Issuu

FEBRUARY 2019

AshevilleLifestylePubs.com

ARTS + MAKERS

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Mountain-Lake Living. From waking up to the Blue Ridge Mountain views and a sparkling lake to hiking while surrounded by pure scents and sounds, the Bear Lake landscape and lifestyle are ideal for building new family memories and crafting tales to pass down through generations. This is where campfire legends are made, one s’more at a time.

Marketed Exclusively By Carolina Mountain Sales 412 Lake Forest Drive | Tuckasegee, NC 28783 | (828) 293-0770 | bearlakereserve.com

The information provided in this advertisement is strictly for informational purposes and shall not be construed as an offer in North Carolina or any other jurisdictions. where prior registration or other advance qualification of real property is required. Prices are subject to change without notice. This is not an offer to sell property to, or a solicitation of offers from, any jurisdiction state that requires prior registration or advance qualification of real estate. OBTAIN THE PROPERTY REPORT OR ITS EQUIVALENT, REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAW, AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. NO FEDERAL OR STATE AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OF VALUE, IF ANY, OF THIS PROPERTY. Aerial photos, community photos and/or computer generated or enhanced depictions of the community (collectively “Illustrations”) are included for illustration purposes only. All Illustrations or enhanced depictions shown are conceptual in nature and are merely an artist’s rendition, and may not accurately represent the actual condition of the item being represented. All photos/videos shown depict the community or home as of the date taken. All Illustrations arc solely for illustrative purposes and should never be relied upon. Scenes may be of locations or activities not in the Bear Lake community. All photographs, renderings and other depictions are for the sole purposes of illustration. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2019 PUBLISHER

Austin Bennett | austin.bennett@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Alana Bennett | alana.bennett@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tiffany Carlos, Tori Carrasco

Arts + Makers

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hunter Deakle, Claire Johnson, Stephan Pruitt Photography

CREATIVES, MAKERS AND DOERS, PEOPLE WHO CAN CREATE SOMETHING REAL AND TOUCHABLE FROM NOTHING MORE THAN AN IDEA. Asheville has long been something of a mecca for people who have the drive to make something where before there was just an ephemeral thought. What's often forgotten in the conversation about creative people is the amount of patience and wherewithal to see an idea through to the completed work. The mere thought that you're not working from a blueprint or guide and birthing an idea into existence is daunting, especially given the amount of time it takes to get to fruition. With that in mind, we thought it worthwhile to profile a few select people who do this every day and tell their stories. We hope you enjoy. Our best to you and yours,

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

Alana Bennett , Co-Publisher

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin

Austin Bennett , Co-Publisher

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS John Newman | Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Akira Satake in his studio PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHAN PRUITT PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

AshevilleLifestylePubs.com

Proverbs 3:5-6 Asheville Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Asheville areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Asheville Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

WE OFFER ENDLESS OPTIONS TO BUILD YOUR DREAM SPACE!

INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2019

FEATURES 12 A New Beginning The Weaver House Returns to Life

15 The Art of Baking Pris Maynez and Her Decadent Cakes

20 Devil’s in the Details Devil’s Foot Beverage Company Brings New Tastes to Asheville

20 24

24 The Potter’s Clay Akira Satake Blends Clay, Fire and Passion

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Giving Back

Culinary Creations

24 Artist’s Palette 28 Renovate & Refine 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Travel Destination

AROUND TOWN

AMBIENTE MODERN FURNITURE GIVES BACK

ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL BENEFIT CONCERT FEATURING UNDERHILL ROSE

To celebrate its one-year anniversary in Asheville, Ambiente

Modern

Furniture

partnered

Underhill Rose has become synonymous with

with

beautiful music, charming personalities and rip-

Stressless Furniture to give back to Trinity Place,

pling success. In the last four years, the band

a shelter for homeless and runaway youth ages

from Asheville has independently released two

7 to 17. A portion of all proceeds from Stressless

albums, garnering critical acclaim from around the

Furniture sales during December and January was

globe. Come see a great performance and help

donated to this great cause.

support Asheville Music School on Sunday, Feb. 17 CONTINUED >

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

Love is in the chair. The national, state and local award-winning design firm and furniture showroom with a passion to design for your tastes, your health and your lifestyle.

