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August 2026 Life in Our Foothills

Mirrorball Gallery

A Creative Sanctuary in the Heart of the Foothills August 2026

Lake Lanier

A Century of Beauty and Vision

Janet Orselli

The Art of Transformation

Let Freedom Ring Scenes from Fabulous 4th Celebration

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CONTRIBUTORS Linda List, Writer and Photographer Linda List’s career was spent in the food industry, often surrounded by chocolate and candy. Retirement and the Tryon Daily Bulletin have provided the opportunity for her to share her writing. Growing up in New York on the Canadian border, she lived most of her adult life at the foot of the Rockies in Golden, Colo. And is now enjoying life in Landrum the foot of the Smokies.

Kirk Gollwitzer, Writer and Photographer Kirk Gollwitzer is a freelance writer, musician, photographer, videographer, and real estate broker specializing in buying and selling homes and horse properties. A former key figure and co-founder of the Tryon International Film Festival, he has done several documentaries and has written two novels.

Storme Smith, Writer and Photographer Storme Smith is a writer who lives in the Foothills of North Carolina. He is the co-founder and publisher of Buno Books, and has a passion for the arts. He also enjoys writing about the history, sports and unique people and places of our area.

Pebbles, Writer Pebbles is the “spokespony” for HERD, or Helping Equines Regain Dignity, a local nonprofit that saves equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter. She dictates her monthly columns about her adventures, and what a rescue organization does, to Heather Freeman. Pebbles and Heather can be reached through HerdRescue.org

AUGUST 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

W Jeff Allison Publisher

ON THE COVER

August 2026 Life in Our Foothills

Mirrorball Gallery

A Creative Sanctuary in the Heart of the Foothills August 2026

Janet Orselli

Lake Lanier

A Century of Beauty and Vision

The Art of Transformation

Let Freedom Ring

Scenes from Fabulous 4th Celebration $4.95

Mirrorball Gallery (Story on page 22)

By Storme Smith

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

ith summer in full swing, there’s no better way to cool off than spending a day at the lake or an afternoon exploring one of our area’s many (air-conditioned) art galleries. The Foothills are rich with opportunities to enjoy both the beauty of nature and the creativity of local artists—just two of the many reasons our communities are cherished by residents and visitors alike. In this month’s edition of Life in Our Foothills, we celebrate a few of those special places and the people who make them memorable. First, Kirk Gollwitzer explores the history and enduring appeal of Lake Lanier, reflecting on the founding, beauty, and legacy of this century-old treasure. Next, Storme Smith sits down with Mirrorball Gallery co-owners E. Vincent Martinez and Alex Page to learn how their creative sanctuary in the heart of the Foothills came to life. We also meet acclaimed assemblage artist Janet Orselli, who offers a glimpse into the imaginative process behind her distinctive, one-of-a-kind creations. And, of course, we hear from our resident “spokespony,” Pebbles, with the latest updates from the rescued equines at the HERD Ranch. You’ll find all of this and more in this month’s edition of Life in Our Foothills. As always, I welcome your thoughts, story ideas, and local highlights at jeff.allison@tryondailybulletin.com. Thanks for reading! Jeff Allison Editor

STAFF Publisher & General Manager Jeff Allison Graphic Design Alex Sokoluk Marketing Stacey Cullen Distribution Jamie Lewis Austin Heffner Administration Jennifer Sattler

life IN OUR

FOOTHILLS Life in Our Foothills is published monthly by Tryon Newsmedia LLC. Life in Our Foothills is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Tryon Newsmedia LLC. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Please address all correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to Manager, Life in Our Foothills, 16. N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, or email to jeff.allison@ tryondailybulletin.com. Life in Our Foothills is available free of charge at locations throughout Polk County and Upstate South Carolina, and online at www.tryondailybulletin.com. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year by calling 828-859-9151. To advertise, call 828-859-9151.

AUGUST 2026

CONTENTS 10 Calendar of Events

12 Seen Around Town Columbus Fabulous 4th

14 Lake Lanier A Century of Beauty and Vision

22 Mirrorball Gallery A Creative Sanctuary in the Heart of the Foothills

32 Janet Orselli The Art of Transformation

40 Appreciating A Fine Red Pebbles shares an update on HERD

49 Marketplace

50 Ad Index

14 8

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

AUGUST 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Community Yoga Classes (Every Saturday) Congregational Church of Tryon 210 Melrose Ave., Tryon Opening Reception – Michael Bauermeister Aug. 7, 5:30–7 p.m. Tryon Arts & Crafts School 373 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon Conserving Carolina Speaker Series: Indigenous Carolinians—A History Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Walnut Creek Preserve 179 Wood Thrush Lane, Mill Spring

AUG. 7, 7 P.M.

