the restaurant opened, and already the aromas were enticing.
We began our meal with fried green tomatoes, a side so perfectly Southern that it
inspired one of the most quintessential movies about the South. I expected crisply
fried, tart tomatoes. I did not expect the lump crab meat, tomatoes, sweet corn,
peppers or the remoulade-all excellent additions that will have me ordering this again
on my next visit. The combination of flavors felt like edible art.
Next we were served a 40 ounce Porterhouse Steak. You didn’t misread that. It was
enormous. In fact, it’s so large that there is a club dedicated to eating the entire steak.

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Anyone who finishes the steak has their name added to a plaque on the wall. All of Webb’s
Steaks are CAB Certified Angus Beef and this one was aged for 40 days for maximum flavor.
It was incredibly tender and flavorful, and left me feeling disappointed in every other steak
I’ve eaten. It was served with a Chef’s Blend of vegetables that were roasted to perfection.
The meal was very balanced, and it was all presented beautifully as well.

82

We were also served a pork loin chop,
grilled with black pepper and Maker’s
Mark BBQ sauce. Buttermilk whipped
sweet potatoes were served with
chipotle stewed apples. Both of these
usually sweet sides had a satisfying
kick that felt miles away from tradition.
Again, the presentation was artful.

It’s clear that Webb Custom Kitchen isn’t
only in the business of making things
taste good. This is an all-encompassing
experience. This delights all of our
senses.

We couldn’t decide on a dessert so we
tried several. A New York tower cheese
cake was my favorite, served with a
strawberry rose and blueberries. A
lemon blueberry cake and strawberry
shortcake also delighted us, and the
creme brûlée would be a fitting end to
any meal.

But don’t take my word for it. The restaurant 83
is still new but it has already earned quite a
reputation.

Forbes magazine listed Webb Custom Kitchen
as one of the ”100 Most Romantic Restaurants”
in the nation!

Open Table has awarded the restaurant the
following designations: Best Overall, Diners
Choice in March 2017, Best Value 2017, Fit For
Foodies 2017, Neighborhood Gem, Diner’s
Choice in February 2018, and Best Ambiance.

The local paper, The Gastonia Gazette
named them the best overall restaurant. And
restaurant review websites are positively
bursting with excellent ratings and comments.

Be sure to try Webb Custom Kitchen. Go hungry.

182 S South St, Gastonia, NC 28052

Roasted Beef Brisket
with Espresso Rub:

INGREDIENTS:

1 Beef Brisket 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Thoroughly combine all spices into a container or bowl
1 Tbsp Ground Espresso 2. Rub onto all surfaces of the brisket
Place brisket in a pan at least 2 inches deep
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar 3. Add water into bottom of pan up to 1/2 inch
Roast for 45 minutes
1 Tbsp Chipotle Chili Powder 4. Remove pan from oven and cover brisket and pan with aluminum foil
1/2 tsp Thyme 5. Lower temperature to 300 degrees and cook for another 3 hours and 15 minutes
Remove brisket and allow to rest for 10 minutes prior to serving
1 tsp Ground Mustard 6.

1 Tbsp Garlic 7.

1 Tbsp Salt 8.

9.

84

BLUEBERRY GINGER BBQ SAUCE:

1 Shallot 1. Sauté Shallot and Ginger in Olive Oil
2. Add remaining ingredients in order and bring to a simmer.
1 Tbsp Olive Oil 3. Reduce until sauce becomes like a syrup.
Blend on high for 2 minutes (or strain sauce in absence of a blender)
1 Tbsp Minced Ginger 4. Serve on top of beef brisket

2 Cups of Blueberries THESE RECIPES HAVE BEEN CREATED BY
1/2 tsp Chipotle Chili Powder 5. CALVIN REYES. CALVIN IS IN THE MIDST OF AN
ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECT AT HENRY RIVER
1 Bay leaf MILL VILLAGE. HE WILL EVENTUALLY OPEN A
RESTAURANT ON SITE.
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
85
1/2 tsp Dried Lemon Peel

2 Tbsp Vegetable Stock

2 Tbsp Soy Sauce

1 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar

86

Strawberry Sorrel Potato Salad
& Lemon Sorbet
INGREDIENTS:
INGREDIENTS: Potatoes
5 Cups of fresh strawberries, 1 Medium Onion
1/2 Cup of Tomatoes, remove seeds and chop
cleaned and hulled 1/4 cup of pickle cubes
Mayonnaise and Mustard to taste
2/3 Cup of Sugar Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 Handful of Fresh Sorrel
Juice of 1 Lemon 1: Cook and drain potatoes.