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THE

And

JUNGLE BOOK

FEB. 14 - 17

MAR. 15 - 30

A fun-filled evening of their greatest hits.

The

An adventure of courage, friendship and loyalty.

Sylvia! Mozart APR. 5 - 20

It's man vs. wife...and their dog. With a wiggle and a wag, let the antics begin.

APR. 25 - 28

Featuring Nat Zegree and friends.

homecoming 2019 hank williams

Rodgers and Hammerstein's

PATSY CLINE

SOUTH Proposals PACIFIC royalty country

MAY 17 - JUN. 1

MAY 2 - 12

A homecoming tribute to Country’s Legends.

JUN. 7 - JUL. 6

A family divided becomes united in this nostalgic comedy.

A timeless tale where love wins.

Separat

Beds JUL. 11 - 20

A heart-warming and hilarious voyage of rediscovery.

A SEASON OF FAMILY LOVE

JUL. 26 - AUG. 18

A crazy and uplifting musical comedy where the hits are all Elvis.

BEE GEES GOLD AUG. 23 - 24

The ultim ultimate te salute to The Bee Gees.

Roundi

Third

AUG. 29 - SEPT. 8 A Bro-medy...but there’s no crying in baseball.

The Of The SEPT. 13 - 28

A song and dance spectacular from the silver screen to mainstream.

ADVENTURE cs lewis

LION

the

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828.693.0731

WitcH ward@obe the

OCT. 4 - 19

Bluegrass, gospel, faith and family.

OCT. 24 - NOV. 2 A chilling and psychological thriller.

NOV. 8 - 17

and the

A fantasy adventure in Narnia for the whole family.

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CHRISTMAS NOV. 29 - DEC. 22

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AROUND TOWN (CON TI N U ED) at 3 p.m. at 721 Streamside Drive in Arden. AMS believes in the inherent power of music to transform lives and believes that connecting individuals from diverse age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds through the universal language of music heals, builds and strengthens community.

ADVENT HEALTH WELCOMES TWO NEW DOCTORS Advent Health is pleased to welcome

Dr.

Matthew

Mahar,

M.D., an avid outdoorsman who brings more than 20 years of experience in family medicine to Advent Health. Advent Health also welcomes Dr. David Culick, M.D., PhD, FACS, FCCP, a board-certified thoracic and general surgeon bringing a diverse experience base to Surgery Specialists.

We are always accepting submissions for announcements you’d like to see included in our Around Town section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at AshevilleLifestylePubs.com. February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

GIVING BACK

A New Beginning THE WEAVER HOUSE RETURNS TO LIFE ARTICLE TORI CARRASCO PHOTOGRAPHY HUNTER DEAKLE

THE

HEART

DOWNTOWN

WEAVERVILLE LIES A BEAUTIFULLY CONSTRUCTED JAPANESE-STYLE VENUE. The building was constructed after the previous building suffered extensive fire damage. Keelan McCoy, Cameron Patton and Ward Patton purchased this destroyed space and created a new venue set in the old building’s footprint. The space has been carefully crafted for wedding ceremonies, musical events, private dinners and unique alternatives to corporate retreats. Preserving the original gardens, the Weaver House is a new construction but pays tribute to the old and is a gathering spot for groups to meet and celebrate. 12