Airing of the Quilts Aug. 15 North Trade Avenue, Landrum

Summer Tracks Concert Series presents The Get Right Band Rogers Park 55 W. Howard St., Tryon

Welcome back scan code for visitors information

www.pearsonsfallsandglen.org 10

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

AUG. 8, NOON–2 P.M. TDDA Second Saturday – Global Food Fest Tryon Depot Plaza 22 Depot St., Tryon

AUG. 14, 7–8:30 P.M. Top of the Grade Concert Series presents Reedy River String Band McCreery Park 100 E. Main St., Saluda

Thermal Belt Friendship Council 40th Anniversary Potluck Picnic Aug. 15, 1 p.m. Roseland Community Center 56 Peake St., Tryon

Sweet Baby James – James Taylor Tribute Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m. Tryon Fine Arts Center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon

Conserving Carolina Speaker Series: The Fall Raptor Migration Aug. 18, 6–7:30 p.m. Landrum Library 111 E. Asbury Dr., Landrum

Summer Tracks Concert Series presents Love Letter Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Rogers Park 55 W. Howard St., Tryon

Visual Vibrations Opening Reception Aug. 22, 5–7 p.m. Tryon Painters & Sculptors Gallery 78 N. Trade St., Tryon

Guided Mushroom Walk Along the Green River Aug. 23, 9–11 a.m. Swiftwater Farm 1359 Katydid Lane, Mill Spring

AUG. 28, 5–7 P.M. AUG. 27, 5:30–7:30 P.M. Outreach 35th Anniversary Party Outreach 187 W. Mills St., Columbus

TDDA Fourth Friday – Dog Mayor Election Downtown Tryon

AUGUST 2026

LET FREEDOM RING As the sky darkened, it set the stage for the fireworks display that would bring the celebrations to a stunning close. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

The town of Columbus brought Polk County together Saturday, July 4, for an Independence Day celebration that also marked 250 years of American independence, drawing crowds to the downtown square for a full day of music, history, and family activities.

Columbus Fabulous Fourth celebrates nation’s 250th anniversary Live music anchored much of the day, a classic car show was held on Gibson Street, and Revolutionary War reenactors added a historical element to the day’s programming. As the sky darkened, it set the stage for the fireworks display that illuminated the night.

Crowds gathered in Columbus on Saturday, July 4, for an Independence Day celebration that marked 250 years of America. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

Live music anchored much of the day. (Photo by Jeff Allison) 12

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Crowds gathered in Columbus on Saturday, July 4, for an Independence Day celebration that marked 250 years of America. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

Educational exhibits from the House of Flags and Polk County Historical Association highlighted Revolutionary War history and Polk County’s connection to early American independence. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

Live music anchored much of the day. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Revolutionary War reenactors added a historical element to the day’s programming. (Photo by Storme Smith)

A classic car show was held on Gibson Street. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Family activities were a highlight of the day, including carnival rides. (Photo by Storme Smith) Live music anchored much of the day. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

Local vendors and artisans lined Mills Street. (Photo by Storme Smith)

AUGUST 2026

Lake Lanier

A Century of Beauty and Vision Story and Photography by Kirk Gollwitzer Additional photos submitted

ome places enter our lives with great fanfare. Others arrive quietly, almost by accident, then stay with us forever. For me, Lake Lanier was one of those places. For many years, living in Greenville, the foothill towns of Landrum, Tryon and Saluda existed mostly as pleasant destinations somewhere beyond the city. They were close enough for an afternoon drive, yet far enough removed that many Greenville residents knew surprisingly little about them. Looking back now, it seems remarkable that one of the most beautiful places in our region sat quietly 14

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

just beyond the state line, largely unknown to so many of us. The introduction came through an unlikely source. Someone mentioned a restaurant called the Tea House at Lake Lanier. The name itself stirred curiosity. It sounded romantic and somehow mysterious. There was something about it that suggested a hidden place tucked among the mountains where life moved just a little slower. Eventually, curiosity won, and the drive north began. Leaving Highway 176, the narrow entrance road disappeared beneath towering hardwoods and gentle curves that revealed very little of what lay ahead. Then, almost without warning, the trees opened, and the lake appeared. The first impression was striking.

Spread out below sat an expanse of water framed by forested hills and distant mountains, dotted with cottages, docks and boathouses that seemed to belong to another time and another place. It was not the view one expected to find just minutes from downtown Tryon or less than an hour from Greenville. The scene felt almost cinematic. There was the rustic Tea House overlooking the first basin, boats tied quietly at the dock, sunlight dancing across the water, and mountains rising beyond it all. It carried the atmosphere of an Adirondack resort or a hidden mountain retreat that somehow had escaped the attention of the outside world. There are certainly larger lakes in the Carolinas and busier ones as well, but few possess the intimacy of Lake Lanier or

the surprise of discovering it for the first time. The setting was almost impossible to forget. Years later, life would circle back to the lake in a much more personal way, providing an opportunity to spend considerable time on and around its waters and to appreciate qualities that casual visitors rarely have the chance to experience. Every day presents a different lake. Some mornings the water becomes so perfectly still that the surrounding trees appear suspended beneath its surface. On winter mornings, fog hangs low across the coves before slowly lifting toward the mountains. During particularly cold weather, thin sheets of ice begin forming along the shoreline. Paddleboarding across the lake then becomes an entirely different experience as the board quietly cracks through delicate sheets of ice, each stroke producing sounds that disappear into the stillness. There are few places where silence has its own personality. Spring brings flowering dogwoods and redbuds to the shoreline while fresh

green leaves reclaim the hardwood forest. Summer creates an entirely different energy. Ski boats replace kayaks. Children leap from docks into cool water. Paddleboards drift lazily through quiet coves while fishermen search for bass, crappie and carp beneath overhanging trees. Autumn may be the lake’s finest season. The surrounding hills become a tapestry of gold, crimson and copper. Calm mornings create reflections so perfect that mountains and shoreline seem to exist twice, once above the water and once below it. Lake Lanier is not particularly large and perhaps that is one of its greatest strengths. Its three connected basins each possess their own personality. The first welcomes visitors arriving near the Tea House. Beyond that lies the second basin before narrowing into the third, where the shoreline becomes increasingly secluded and peaceful. Tucked quietly among them is a tiny piece of land called Snake Island. The name itself has become part of local folklore.