1: Combine all ingredients in a blender 2: Mix onions, tomatoes and pickle cubes.
and puree until smooth
3: Mix with potatoes while stirring in mayo,
2: Place mixture into an ice cream maker mustard, salt and pepper.
and churn for approximately 30 minutes
4: Mix until it is smooth and not lumpy.
3: Move to an airtight container and
store in freezer for 3 hours before *Grandma used other vegetables like
serving radishes and peppers or eggs to change the
recipe up.

Recipe by:
Hettie Johnson Rudisill
Submitted by Anita Rudisill

87

88

Fried Green Pumpkin Seed and

Tomatoes Arugula Pesto

INGREDIENTS: INGREDIENTS:
2 Large Green Tomatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch slices 1/3 Cup Pumpkin Seeds, hulled
1 + 1/4 Cup of Flour 1/2Cup Halved Pecans
1Cup of Cornmeal 1 Shallot
1Tbsp Garlic Powder 2Handfuls of arugula
1 Tbsp Salt 3 bsp of oil
1 Tbsp Oregano 1tsp of salt
2 Eggs Water
1 Tbsp Pepper Sauce
Vegetable Oil for frying

1: Pour enough vegetable oil into a cast iron pan to reach 1/4 inch 1: Toast Pumpkin Seeds and Pecans in a skillet
up the side and allow to cool.
2: Heat oil to approximately 350 degrees
3: Gather 3 large bowls for making the batter 2: Place all ingredients into a blender or food
4 :In the first bowl, place 1 cup of flour processor and blend until smooth.
5: In the second bowl, place 2 beaten eggs and pepper sauce 3: Add water 1 tsp at a time until desired
6: In the third bowl, mix cornmeal, garlic powder, salt, and oregano consistency is reached.
7: Dredge tomato slices in bowl 1, then bowl 2, then bowl 3
8: Fry no more than 3 tomatoes at a time, and flip once until golden
brown on each side (approximately 3 minutes per side)
9: Remove from oil and salt to taste.

North Carolina’s oldest
continuously serving bar

Opened in 1932, Antlers Bar has
been a Foothills Destination for
nearly a century. Bistro Roca offers
exceptional cuisine and a top-notch

atmosphere.

143 Wonderland Trail 89
Blowing Rock, NC 28605

(828) 295-4008
ww.bistroroca.com

pTahritsyisotfhyeobuigrgleisfte.

The team at Steele’s
Construction wishes
you a happy and safe

summer season!

You need to hire a professional, someone who has Tim Steele is a proud Veteran
the experience to keep your party going so that you of the United States Navy.
can enjoy each other. Magical Music DJ has over 30
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and you can relax knowing that they will read your

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90

Check out foothills kids

Not only are these kids books
printed in our magazine, but we
also print copies to send home with
school children. We need your help!
I’m seeking partnerships to provide
quarterly magazines for all children in
our region. I can’t do it alone! It costs
about $0.75 per copy, per issue. If you
or your business would be interested
in partnering with us in this way, please
call 828.475.1323 or email us at editor@
foothillsdigest.com.
Thanks!
Carmen Eckard

91

BlacTkhebNCerry
Festival

In Downtown Lenoir

THURSDAY, JULY 12TH, 2018 – “AN EVENING OF EVERYTHING BLACKBERRY”
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | A ticketed event on Main St. in Lenoir featuring blackberry

infused cuisine, drinks, music and dancing.

FRIDAY, JULY 13TH, 2018 – “THE BLACKBERRY JAM”
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Black”Beer”y Garden Featuring Local Breweries and Craft Beers
6:00 pm- 9:00 pm | Vendor booths open for shopping
6:00 pm | Blackberry Belle Pageant Preliminaries
7:00 pm | Live Music – Blackberry Jam Singer-Songwriter Contest
7:00 pm | Blackberry Recipe Contests
9:00 pm | Glow Run 5K & Fun Run

SATURDAY, JULY 14TH, 2018 “NC BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL”
9:00am-5:00pm | Black”Beer”y Garden Featuring Local Breweries and Craft Beers
10:00 am | Live Music all day on starting at 10am
10:00 am | Blackberry Belle Pageant Finals at
10:30 am | Blackberry Festival Blood Drive
11:15 am | The Blackberry Eating Contests (Youth & Adult)
12:00 pm | Presentation of Colors Ceremony
12:15 pm | Colossal Cobbler Parade
12:30 pm | World’s Largest Patchwork of Cobbler
3:30 pm | Blackberry Jam Winners

BLACKBERRIES WILL BE FOR SALE IN THE STREET
BETWEEN ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SUNTRUST
BANK STARTING AT 10 AM UNTIL THEY ARE GONE!
VENDORS, FOOD, MUSIC, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND
BLACKBERRIES FOR SALE ALL DAY!

