(Highlands, NC) Old Edwards Inn and Spa announces Jane Smithers as Artist in Residence for summer 2010.

The amazingly talented Jane Smithers, who travels the world and shows locally at Summit One Gallery, will become part of the captivating scenery around Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Old Edwards Club and The Farm at Old Edwards this summer, as she paints live to capture the unique beauty of the properties. Jane Smithers travels abroad for inspiration— South of France, Tuscany, South Africa, South East Asia—spending a significant portion of every year in France, and the largest portion of her summers in Cashiers, NC, a close neighbor of Highlands.

Jane says, “The cascading hillsides, landscapes and vibrant scenery around all of Old Edwards properties transport me to that place of inspiration—the same type of inspiration I feel when traveling to Tuscany or France. The European influenced architecture working in harmony with the natural beauty that is unique to the North Carolina Mountains beckon me to tell their story on canvas. I also look forward to interacting with guests at Old Edwards who feel drawn to creative expression through art.”

Jane plans to set up a couple of extra canvases when she paints, to encourage guests to pick up a brush, try their hand, and maybe get some tips. Guests can also schedule onsite workshops with Jane during their visit.

About Jane Smithers (In Jane’s Words)
I was born in Pennsylvania, raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico and have lived in London, New York City, Houston and Cashiers, NC where I now paint and teach. As a self-taught artist, a world of color and expression has opened my life to the opportunities for learning and growth. Palette knives, rich textured, brilliant colored oil paints, and the endless possibilities afforded by large canvases have provided the venue for a wonderful adventure.

Watercolor journaling sets the foundation for my final oils and allows me to capture the essence of spontaneous moments in my life, whether it be traveling in the south of France, Tuscany, South Africa, South East Asia, the coast of Maine or hiking in the mountains of Wyoming and North Carolina. These studies are then transformed into permanent images by boldly building up color and texture in oils with palette knives.

As a tonal impressionist, I paint the subject as it is seen and responded to emotionally. The compositions are developed during the actual painting stage with no formal under drawing. By not filling in lines with paint, there is a freedom to look at tones, shades and values. The use of hard, soft and lost edges creates the illusion of forms and space. Color and mood are manipulated for their own sake. Impasto, the bold, loose application of oils is key to creating form and texture.

Aspects of my personal history are much like some of the impressionists: being self taught and having chosen art relatively late in life. This new purpose is a journey in itself and the art has become a source of faith and spirituality- an awakening to new levels of consciousness.

For more information call 828-526-8008 or visit www.oldedwardsinn.com.

About Old Edwards Inn and Spa (www.oldedwardsinn.com)
• Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Hotel Spa in North America for 2010 with the First Ever Perfect Score in the 20-Year History of the Reader’s Survey
• 2010 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award (top ten in the US)
• Condé Nast Johansen’s Most Excellent Inn in the US and Canada 2008
• Forbes Four-Star Rated for both the Resort and The Spa
• AAA Four-Diamond Rated
• Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden has won the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” every year since 2005 and the “Best Of” award in 2008 and 2009.

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa welcomes visitors to North Carolina’s high country with its unique blend of relaxed luxury recognized worldwide. A spectacular outdoor heated mineral pool, world class spa, award-winning dining, and golf at the private Old Edwards Club are signature experiences at this full-service mountain resort. Guests are surrounded by the warmth and character of Old-Europe architecture and authentic period antiques. Many rooms, cottages and suites offer private patios or terraces—some with captivating rooftop views of Main Street and downtown Highlands. All of the luxury accommodations include champagne arrival, twice-daily housekeeping, two 24-hour business centers and two 24-hour Butler’s pantries with Dove Bars, fresh fruit and soft beverages. European bedding, fine Italian linens, plush robes & slippers, rainfall showers, heated-tile bathroom floors, in-room safes and Wi-Fi enhance the in-room experience. Edwards Inn and Spa also boasts a state-of-the art fitness center with wellness classes that include guided hikes into the scenic surrounding mountains known as “waterfall country.”

Guests enjoy onsite shopping at the Spa Boutique, Acorn’s Boutique or Acorn’s Annex featuring fine antiques and home accessories. Dining venues include Madison ’s Restaurant and Wine Garden serving innovative New South Cuisine, The Rib Shack and Sports Corner, the Spa Café and the Poolside Bar and Bistro. Special events and weddings take place at The Farm—a lushly landscaped Old Edwards property located one mile from downtown Highlands featuring The Barn, the Farmhouse with luxury lodging, Bridal Pavilion, Bridal Bridge over a scenic pond and outdoor events pavilion. The Old Edwards Executive Conference Center provides a catered corporate retreat venue.

Also introduced in 2009 was Satulah, Old Edwards Private Residences, which includes 14 luxury mountain homes just two blocks of Main Street, Highlands. The Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond resort is located at 445 Main Street in Highlands, NC.