A small stretch of the lake, affectionately referred to as “Little Italy,” offers owners cozy privacy.

AUGUST 2026

The original stone marker at the entrance to Lake Lanier commemorates the lake’s creation in 1925 by the Tryon Development Company, whose vision transformed a rural valley into one of western North Carolina’s most enduring resort communities. The bridge crossing Lake Lanier serves as both a practical connection and one of the community’s most recognizable landmarks, linking neighborhoods that grew alongside the lake during the twentieth century.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Years ago, when a Boy Scout camp occupied part of the shoreline, adults reportedly convinced young campers that the little island was home to snakes, discouraging nighttime adventures across the water. Whether there were ever snakes there seems almost beside the point. The story survived because every lake deserves a few legends. The five-mile road circling Lake Lanier offers yet another perspective. Cyclists, walkers and runners have discovered what local residents have known for decades. Around nearly every bend another quiet cove appears, another view opens across the water and another reminder emerges that this place was carefully shaped rather than simply found. That realization eventually leads to a larger question. How did all of this happen? Standing beside the shoreline today, it is difficult to imagine that less than a century ago there was no lake at all. Only Vaughn Creek flowed quietly through this wooded valley. High above it, Southern Railway trains crossed an enormous wooden trestle carrying passengers into Tryon. Those riding on the left side of the train looked across forests, mountains, and open countryside. There was no sparkling lake reflecting the morning light. No cottages. No paddleboards. No fishermen easing quietly across the coves.

Someone looked upon that same valley and saw something entirely different. That may be the most fascinating part of Lake Lanier’s story. Back in the 1920s, when automobiles were only beginning to reshape America, a handful of remarkably forward-thinking individuals imagined creating an entirely new community centered around beauty rather than industry. That deserves repeating. Lake Lanier was not built to generate electricity, for flood control, or to supply drinking water. It was built because someone believed beauty itself had value. That strikes as a surprisingly modern idea. Today, virtually every significant development proposal is carefully examined, debated and often criticized before the first shovel enters the ground. Yet nearly one hundred years ago, local civic leaders proposed damming Vaughn Creek,

Viewed from the backside of the dam, Lake Lanier stretches toward the surrounding foothills and mountains that first inspired developers to create a mountain resort destination nearly a century ago.

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AUGUST 2026

An early morning fisherman and his canine companion navigate the quiet waters of Lake Lanier, reflecting the slower pace and outdoor traditions that continue to define life on the lake nearly a century after its creation.

flooding an entire valley and creating an entirely new recreational community. It required imagination, optimism and more than a little courage. Civil engineer George Kershaw transformed that vision into a remarkable development plan.

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

His drawings reveal far more than a lake. They envisioned parks, neighborhood streets following the natural contours of the hills, a public beach, a school, wooded lots, scenic overlooks and even a graceful shopping arcade. Roads curved

naturally around the terrain rather than forcing the landscape into rigid squares. Looking at those original plans today, there is something almost artistic about them. The dream grew even larger. Architects from New York prepared

drawings for an elegant Tudor style hotel overlooking the lake from the hillside near today’s state line. Broad verandas would have offered sweeping views across the water toward the mountains beyond. Guests arriving by automobile or train would have discovered a fashionable mountain retreat unlike anything else in the region. There is a certain irony in learning that the grand hotel once envisioned for Lake Lanier never rose above the drawing board, while a few years later visitors arriving at nearby Lake Lure would find themselves checking into the very sort of mountain resort hotel that Lake Lanier’s founders had imagined for their own lake. History sometimes has a way of borrowing one community’s dream and delivering it to another. Construction of the lake itself was no small undertaking. Historic photographs show teams of horses pulling drag pans as workers shaped the landscape long before bull-

Residents celebrate Independence Day during Lake Lanier’s annual boat parade, one of many traditions that have helped define life on the lake for generations.

Rows of colorful boathouses line the shoreline of Lake Lanier, reflecting the lake’s transformation from an ambitious 1920s resort development into one of the region’s most recognizable and enduring recreational communities.

AUGUST 2026

Modern color interpretation of an early postcard view of Hogback and Rocky Spur from Vaughn’s Creek Trestle near Tryon, showing the valley landscape before it was flooded to create Lake Lanier in 1925. The original postcard was published in black and white. (Courtesy of J Alan Peoples; digital adaptation by Kirk Gollwitzer.)

Modern color interpretation of historic Vaughn’s Creek Trestle near Tryon, once carrying trains across the stream valley below before the creation of Lake Lanier transformed portions of the surrounding landscape. The original postcard was published in black and white. (Courtesy of J Alan Peoples; digital adaptation by Kirk Gollwitzer.)

