Dew drops cling to the spider’s web. Moss carpets stones along the riverbed. Leaves of green and brown lay upside down. I walk upon the pebbled paths. The clouds linger low in the valley between Clayton and Rabun. Newly staked rows of ripening tomatoes remind one that there are still many hot summer days ahead. Yet, the crisp balmy air chills the elevating atmosphere. The road winds and bends for.. Read More

I draw back the curtain, letting in the morning light. The kitchen is awash in a pale hue of butter yellow. The kettle is a fire-engine red with polished lacquer. I run water, turn on the stove and listen for the subtle sounding poof, as it ignites. The kettle is warmed until it whistles. I whisk batter and pour dollops onto the skillet, and add a light dash of cinnamon as it.. Read More

Amid travels, studio classes and a series of varying engagements, I’m informed of an impending deadline before the first visitor of the day. I open the gallery early, and make preparations to receive guests. One morning each week, I clear my itinerary and welcome visitors to stop in, sit and talk awhile over coffee. All summer I’ve enjoyed this tradition. It has presented me with unique opportunities to become better.. Read More

This Spring, the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art debuted the Sarah West Artistic Mentoring Program in participating local Alabama schools, providing area school children with the opportunity of Fine Art Education and Cultural Arts Involvements beyond their school day. As Smiths Station Alabama’s premiere fine art destination, the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art has continually aspired to increase culturally relevant and educationally sustainable opportunities for our community and.. Read More

Sustainability Recently I drove down some familiar Alabama back roads to visit a farmer. On the drive, I turned to Michele West and said, “if I could determine the outcome of this farm visit, the one thing that I would hope for most of all is to simply meet someone with a purpose-driven, passion and commitment to their cause for the right reasons. I want to know that someone else.. Read More

Community Journal Enlightened by modern times we grow more aware of the faith placed in technological devices and varying outlets of communication. We live in an age with more access at our fingertips than any generation before, and daily a headline or article reminds us that we possess the power to use those resources to our advantage. If we do employ these inventions for their utilitarian use, they might propel.. Read More

The Sarah West Artistic Mentoring Program for Continued Fine Art Education announces a milestone event this Spring. As part of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art’s Cultural Arts Enrichment Initiative, gallery founders, Sarah West and Michele West have aspired to offer more to the community, state and region in the realms of Culturally Enriched Opportunities and Involvements, surrounding the arts. Each year the artists strive to integrate new experiences.. Read More

Wonderland It was a cold night in the mountains. Like many nights, I turned the car and headed south along the Tuckaseegee River. The last of the evening light paled in shades of blue. The air was thin and balmy, and laced with chimney smoke from nearby cabins. Near the river basin in Soco Gap, I looked up and saw what appeared to be another wildfire. I was driving. So.. Read More

The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art is honored to announce the launch of the Sarah West Artistic Mentoring Scholarship for Continued Fine Arts Education. In the Fall of 2017, Sarah West & Michele West of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, will begin a long awaited endeavor as an extension of the gallery’s continuing Cultural Arts Enrichment Initiative Program. The Sarah West Artistic Mentoring Scholarship will afford area.. Read More