A spirit of natural artistry runs deep through the county’s culture and its towns offer murals, street art and galleries and institutions like the Florence Thomas Art School. A true art destination, Ashe County is home to hundreds of painters inspired by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the New River Valley. This book showcases the talented painters of Ashe, professionals and hobbyists alike, across generations and various paint media. Works by 103 artists are represented in 415 full color images. Artists featured include Joan Stiles Bell, Wendy Morrison, R.T. Morgan, Stephen Sharpe Shoemaker and the late Florence Thomas, of the same-named art school in West Jefferson. The book’s author, Doug Munroe, is a painter and retired nurseryman. Photography enthusiast Kim Hadley handled the book’s photos and coordinated with the artists. Large format paperback, 259 pages, $40.

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