A renewed look back at scouts enjoying their time on the lake. (Courtesy of J Alan Peoples; digital adaptation by Kirk Gollwitzer)

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

dozers became commonplace. The first dam failed soon after construction, requiring engineers to redesign and rebuild it using reinforced concrete. The replacement dam has now quietly served the community for nearly a century. Those old photographs possess a quality that modern construction images rarely capture. They show determination. Every shovel of earth moved by hand. Every load pulled by horses. Every concrete form built by craftsmen who had no idea that generations later people would paddle across the water they helped create. There is another irony hidden within its history. The Great Depression arrived before much of the surrounding development could be completed. Many planned streets were never built. Hundreds of lots remained untouched. The grand vision quietly paused. Yet because it paused, much of the surrounding forest remained. Today, towering hardwoods still embrace much of the shoreline. Wildlife continues to flourish. The lake retains an intimacy that might otherwise have disappeared beneath extensive development. Sometimes history leaves behind unexpected gifts. One of the more unusual facts surrounding Lake Lanier is that while the lake itself lies in South Carolina, the Town of Tryon owns the lakebed and dam, managing them in trust for the community. It remains an uncommon arrangement and another reminder that Lake Lanier has never followed conventional rules. Sadly, several years ago the Tea House closed its doors, never to reopen. Passing by it today, many see little more than a ghost of another time. Yet for those who remember dinners overlooking the first basin, boats tied quietly at the dock, and sunsets settling behind the mountains, the building still holds a certain magic. It remains one of those places where memory often sees more than the eye. Today, cyclists continue circling the lake. Families gather on docks just as they have for generations. Children still search for fish along the banks. Sunsets still paint the mountains beyond the western shore. Most have little reason to think about George Kershaw or the civic leaders who first imagined flooding Vaughn Creek. Yet every quiet morning on Lake Lanier is part of their legacy.

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A Creative Sanctuary in the Heart of the Foothills

Mirrorball Gallery Story by Storme Smith Photos courtesy of Monica Stevenson Photography

irrorball Gallery + Lounge is both unique to Tryon and uniquely of Tryon, a place where a mountain view, contemporary fine art, and community converge under one roof. On any given evening, visitors may find themselves sipping a handcrafted cocktail while studying museum-quality artwork, watching neighbors challenge one another to ping-pong on the patio, or striking up conversations with strangers who quickly become friends. It is an art gallery, certainly, but also something much harder to define: a gathering place built around creativity, conversation, and connection. For co-owners E. Vincent Martinez and Alex Page, that sense of belonging wasn’t manufactured through a carefully researched business strategy. It grew naturally from two very different careers, a shared appreciation 22

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Woods and Weiler by his “Two Pigeons on a Train Track” sculpture at the fountain located in St. Luke’s Plaza.

Mirrorball’s living room area

for art and design, and an unexpected leap of faith that brought them to the foothills of North Carolina. Today, Mirrorball Gallery & Lounge has become one of downtown Tryon’s most recognizable cultural destinations, attracting artists, collectors, and visitors from across the Southeast. Yet its story began years earlier over lunch at a charity fundraiser in Atlanta. The two met in 2016 while co-chairing an event benefiting Cure Childhood Cancer. Page was leading luxury marketing efforts for Harry Norman Realtors, while Martinez had built a career in publishing and fashion media through his publication Fashionado. What began as a professional collaboration soon developed into a relationship that would eventually lead to marriage in 2019 and, later, a shared vision for a very different future. “We’ve always joked about opening a business together someday,” Page recalled. The pairing proved almost ideal. Martinez brought decades of artistic training, filmmaking and curatorial experience, while Page contributed an extensive background in branding, advertising and public relations. Together, they possessed both the creative instincts and business expertise necessary to build something entirely their own.

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E. Vincent Martinez

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

Martinez’s artistic journey stretches back nearly four decades. Shortly after earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics, a professor handed him a catalog for Penland School of Craft. That single recommendation changed everything. He attended a workshop, fell in love with the school and the mountains of Western North Carolina, and earned one of only a handful of coveted two-year Core Fellowships. The experience became the true foundation of his artistic life. “You would think my undergraduate degree would have served as my foundation,” Martinez said. “It was Penland that started my foundation as an artist.” After Penland, Martinez completed graduate work at Rochester Institute of Technology, earning a Master of Fine Arts in photography, and later pursued graduate studies in art education. He spent nearly two decades teaching, created one of Georgia’s first public high school fashion design programs, worked extensively in publishing and media, and eventually transitioned into documentary filmmaking. His films, including Bringle: A Tale of Two Makers and the recent Iron Pearl, earned recognition at film festivals, including the Tryon International Film Festival, where his documentary screening first introduced him to the town that would eventually become home. Page’s career followed a different path. His professional life revolved around luxury real estate mar-

Mirrorball’s living room area

keting, corporate branding and communications. After leading luxury divisions for Harry Norman Realtors and later Compass, one of the nation’s largest real estate brokerages, he developed campaigns for high-end properties, national publications and internationally recognized brands. That corporate experience sharpened his understanding of branding and entrepreneurship, but it also left him searching for something more meaningful. While vacationing abroad, the couple began asking a simple question. “What if we just left our jobs and opened an art gallery?” At first, it seemed more like wishful thinking than a business plan. Then Tryon entered the picture. After returning to the town for Christmas with longtime friends, the couple found themselves walking downtown when they noticed a brick building with potential. A few phone calls later, they learned the property had just become available. Without a formal business plan, or even a place to live, they signed the lease.

“The next morning we looked at each other and thought, ‘What have we just done?’” Page laughed. Looking back, neither has any regrets. What makes Mirrorball distinctive isn’t simply its artwork. It is the philosophy behind the space. Traditional galleries can sometimes feel intimidating.