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

IT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO REVIVE THIS HISTORIC SPACE IN DOWNTOWN WEAVERVILLE. WEAVER HOUSE WANTS TO BE A SPACE THAT HELPS CREATE MANY NEW MEMORIES FOR OUR COMMUNITY. THE LOCAL COMMUNITY HAS COME OUT, AND WE ARE HONORED AND ENCOURAGED BY THEIR SUPPORT.” The main hall is timber-framed, a custom design built in the old style of Japanese architecture, with no exposed bolts or metal fasteners. With a fully equipped catering kitchen, a lavish bar with specialty cocktails, state-of-the-art sound equipment and a luxurious bridal suite, Weaver House aims to please. “We pride ourselves on being a leader in sustainable practices among Western North Carolina event spaces and businesses,” Keelan says. One of the most incredible features of the Weaver House is the almost full acre of manicured Japanese gardens. The entire property is fenced with bamboo, which creates an intimate and private setting. The gardens were originally planted more than a decade ago by nationally acclaimed Japanese gardener Masashi Oshita and feature ornamental plants such as Japanese maples, dogwoods, crepe myrtles and redbuds. The attention to detail within the garden makes the outside space an extremely popular place for photos. There is also a beautiful tea house water feature and an 850-square-foot stone patio. The elegantly lit bar of Weaver House offers approachable and creative cocktails, each created with a uniquely Japanese element, and all under $10. “One of my favorites is named The Honorable Death. It is a house barrelaged cocktail with a blend of bourbon, Japanese whiskey, maple syrup and bitters,” Keelan says. On nights it isn't reserved for private events, the Weaver House is open to the public for music and drinks from 4 p.m. until close, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Flexibility is key for the Weaver House, and they offer an all-inclusive package for weddings and events. Attention to detail is evident in the layout and organization of the facility. “We all kept coming back to the idea of providing a space to breathe for our clients. Our quiet, private location and relaxing gardens, as well as our full-service hospitality, are all intended to make the planning process seamless so clients can focus on what matters most: creating memories with their guests,” Keelan says. Weaver House will continue hosting special community events in 2019. It is their goal to create a lasting relationship with Weaverville and Asheville residents. Weaver House welcomes readers of Asheville Lifestyle to visit their space. For more information, follow Weaver House on Instagram @weaverevelry. February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

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CULINARY CREATIONS

t h e o f

a r t

b a k i n g ARTICLE TORI CARRASCO

CONTINUED >

February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

CULINARY CREATIONS

(CON TI N U ED)

Pris Maynez baker

PRIS MAYNEZ, ASHEVILLE’S UP-AND-COMING BAKER, IS QUICKLY GAINING RECOGNITION ON THE WEDDING AND EVENT SCENE. The Texas transplant moved to town with her husband in 2015, and after having a baby six months later, she started baking. She started with birthday cakes for kids' birthdays, and another friend asked her to make a cake and some small desserts for her child’s first birthday. It all seemed to happen by accident, and before she knew it, Pris had fallen in love with the art of baking. “I took to YouTube, bought some basic baking supplies, and started practicing like crazy,” Pris says. She would try 10 recipes until she was able to perfect the recipe. She began

Instagram @828sweetevents

doing blind taste tests at her husband’s job, bringing in cake after cake for months,

Facebook @828sweetevents

mastering the art of flavor and design. The self-taught baker soon learned what she

WeddingWire.com

liked and disliked in cakes, both in taste and in baking performance. Eventually, she yielded excellent results.

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

After this trial-and-error period, more and more friends asked Pris to make cakes. With this increase in demand, she decided to create an Instagram and Facebook page and posted photos of her cakes. Then the orders started coming in. She has created cakes for birthdays, weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, quinceaneras and other special occasions. When asked about her most difficult cake, she described her black geode cake she created for a wedding photo shoot. It was made up of so many pieces of small sugar, and the uneven tiers made it challenging to stack the cake. The crystals kept falling off, and on the day of the photo shoot, it rained! It turned out great in the end, but the creation was difficult. Her largest cake was a five-tier wedding cake covered in Italian meringue buttercream. Each tier was a different flavor! Her favorite cakes to create are the ones for kids' birthdays. “I love their reactions when they see the cakes. Once, a kid kept literally hugging his cake, and it made my day!” She has turned from student to teacher and now teaches classes on cookie decorating. Pris enjoys seeing her students create something beautiful they never imagined they were capable of creating. Her personal favorite cake is marble cake with chocolate ganache filling. “I’m a self-taught baker, always looking for new ideas and inspiration everywhere I go. Now that I have the basics of cake making down, the sky is the limit!" You can find her on Instagram, Facebook and WeddingWire.com. The class is being offered on Feb. 9 at AR Workshop Asheville.