Photo by Mitzi

Foothills

Lakes

94

Lake James

Lake James is truly a spectactular. It’s large and beautiful, and
a huge range of activities abounds. 20 backpack campsites
are available, each with a fire pit, picnic table and tent space.
There are communal water fountains and bathrooms as well.

Lake James is perfect for swimming, boating and fishing, and
it’s quite expansive. Many public access points make it easy
to enjoy the lake.

95

Lake Lure

Lake Lure is best known as the setting for the movie Dirty
Dancing. This lake has been called the prettiest man made
lake in the nation, and it’s actually been the setting for many
movies, including Thunder Road, A Breed Apart, Forrest
Gump, The Last of the Mohicans and Firestarter. Beautiful
views of granite cliffs, as well as lust flora and fauna make
this worth the trip. Be sure to visit Chimney Rock State Park
while you are in Rutherford County.

W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir

This lake offers outdoor recreation including camping. You
can follow the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
and find Tom Dula Historical Markers along a trail.
Bird watching and ranger-led tours allow you to connect
with nature. The Forest Edge Amphitheater at Fort Hamby
provides space for outdoor dramas. And of course, the lake
provides ample opportunity to swim, boat and fish.

96

Lake Norman

With 520 miles of shoreline, this lake is nicknamed ”North
Carolina’s Inland Sea.” Lake Norman, like Lake Hickory,
was formed by Duke Energy from the Catawba River. Lake
Norman is almost as large as the other 10 lakes along the
river combined! The area around the lake has undergone
rapid expansion, and many industries have been built around
the needs of the people enjoying the lake.

97

New Adventure Park
High in the Tree Tops

This new park features outdoor play for adults and children.
Zip line over Lake Hickory, balance on beams between tree
tops and even kayak! Plan a family fun day soon.

98

99

Treetop Adventures is a new park And, well, get you some of
in Conover. This challenging course that. I can’t properly explain the
takes you high in the trees, climbing sensation, and it doesn’t fit on
over obstacles, walking on balance magazine pages, but it’s important,
beams and swinging from platform and I hope you’ll experience it.
to platform. Zip line over Lake
Hickory if you’re feeling very brave! At Treetop Adventures, you can push
There are courses for all ages, and yourself to your limits, safely. You
safety is of the utmost concern. can ask, ”Can I do this?” then push
Once you are linked into the system, through until you find the answer,
it’s impossible for you to disconnect ”Yes,” without fear of danger.
until you are safely on the ground.
Don’t worry that you won’t know There are also other adventures
what to do: you’ll be trained in a available, like paddle boarding,
way that’s clear and concise, and if kayaking and canoing. The owners
you aren’t ready, they won’t let you are dedicated to growing an
climb until you are. This goes for adventure center.
your children too, so you can rest
assured that they will have fun and This experience is an excellent team
be safe, just like you. builder, and they host corporate
I was excited to try to this groups, church groups, and
adventure, and of the several students. Coming with your family
courses to choose from, I is an excellent bonding experience.
chose the most ambitious one.
I found the experience to be very I’m also excited about the future
meaningful. I was expecting a fun of Treetop Adventures. They are
zip line session around the lake, introducing Aerial Aquatics! Fly-
but what I found was a challenge. boarding is exciting to watch and
An honest to goodness challenge. it’s amazing to have a local space
I had to concentrate. I needed all to learn this sport.
my strength, all my focus. About 10
minutes into the course, I realized Call 828.215.1914 to reserve a spot,
that I hadn’t thought about my or visit www.treetopalh.org.
next deadline since I strapped in.
I noticed that as I was balancing, If you mention this magazine
focusing and trying my hardest to article, you can get a 10% discount
get to the next platform, my brain in the month of July, Monday-
was completely peaceful. Friday. The Code is FoothillsDigest
if you order online.

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