Martinez and Page wanted the opposite. “We’ve created a lifestyle,” Page said. That philosophy extends throughout the gallery. Visitors are encouraged to linger, relax with a drink, sit by the fire pit, or spend an evening on the patio before wandering upstairs to study paintings, sculpture, AUGUST 2026

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Alex Page

ceramics and photography. Rather than creating pressure to buy, the environment encourages relationships with artists, with the artwork and with fellow visitors. Over time, something unexpected happened. People who had never considered themselves art collectors began purchasing significant works. “They’ve been looking at these pieces for months,” Martinez said. “Eventually they connect with them.” That slower, more personal relationship with art reflects the owners’ larger mission: making contemporary fine art approachable without sacrificing quality. Mirrorball represents approximately 40 established artists from across the country while also showcasing respected regional talent, including local artists Monica Stevenson, Caroline Young and Phil Garrett. The gallery receives dozens of artist submissions from around the world, carefully selecting creators whose work and personalities align with its collaborative philosophy. “I believe every artist we represent could be in the same room together and become friends,” Martinez said. That emphasis on relationships extends well beyond the artwork itself. Mirrorball has evolved into a social gathering place where gallery openings, artist talks, live music, open mic nights, themed

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parties and community celebrations coexist alongside exhibitions. It has become as much a destination after dinner or after a performance at Tryon Fine Arts Center as it is a traditional gallery. The downstairs lounge, with its comfortable seating, outdoor patio and welcoming atmosphere, has helped redefine what an art gallery can be. “You don’t know what you’re going to run into,” Page said. “Every night is different.” Visitors arrive from Asheville, Greenville, Spartanburg and beyond. Some discover the gallery through friends. Others simply wander in and find themselves staying for hours. The name itself reflects that spirit. While brainstorming possibilities, Page kept returning to one image: a mirror ball. Years earlier, Martinez had given him a large disco ball that hung in their Atlanta loft. Every evening around five o’clock, the setting sun would strike the mirrored surface, scattering light across the room and signaling the end of another workday. “It brought us joy,” Page said. That feeling became the foundation for the gallery’s identity. Like its namesake, Mirrorball reflects light in countless directions while inviting everyone nearby to join the experience. Since opening, Martinez and Page have also embraced leadership roles within the community.

Lounge’s bar

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Martinez continues serving on the Board of Trustees at Penland School of Craft while contributing to documentary film programming. Page serves on Tryon’s Downtown Development Association, helping shape promotions and community events with the same branding expertise that defined his corporate career. Their goal, they say, is never simply to grow their own business. “If we’re going to make decisions,” Page said, “they should be for the betterment of Tryon, not just for Mirrorball.” That philosophy may explain why Mirrorball feels less like a business and more like an extension of the town itself. In an era when many downtowns struggle to create authentic gathering spaces, Martinez and Page have built something refreshingly rare, a place where fine art doesn’t live behind velvet ropes, where conversation matters as much as curation, and where visitors leave feeling like they’ve discovered not just a gallery, but a second home. Like the mirrored sphere that inspired its name, Mirrorball reflects the people who walk through its doors, artists, collectors, newcomers and neighbors alike, and sends a little more light back into the heart of Tryon.

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TURN YOUR UNNEEDED ITEMS INTO HOUSING HOPE Help local families build safe, affordable housing. Donate to Habitat ReStore and make a real difference — right here in our community.

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The Art of Transformation

Curios recently ended in Columbia

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Story by Storme Smith, photos courtesy of Janet Orselli Walk into Janet Orselli’s studio, and the first thing most visitors notice isn’t a finished sculpture. It’s the collection of objects waiting for a second life. Wooden folding rulers line shelves. Old saw handles, vintage roller skates, worn chair backs, croquet mallets, bird nests, antique coat hangers, discarded windows and tools of all sorts are stacked throughout the space. To Orselli, every

object carries a history, a personality and the possibility of becoming something entirely new. For more than four decades, the Columbus artist has built a nationally recognized career creating sculptural assemblages and immersive installations from materials others have abandoned. Her work has appeared in museums and galleries across the country, earned prestigious grants and fellowships, and challenged viewers to reconsider what society values, not only in objects, but in people.

“My work is a love letter to leftovers,” Orselli says in her artist statement. “I think of myself as a steward of materials that matter.” Rather than beginning with paints, stone or wood, Orselli starts with objects that have already lived a life. The scratches, worn paint, rust, and imperfections are not flaws to be hidden but evidence of endurance. “I choose materials with a rich visual history and vulnerability to the processes of time,” she writes. “These objects

AUGUST 2026

possess a directness and authenticity that speaks to survival.” Survival, in fact, has become one of the central ideas running through her work. “In a culture where neither the female nor the old are valued, my work says otherwise,” she writes. “Worth comes not from being part of the status quo; it comes from standing outside and defining from the inside.” It is a philosophy rooted as much in personal experience as in artistic expression. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Orselli earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from Clemson University before embarking on a career that has included solo exhibitions at OK Harris Works of Art in New York City, the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston and numerous galleries throughout the Southeast. She has completed artist residencies in Colorado, South Carolina, and Germany and has received a Pollock-Krasner Foun-