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February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

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DEVIL’S FOOT BEVERAGE COMPANY BRINGS NEW TASTES TO ASHEVILLE

ARTICLE TORI CARRASCO PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHAN PRUITT

Devil’s in the Details YOU EASE YOUR TROUBLES WHEN LIFE'S THE BUBBLES... Have you ever had an occasion where you wanted to go out and have a nice drink without consuming loads of sugars? The power team of Benjamin and Vashti Colvin, Jacob Baumann, Aaron Wilson and Carly Reese set out to solve this equation: how to create a healthy alternative to alcohol and sugary artificial sodas. Devil’s Foot was created in an effort to provide delicious drinks for cocktails, families, expectant mothers or adults who don’t drink or want a break from drinking and still want to enjoy fresh bubbles. They are working to make “natural flavors” a thing of the past, setting industry standards by labeling every ingredient clearly and boldly! Benjamin was kind enough to share his thoughts with us in a recent interview. 20

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CREATE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN SUCH A BREWERY-RICH TOWN? We all know and love beer brewer friends in Asheville—heck, one of our owners is still one!—and we love the creativity of our beer community. Two events collided to spark Devil's Foot. One, we were hobby brewing cocktail mixers and loving the results and the fun, and two, my pregnant wife was constantly given the limited choice of drinking tap water or overly sugary and artificial sodas when we would go out on the town. I thought she deserved better. In Beer City, we decided we wanted to build on that craft ingenuity but expand the spectrum and push the edges of the industry. Devil's Foot grew out of the drive to replace high-fructose, artificially flavored drinks with affordable, accessible, farm-to-can beverages. And instead of taking valuable tap lines for kegs or bottling in glass, we package in cans to distribute widely. We want Moscow Mules to be more flavorful. We want hot summer days to be refreshed with crisp, sparkling water and cold fall nights to be warmed with natural spice. We want people to be able to sip on something special and non-alcoholic when at a show or brewery—and we want to make people smile! HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE NAME DEVIL’S FOOT? In the beginning, we were making cocktail mixers in kegs and playing with it. We had ginger root all over the kitchen. My wife, Vashti, said, “It’s crazy in here, like a bunch of devil’s foot all over the place!” We thought, “Devil’s Foot?!” What a funny and appropriate description for ginger root! We found that there’s also a Sherlock Holmes story about devil’s foot and historical cultural references to that name—and it connotes the spicy character of fresh, yummy hot ginger. WHAT MAKES YOUR BEVERAGES DIFFERENT AND BETTER? We use organic roots and fruits. There is no equal to fresh, organic ginger root. There is nothing better than locally sourced no-spray, small-farm berries and fruits. The best flavor, the cleanest final product comes from fresh organics and trusted local farmers. We use organic and natural sweeteners, and we practice restraint. Our styles are sweetened with regional honey and organic cane sugar. The honey adds a depth of sweetness, and the natural earthiness of honey and cane sugar with the fresh fruits and roots allows us to use half to two-thirds less sugar than typical sodas. We never would use high-fructose corn syrup. We package in cans. Cans preserve beverages very well from light and environmental influences and are safer from breakage and injury so they are more applicable for outdoor venues, distribution and around children. California holds most of the BPA-free cans on the market, but the Devil's Foot team is working to grow that market on the East Coast and provide an even cleaner can.

CONTINUED >

February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

(CON TI N U ED)

“WE KETTLE BREW AND BRITE TANK CARBONATE EVERYTHING, AND WE PRODUCE AND CAN IN ASHEVILLE.”

We brew locally and label transparently. We kettle brew and brite tank carbonate everything, and we produce and can in Asheville. We also boldly, clearly and honestly label our ingredients in large icon formats.

We will never label "natural flavors." "Natural flavors"

We aim for an amber, ginger spice-forward style

can contain any number of chemicals or additives. We

of ginger beer, and the fresh organic ingredients keep

want you to know exactly what is in the can and what

it bright and crisp. Along with the bubbles, it makes a

you put in your body.

refreshing soda and creates outstanding cocktails.

IS GINGER BEER A BEER,

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

OR DOES IT TASTE LIKE BEER?

WHY ASHEVILLE?

Traditionally, ginger beer is a darker, spicier non-

We incorporated in late 2016 and built our equipment

alcoholic style. It has been used in cocktails, as an herbal

and production through 2017. Our first events kicked

remedy and even as a medicinal tonic.

off in October 2017 at the Orange Peel with Run the

Ginger ale is usually a lighter, sweeter soda. One big

Mules Moscow Mules during the Run the Jewels show,

problem we see is that corporate ginger ales sometimes

and our first cans were released in December 2017. We

contain zero actual ginger and excessive amounts of

packaged more than 100,000 cans in 2018 and could

sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.

not have done this without our amazing community. The

Alcoholic ginger beer has found a resurgence lately,

ownership of Devil's Foot have all been friends living in

including Asheville's own Ginger's Revenge. This is typi-

Asheville for more than a decade. We are all active in our

cally fermented steeped ginger, sugar and flavorings and

Asheville community and want to be a beacon for some

keeps an ABV lower around 5 percent.

happiness, health and cheer to our city!

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

WHERE CAN PEOPLE BUY YOUR PRODUCTS? We are currently found in more than 100 venues and retail stores including French Broad Food Co-op, Appalachian Vintner and Bruisin Ales. Retail growth is launching in 2019, making our cans more readily available in retail stores. Again, we could not do what we do without our supportive community, and that includes the vendors who have believed in us from day one. WHAT’S NEXT? ANYTHING NEW COMING UP? Our flagship ginger beers will be more widely available in 2019, but we also will ramp up production of our fruit sodas and our collaboration small brews. Small batch, handcrafted production allows us to continue producing our flagships, but we can be flexible enough to show our creativity and fun! We are building on our foundation of organic sparkling lemonade, organic sparkling limeade, sparkling strawberry lemonade and sparkling blueberry lemonade by bringing in seasonal and locally grown fruits like peaches, blackberry and apple. We also are growing the ginger beer line to produce fruit ginger beers. Collaboration is one of the most exciting fuels that keeps us churning out new styles. In 2018, we worked with Botanist & Barrel Cidery to collaborate on ginger and blackberry styles, and we also partnered with local events to create small-batch styles. In 2019, we are collaborating with a number of breweries, with Asheville Tea Company and other friends to keep the creative juices flowing. Stay tuned!

February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

ARTIST’S PALETTE

the potter’s clay

AKIRA SATAKE BLENDS CLAY, FIRE AND PASSION ARTICLE TORI CARRASCO PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHAN PRUITT

NESTLED

THE

HEART

ASHEVILLE’S RIVER ARTS DISTRICT IS AKIRA SATAKE’S CERAMICS STUDIO, A SHOWCASE OF HIS WIDELY RECOGNIZED CONTRIBUTIONS TO MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

AND

VISUAL

ART.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art awarded him the National Award for Excellence in Contemporary Clay. His life and works were also featured on A Craftsman’s Legacy on PBS. While standing among his various wood-fired pieces, Akira described his transformational journey from musician to potter and how those experiences have guided and influenced his success today.