Pieces from the “Curios” exhibition

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese Absolutely! TMJ pain—whether it’s jaw tightness, medicine, has garnered increasing attention in Absolutely! TMJ pain—whether it’s jaw tightness, clicking, headaches, ear pain, or just a constant ache, Western healthcare for its potential to alleviate back clicking, headaches,Caused ear pain, or just a constant ache, can be exhausting. by tension, inflammation, pain. Recent studies provide evidence supporting can be exhausting. by tension, inflammation, misalignment ofCaused thescientifically jaw joint, backed TMJ canways be itsor efficacy. Here are five or misalignment of manage the jawback joint,itpain: TMJ to cantalk, be acupuncture can help incredibly uncomfortable—making hard

incredibly uncomfortable—making it hard to talk, eat,years or even relax. Manya people for months or before finding solution.struggle Acupuncture is an Acupuncture has been shown to significantly or years before finding a solution. Acupuncture is an effective, drug-free way to manage this challenging decrease pain levels in individuals with chronic low effective, way to manage this challenging back pain. drug-free A systematic review meta-analysis condition. Finding relief for myand own TMJ pain is found that ledfor to amy clinically meaningful condition. Finding own pain is what firstacupuncture led me torelief acupuncture. The TMJ difference it reduction inled pain both immediately The afterdifference treatment what first me to acupuncture. made in my life was so profound that it inspired meit and in the intermediate term . made in myanlife was so profound thatothers it inspired me to become acupuncturist and help find the 2.same Mobility toImproves become an acupuncturist and help others find the kind of healing. same kind of healing. Beyond pain relief, acupuncture contributes to Here’s howphysical it works: function. Studies indicate improved Here’s how it works: provides clinically relevant that acupuncture •Reduces Inflammation – By stimulating specific improvements in functional measures for chronic •points, Reduces Inflammation By stimulating specific acupuncture helps–trigger anti-inflammatory low back pain . points, acupuncture helps trigger anti-inflammatory responses in the body, reducing swelling and 3. Enhances Effectiveness Standardswelling Treatments responses the body, ofreducing and easing joint in irritation. When combined with conventional treatments, easing joint irritation. •Calms Jawcan Muscle Tension – Tight jaw,outcomes. neck, and acupuncture amplify their therapeutic •facial Calmsmuscles Jaw Muscle – Tight neck, and oftenTension drive TMJ pain.jaw, Acupuncture 4. Modulates Neurochemical Activity facial muscles often points, drive TMJ pain.muscles Acupuncture targets these trigger helping relax Acupuncture analgesic targets these exerts trigger jaw points, helping(pain-relieving) muscles relax and restoring natural movement. and restoring natural jaw movement. or even relax. Many people struggle for months 1. eat, Reduces Pain Intensity

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uestion: My back : I’ve been dealing always hurts, but : I’ve been with TMJ pain fordealing a I don’t want surgery. with TMJ pain for a to while and can’t seem while and can’t seem to Can acupuncture help? find lasting relief. Can find lasting relief. acupuncture help?Can acupuncture help?

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effects modulating the release of brings certain •Boosts by Blood Flow – Increased circulation neurotransmitters. Research has shown that •fresh Boosts Bloodand Flownutrients – Increased circulation brings oxygen to the area, speeding acupuncture can influence of adenosine, fresh oxygen and nutrients the area, speeding healing and reducing pain. thetorelease a neurotransmitter that acts as a potent antihealing and reducing pain. inflammatory agent . System – Stress is a major •Calms the Nervous

•trigger Calms for thejaw Nervous System – StressAcupuncture is a major clenching and grinding. triggerbalance for jaw the clenching andsystem, grinding. Acupuncture helps nervous reducing stress The benefits acupuncture may reducing extend beyond helps balanceofthe nervous system, stress and preventing flare-ups. immediate symptom relief. A randomized controlled and preventing flare-ups. •Supports Relief –had Unlike temporary trial found Long-Term that acupuncture beneficial and •fixes Supports Long-Term Relief –low Unlike like pain medication or mouth guards, regular persisting effects on chronic backtemporary pain, with fixes like pain medication or mouth significant improvements observed atroot bothregular 8 and acupuncture sessions address theguards, causes 48 weeks post-treatment. acupuncture sessions root causes of TMJ pain, helping address prevent the recurrences and of TMJ pain, helping prevent recurrences and improving overall jaw health. Acupuncture presents a multifaceted approach improving overall jaw pain, health.offering benefits that to managing back If you’re seeking a natural, non-invasive solution, range from immediate pain reduction to long-term If you’re seeking a natural, non-invasive solution, acupuncture offers a holistic, evidence-based functional improvements. Its integration into care acupuncture offers a holistic, evidence-based solution for TMJ pain. plans should be considered for back pain treatments. solution for TMJ pain. 5. Offers Long-Term Relief

dation Fellowship, along with multiple North Carolina Regional Artist Project Grants. Her work has also extended into the classroom. She taught drawing at Spartanburg Community College and Converse College, where she received a special grant to teach an installation course that culminated in students creating a large public artwork in downtown Spartanburg. Yet despite the accolades, Orselli’s creative process remains surprisingly humble. Her inspiration often begins with a chance encounter. “I enjoy finding things that seem to appear magically,” she said during a recent interview. “Whether from trash piles, thrift stores, flea markets, or when someone cleans out their home, I like using natural materials and objects often made of wood to represent our connection to nature and show how we are tied to nature and a part of it.”

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Friends now routinely set aside unusual objects for her, knowing she might see possibilities where they see clutter. “Lately, people my age are downsizing, so they’re giving me stuff,” Orselli said. “I’ve been getting a lot of gifts from people.” Some of her favorite materials have become increasingly scarce. Old wooden folding rulers have largely disappeared in favor of retractable metal tape measures. Wooden crutches have given way to aluminum. Antique coat hangers and handcrafted tools have been replaced by mass-produced plastic and steel. “The old crutches are harder to find now. Everything’s metal,” she said. “The old coat hangers I’m always looking for.” Those changes have only strengthened her appreciation for craftsmanship from another era. Many of the objects she incorporates were built to last, bearing the marks of years of labor and daily use. Their worn surfaces become part of the visual language of each sculpture.