Akira Satake was born into a family of artists and musicians in Osaka, Japan. By the age of 13, he was skillfully playing the banjo and Japanese shamisen. He moved to the United States 10 years later to further develop his musical talent and interests. As a music producer in New York City, he founded a successful production company and recording studio in the historic Ed Sullivan Theatre. Publicly, Akira was gaining recognition in the music industry. However, privately, the mounting stress from a hectic lifestyle began to affect his sleep. He tried yoga, deep breathing, meditation and Buddhism to address the insomnia. Nothing seemed to help until he decided to enroll in a pottery class, which catapulted his transformation. “The first day, I knew I wanted to do it as my lifework,” he says. Since moving to the Asheville area in 2003, Akira devotes a majority of his time toward handcrafting 24

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

artwork and operating a successful studio, which he shares with his wife. She is a professional baker and the former chief pastry chef of Market Place Restaurant. He still reconnects with his musical roots through composition and performance at solo and ensemble concerts with friends.Â His unique playing style and melodies combine the influences of American folk with a distinctly Japanese sonorityÂ while adding tones of other musical styles. The studio is home to an elegant wall hanging of mixed media and a collection of his works lining the walls and aisles of the spacious room. The numerous functional and sculptural ceramics evoke a distinctly robust style and aesthetic, which pay tribute to the Momoyama period of Japan (1573-1615). His pieces CONTINUED >

February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

ARTIST’S PALETTE

(CON TI N U ED)

“RING THE BELLS THAT CAN STILL RING. FORGET YOUR PERFECT OFFERING. THERE IS A CRACK IN EVERYTHING. THAT’S HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN.” –LEONARD COHEN, “ANTHEM”

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

speak to the beauty of integrating with organic processes. For Akira, creating art requires collaboration among the artist, clay and fire. He explained that it means "finding what the clay wants to be and bringing out its beauty in the way that the beauty of our surroundings is created through natural forces.” Akira begins the process by creating his own clay, which compositionally is as close as possible to the medium that was used in Shigaraki ware. Dating back to the 12th century, these pieces were produced in the “six old kilns” regionally located in Japan. During the 50 hours of firing, a “dialogue” between the fire and his pieces develops. The unpredictability becomes a factor that Akira finds to be especially motivating. “The fire is the ultimate random part of the collaborative equation. I hope the fire will be my ally, but I know it will always transform the clay in ways I cannot anticipate,” he says. He expands his collection with pieces he has created from different clays or ingredients, testing the boundaries of what the clay and fire will allow and creating an art form that is uniquely his. Although Akira’s schedule makes it difficult for him to host local events, he leads workshops, lectures and exhibitions worldwide. He has been invited to Spain, France, Belgium, Israel, Australia and Bali. Next year, he will go to Hong Kong and Bali; the following to Barcelona and Tuscany. When asked if there was anywhere else around that his work could be viewed, he mentioned that he has a large project on display at the Grove Park Inn at the Edison. There is a work of art with many bottles of various colors, some with holes, and one bottle is upside down. He explains that some people see it as a metaphor about how it is OK to be different and stand out. His work can also be viewed and purchased at his studio in Asheville at 191 Lyman St., Studio 165. February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

RENOVATE & REFINE

WORLD TREEHOUSES BUILDS TREE HOMES ARTICLE TIFFANY CARLOS | PHOTOGRAPHY CLAIRE JOHNSON

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

“THE MAGIC OF TREEHOUSES IS THE CONNECTION TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD, WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR HEALTH AND TO OUR HUMANITY. If you slow down enough, you may hear the voice of the mountain,” says Adam Lauder, builder and owner of World Treehouses. Adam began working on his carpentry skills when he was 18 years old. He taught yoga for 12 years and admittedly did construction to support his yoga habit. He then took a job building zip lines, and high in the canopy of the trees, his inspiration began. Since 2010, he has been on the road building zip lines, tree platforms and recently, houses in the trees! “My main focus is to bring some sort of healing through whatever I’m doing,” Adam says. “I am trying to heal people through treehouses.” As a builder, Adam’s mind functions in "nuts, bolts and puzzles." He talks of how being in the trees, he is working with a living being that is so much wiser than us. DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN TREEHOUSE? I do have a platform in my yard that is 65 feet up, and I climb up there with a harness. It’s there where I can really think about how there’s something that the tree does. It’s an amazing creature that gives us oxygen, building supplies and firewood. I wouldn’t mind living in one myself. There is something about downsizing and only having exactly what you need. I like the idea of living high up and feeling the trees move beneath me. The most important part of any structure, including ourselves, is its relationship to the outside. I feel like you are a lot more tuned in to the world if you can be connected to the outside. Every time we get too comfortable, we get a little more disconnected.

CONTINUED >

February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

RENOVATE & REFINE

(CON TI N U ED)

HAVE YOU BUILT FOR KIDS OR ADULTS OR BOTH? The treehouses I have built have been for adults, mainly because the hardware is so expensive that it can cost $5,000 for the bolts. The reason is they have the least impact on the trees, and they are the strongest and could hold 8,000 pounds per bolt! Currently, there is one I am installing a wood stove in. It is important to use the right hardware and engineer it to be able to withstand both the structure and any type of inclement weather. I am focused on building quality; with anything that is well made, well done and well harvested, you can tell there’s something magical, with care and love put into it.

“MY MAIN FOCUS IS TO

IS THERE A STANDARD SIZE OF TREEHOUSE?

BRING SOME SORT OF

WHAT’S THE MOST ELABORATE ONE YOU’VE BUILT? They are all so unique in different ways. In terms of elaborate, each one has been a unique creation. One might be

HEALING THROUGH

bigger or have this feature but doesn’t have that feature. It depends on the size of the tree. My building partner built one with bathrooms! Although it is possible to plumb them, it is very tricky because you have to be super sensitive to the root system of the tree and how to get plumbing up

WHATEVER I’M DOING.

and down without freezing. Electricity can be common,

I AM TRYING

depending on how close it is to the house on the property. I have built two with suspension bridges. One has insulation and a gas stove. My business partner has built an Airbnb.

TO HEAL PEOPLE

There is often deck all around, a living room and a bedroom. It’s kind of like a tiny house in the trees. WHAT’S THE MOST AMAZING PART? My favorite part is meeting the trees and figuring out what can be there and then creating the foundation and the rigging.

THROUGH TREEHOUSES.”

Once the foundation is set, then the structure can proceed. Unlike conventional homebuilding where you find a spot, pour concrete and build up, with treehouses, the structure of the tree dictates what it will allow you to build. I built one treehouse that is 35 feet off the ground on the

WHAT’S THE HARDEST PART OF WHAT YOU DO?

first floor, and the second floor is 45 feet high. You can still feel the

The hardest part is actually a very nice part. There are

trees move, and the structure moves with it. It’s like being in a ship. In

guidelines that will work when building in the trees versus

some ways, I compare it to how it must feel to people who are building

building on the ground you can pretty much do whatever

churches—creating a space to be in touch with what they call sacred.

you want. With the trees, you can only build so big of a

It brings them to a place where something feels special, and that’s

structure. There’s something nice about that. I worked for

how I feel building these.

an architect just to do the foundation and the rigging of

Another amazing part is the team I work with. Depending on the

one project. I recommended an arborist, and they ignored

project, I work with independent contractors, but we collaborate. I have

the recommendation and then they found a big hollow in

a welder, fabricator, designer, another amazing treehouse builder and

a tree, so it had to be changed. There are plenty of times

several other carpenters. There’s a lot of rigging and climbing in this

where I’ve been on site visits where there either isn’t the

industry, and it requires a set of skills that most normal builders do

most adequate size tree or the arborist finds decay. It is

not have. There are plenty of things that are pretty standard, like metal

then that I have to get creative to figure out what can I

fabrication or fine furniture, and I use other contractors for those.

do to make something happen, and it causes a redesign.

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

Adamâ€™s larger work is in helping people. He makes annual trips to Mexico to study and learn about healing arts and ancient medicines. With the treehouses, he hopes to bring people a different perspective and help build upon their connection to nature. â€œIt took me a long time to get to this place, and now I realize it was all in order. We are always being led to the next step if we slow down and listen enough."

February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

FEBRUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

textiles

and

more. With

competitive

pricing and educational opportunities.

an opportunity to listen to the music in a close setting.

Arts-CraftsConference.com

FEDCUP BY BNP PARIBAS: USA VS. AUSTRALIA US Cellular Center

The United States battles Australia in the premier international competition in women's tennis. Tickets available for the weekend.