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Orselli’s recent show “Curios”

Her fascination with discarded objects can be traced back to childhood. “My mother, Ruth Thomas, was the catalyst for my artistic journey,” Orselli has said. “She kept everything, and as a child, I was annoyed with all the useless junk cluttering up our house. Later, it and the ideas surrounding it became fuel for my artmaking.” Ironically, what once embarrassed her became the foundation of a career. Unlike artists who sketch every detail before beginning, Orselli often allows each sculpture to reveal itself gradually. “I usually just work with the materials,” she explained. “I’ll think, ‘That color looks right,’ or something seems to fit together. You learn how to fit together stuff that was never meant to fit together.” One sculpture began with nothing more than the back of a discarded chair. “I looked at it and thought it looked like a matronly older woman,” she recalled. “Then I added arms from another chair, a coat hanger, and eventually legs.”

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That intuitive approach has become one of the defining characteristics of her work. Instead of forcing materials into predetermined forms, she listens to what they suggest. The process requires patience and an unusual ability to see connections invisible to most people. Her longtime partner, David Riddle, has become an important collaborator in bringing many of her ambitious ideas to life. While Orselli develops the artistic vision, Riddle frequently helps solve the engineering challenges involved in assembling large-scale works. The pair spend countless hours fitting together fragile vintage materials. Although viewers often admire the ingenuity of her constructions, Orselli hopes they also leave questioning their own assumptions. Her work asks audiences to reconsider what deserves preservation. In an era of disposable products and constant consumption, she encourages people to slow down and look more carefully, not just at old objects but at one another. Her sculptures also reflect broader concerns about the environment and humanity’s relationship with nature. “My found object works reference a time when nature and the feminine were honored, and objects were cherished rather than discarded,” she writes. “My installations are a visual wake-up call to all the things we are losing—not just material goods, but our fundamental sense of humanity and care.” Despite the serious themes running through her work, Orselli never loses sight of humor. Many of her assemblages contain playful visual puns and unexpected juxtapositions. A series made from antique screwdriver handles is titled “Gals Refuse to Be Screwed.” Other works transform familiar household items into whimsical figures that invite smiles before prompting deeper reflection. That balance between wit and meaning has helped make her work accessible to audiences ranging from seasoned art collectors to first-time gallery visitors. At a time when contemporary art can sometimes feel inaccessible, Orselli believes everyone brings something valuable to the experience. Rather than explaining exactly what a sculpture means, she prefers allowing viewers to discover their own interpretations. Orselli continues to maintain an active exhibition schedule. She recently completed the site-specific installation “Curios” at Gemini Arts in Columbia, and will open her newest solo exhibition, “Reincarnations,” at Spiers Gallery at Brevard College. The exhibition will be on view from Aug. 27 through Sept. 24, with a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 27. The exhibition continues Orselli’s lifelong exploration of transformation, resilience and the enduring beauty found in objects and people that refuse to be discarded. 38

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Orselli at the Upstairs Gallery

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Appreciating a fine red

By Pebbles Who appreciates fine red? Oh, I know what you are thinking. Your thoughts drift to a respectable, Wine Spectator-recommended red wine. A bold cabernet, a robust malbec, a rich zinfandel, a well-blended merlot, or a complex pinot noir. A full-bodied wine that has pronounced legs that trail down the glass after a good swirl. A vintage that softens and opens for enjoyment once decanted to drink. It pairs well with robust dishes, those partners on the plate that please the palate at an 40

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epic restaurant. Well, move over, wine snobs. Instead, I want to talk about a special horse! A red horse, with long, perfect legs, that floats at the trot, canters in bold, smooth strides, and can clear a six-foot fence just for the fun of it. An incredibly talented red equine. This color type is known as chestnut or sorrel. The parallel between red wine and red horses is easy to connect. Both improve when given enough time to mature fully. Perfection can be achieved through the dedicated efforts of talented winemakers and equestrian

Proudly serving the community we call home

Virginia Prieto and Clayton

trainers. These experts can create award-winning vintages and exceptional horses. Not everyone sees great potential in the formative stages of grapes or horses. That is the gift. Knowing what is exceptional and worth one’s time to achieve a fine-tuned version, savored in a glass or under saddle, that is the ticket. Indeed, some important winemakers in America are also avid equestrians. Warren Winiarski, the founder of Stag’s Leap Cellars, has an equestrian passion, and Dan Duckhorn, co-founder of Duckhorn Vineyards, is an avid rider. AUGUST 2026

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In addition to running an equine rescue, my mistress, Heather Freeman, has worked in the food and wine industry for over thirty years. Besides her love of horses, she has a passion for food. Of course, good wine goes hand-in-hand in the culinary world. Heather has shared her knowledge, guiding me to become a connoisseur. I don’t indulge in wine. However, I am not beyond enjoying a good craft beer. Equines that are picky eaters can benefit from adding beer to their diet. The yeast in beer may help promote healthy gut flora and digestion. Alas, I have wandered off topic. I will point my nose and pen back in the right direction. The fine red horse I am sharing with you concerns three-year-old Clayton. In June 2023, Helping

Photo courtesy Christine Holm-Wellmon

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Clayton growing up at the HERD ranch