14-17 MAMMA MIA!

22-24

ASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN TREVOR NOAH: LOUD AND CLEAR TOUR WRITERS CONFERENCE US Cellular Center

The Cove

The internationally acclaimed comedian

ACWC is offering excellent writer train-

and host of the Emmy- and Peabody

ing in a one-on-one setting. Writers

Award-winning The Daily Show brings his

are immersed in two days of skills

tour to Asheville.

training

with

Tryon Fine Arts Center

Running Feb. 14-17, the ABBA favorite comes to Tryon. For tickets, visit TLTInfo.org.

15-17

22-24 24TH ANNUAL BLUEGRASS FIRST CLASS FESTIVAL Asheville

editors

23 BREW HORIZONS BEER FESTIVAL US Cellular Center

This event features many nationally

This inaugural event is being launched

known performers, as well as local favor-

by the Green Built Alliance to support

Omni Grove Park Inn

ites. In addition to the main stage shows,

the nonprofit's latest campaign, the Blue

The conference explores a wide vari-

many artists will entertain audiences on

Horizons Project, which helps develop

ety of furniture, art, pottery, metalware,

the cozy showcase stage, providing fans

our region's clean energy future. 21+

NATIONAL ARTS & CRAFTS CONFERENCE

P U T YO U R C IT Y O N O U R M A P. Start a magazine & build a legacy.

Life is short. Love what you do.

professional

and publishers.

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

| LifestylePubs.com/OwnIt

For your many sides, there’s Nationwide®. McKinney Insurance Services (828) 684-5020 5 Allen Ave. Asheville, NC 28803 mckinnc1@nationwide.com nationwide.com/mckinneyinsurance Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Availability varies. Nationwide, Nationwide Is On Your Side, and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2016 Nationwide CPO-0836AO (08/16) 5003932

AUTO

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HOME

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RETIREMENT

[ CLEAN WATER

CHANGES

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.

[

When a community gets access to clean water, it can change just about everything. It can improve health, increase access to food, grow local economies, and help kids spend more time in school.

W W W. C H A R I T Y WAT E R . O R G February 2019 | Asheville Lifestyle

RSomanatnortiinc i

TRAVEL DESTINATION

stay SUN ROCKS BOUTIQUE HOTEL Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel is considered one of Santorini’s most romantic hotels. The elegant couples-only cliffside hideaway—named a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice 2018 award winner— features luxe, minimalist rooms and suites carved into the side of a volcanic cliff featuring amazing caldera and sea views. SunRocks.gr

dine

CASA DI TE Just a short stroll from the Sun Rocks Boutique hotel is this restaurant dedicated to creating the perfect combination of flavors and atmosphere to create unique moments in Santorini. Ranked in Trip Advisor’s top 10 romantic restaurants in Santorini, Casa di Te is inspired by Greek modern cuisine, Mediterranean cuisine and a touch of local flavor. Start with steamed mussels with saffron and Assyrtiko wine, followed by sea bass fillet fricassee with greens and lemon sauce, and finish it off with Semolina halva in a kadaifi nest with vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup. CasaDiTeSantorini.com

experience SUNSET VIEWS About 25 minutes up the coast is where you can catch sights of what people often refer to as arguably the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Catch some of the best panoramic views of Santorini from 15th-century Byzantine castle ruins. Situated on

PLAN YOUR ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO THE HISTORIC ISLAND IN THE AEGEAN SEA

the side of caldera cliffs, Oia village offers tons of

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

down popularity, you’ll find crowds of people gath-

breathtaking viewing spots. Be sure to get there well before sunset—because of the area’s sunered on streets, rooftops and stairs anticipating the one-of-a-kind experience.

Asheville Lifestyle | February 2019

Park Ridge Health will soon be AdventHealth.

Same doctors you know. Same care you love. Our network of care across the country, with more than 1,000 care locations, is coming together under one unified name. Weâ€™re here to care for your whole health. Visit AdventHealth.com to learn more.