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Equines Regain Dignity (HERD) saved Clayton and his mother, a black and white overo pinto, Carolina, from the slaughter pipeline. Clayton was weeks old, and his mother was three. Carolina was thin, frightened, and in rough shape as her foal depleted her body to support him. He was elegant, with long legs and a bright copper coat. The breeder likely sent them to an auction sale because Clayton was born without his mother’s impressive color pattern. This happens too frequently in the equine world. A horse’s value, in some circumstances, is placed from birth on color, not talent or future possibilities. Carolina raised Clayton in North Carolina for the first six months at Shingle Hollow Farm in Rutherfordton. Then Clayton came to live with us at the rescue ranch, and Polaris, a two-year-old gray gelding, became his mentor. Polaris diligently watched out for Clayton, taught him manners, and made sure no other horse picked on him in the pasture. The two were inseparable. While in HERD care, Clayton got his fair share of groundwork training in the obstacle playground and in the round pen. He was curious, brave, and friendly

with every volunteer. Two young ladies fell in love with him here: Peyton Rook, a teenager and competitive barrel racer, saw so much potential in him when he was just a year old. Then, along came Abigail Moore, who was also smitten with Clayton. She volunteered with us and did groundwork with the leggy colt. She longed to adopt him as she dreamed of running barrels on a fine red horse. At age three, Clayton left HERD to enter under saddle training with Austin Shoaf in Selma, North Carolina. Austin had successfully trained and placed another young horse for our rescue. We had high hopes he would appreciate Clayton. Austin had been keeping an eye out for a young horse with potential for Virginia Prieto, the daughter of Christopher and Marsha Loy Prieto. Virginia’s equestrian discipline is barrel racing, and her competition horse was aging out of running and retiring to a life of trail riding. Austin believed Clayton could be the perfect fit if the horse and Virginia connected. To say it was love at first sight is an understatement. Virginia had tried several other, more highly trained horses that already knew how to run barrel patterns. However, they did not compare in athleticism to our Clayton. In fact, Clayton jumped and easily cleared

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Clayton at age two in training at HERD

a six-foot-tall fence when he was moved from Austin’s farm to his new boarding location. Virginia is taking her time training this talented horse. She brings him to barrel racing competitions to observe and experience the environment as a spectator waiting by the horse trailer. Clayton enjoys the adventure while munching on his bag of hay. This exposure will give him an incredible foundation when it’s his time to shine, galloping the pattern. When I interviewed Clayton’s new family, Marsha Loy Prieto exclaimed, “We are so excited to welcome Clayton into our family! He is the sweetest boy; he and Virginia clicked

almost instantly. Virginia knew from the moment she met him that he was the one for her.” Chris Prieto, Virginia’s father, is the restaurant owner of Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, NC, and a notable pitmaster. He appreciates Clayton’s potential for his talented equestrian daughter. He is also no stranger to appreciating a good red wine. Chris recommends Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec 2025 for sipping while enjoying barbecue. Clearly, the Prieto family appreciates a fine red. The late renowned Robert Mondavi, who also enjoyed horses, would likely raise his glass to this comparison. Here’s to Clayton and Virginia’s successes together!

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Heating and Air 828-287-2240 ALL types of plumbing repairs • Installations • Emergency plumbing issues • Driveway repairs | Call David Cothran 864-266-8267 STEPS TO HOPE Thrift Barn • Landrum, SC • FT Donation Assistant FT Donation Assistant/Driver Duties include but not limited to: •Greet donors, accept donations, provide tax receipts •Sort/separate donations •Unload truck after pickups •High School diploma/equivalent •Ability to stand for long periods & lift heavy items •Backup Driver must have valid driver’s license PTO, Healthcare Benefits included. Send resume to retail@ stepstohope.org

AUGUST 2026

ADVERTISER INDEX AdventHealth Polk AlignLife of Tryon Ashworth Financial Bowen Insurance and Financial Brooks Tavern Caregiver Connections Carruth Furniture Cason Builders Clayton Tile Clover Acupuncture Congregational Church of Tryon Creekside Aesthetics Dr. Jonathan Lowry Dusenbury Insurance Earth and Soul Adventures EASE Feagan Harrelson Law Firm

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FENCE Foothills Amish Furniture Globetreks Green River BBQ Grindstaff's Interiors Habitat for Humanity Highland Design & Construction Isothermal Community College Jacksons Grove UMC JB Trees Junge Construction Missi & Co. New View Realty Noble Barn Co. Penny Insurance Prince Gas Company Red Bell Run

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Rosecrest Rutherford Regional Health System Strauss Attorneys Stubborn Mule Restaurant and Brewery The Hospital Foundation Tryon Antique Mall Tryon Builders Tryon Estates Tryon Fine Arts Center Tryon Garden Club Tryon International Tryon Painters & Sculptors Tryon Presbyterian Church White Oak Village

Drink, Dine, Dance & Play…

All Under the Same Roof.

You’ll find more than just great food at the NEW Silver Spoon Saloon. From the 12oz Cowboy Ribeye and handcrafted cocktails to live music, line dancing, duckpin bowling, and trivia nights!

Come see what’s new at the Silver Spoon Saloon - right here at Tryon International (828) 863-1121 25 International Boulevard, Mill Spring, NC 28756

LIFE IN OUR FOOTHILLS

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Your Path to Financial Planning Elevate your financial journey with sound planning strategies crafted just for you. From retirement dreams to investment goals, we're here to guide you toward a sound and prosperous future. Your financial journey begins with Ashworth Financial Group.

CONTACT US TODAY Mike Ashworth, CFP Katheryn Gordon, Financial Advisor Bryson Shook, Financial Advisor Financial advice delivered with care, kindness and empathy 493 South Trade Street Tryon, NC 28782 (800) 859-5537

1200 Ridgefield Boulevard, Suite 115 Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 665-4005

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

ashworthfinancialgroup.com