LENOIR, N.C. – Grassroots Appalachia is holding its next Art Exhibit – “The Spirit of Appalachia,” – from Tuesday, Oct. 13 through Nov. 14. It also includes our satellite location of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, 11 writers with 30 titles among them for sale, fiber arts by Karin Anderson, jewelry by Amber Shoemake, tinctures by Barbara Volk, fishing flies by David Anders, sculptures by Joesph Bigley, and hand-crafted wood products by Allyn Barrick.
The exhibit also includes five painters with more than 20 works. Tonja Smith of Morganton has eight paintings in the exhibit; she also has two sweetly written and beautifully illustrated children’s books. I can also attest that they are joyful reading for adults.
Smith doesn’t recall a time when art didn’t call to her. “I’ve always wanted to create art since I was a child. I would always have pencils or crayons with me,” she shares. “I just love to do it. I have no formal art education, but I’ve always has a pen in my hand.” There are no limits to her subjects. “When I was in school, one of my bus drivers recalled that I draw what I see. That’s always been the case.”
In describing her art she says that she is “ … drawn to city scapes, landscapes, the glow of the nocturne, animals, and the human form.” Explaining why these various forms and scenes call to her, she offers, “I see beauty if all kinds of things that many people don’t. The city scape. Sun off the buildings. I love it. This weekend at the beach. The angles of architecture. Action. People doing things.”
Smith recalls, “I started with oils many years ago. I had babies in the house. For a while I just did pencil portraits. She adds humorously, “I like acrylics because they dry fast. I don’t like acrylics because they dry fast. I prefer oils.”
She refers to her art as “stories.” She explains, “I just ask myself what’s going on here? What do I see? What’s the story?” Smith is an adherent of painter realism, which means simply that while the painting is realistic, she does not want it to look like a photo. “I can add things, simplify things, adjust my strokes, remove things.” She explains, “Something I’m doing now is plein air and taking my pochade box. Simply put, that means she carries her paint and accouterments with her and paints or sketches in real time in the out-of-doors. She reveals, “I did five paintings at the beach last week. I love working outside. Photographs are distorted by color and shape. When I’m out here. I can see it. How the grass is leaning. Shadows. When you’re outdoors you know what you’re seeing to paint.”
She recently illustrated Lenoir author Tony Deal’s book, “But that’s not true.” She says, “That was just so cool.” They connected through mutual business acquaintances. She recalls, “I first asked, ‘Can I do it?’ If I can’t do something, I’m going to say I can’t do it. They sent the transcript. I sent about 20 or drawings. We worked very well together. I can’t imagine having a better experience with anyone I know. This is rare.”
Smith has written two books. “The Adventures of Bailey, Bleecker, and Banjo,” three dogs exploring the Linville Gorge, which is in Burke County where Smith lives. Her daughter, Emily, helped write the book. Tonja illustrated it. “It was a great quest with my daughter. It’s a true circle. The beauty of the area we live in. Though about dogs, this could serve as a travel book.” She adds, “To do something with your adult child is fun. I really enjoyed working with my daughter on the book with the dogs going down the Linville Gorge.”
The other book, “I Believe I Can” is meant to inspire children to realize their potential through illustrations and short sayings, such as “I believe I can soar because I am daring,” which is based on the book cover. Still, she insists, “I don’t consider myself a writer. The books are a way to get the stories out. My daughter’s a better writer. For me, it’s a vehicle to get the scenes out. I do not consider myself a writer as much as someone who draws or paints.”
Both books have advance praise by children. Loretta Jones, age 7, says of “I Believe I Can,” “I loved how the pictures looked really realistic. I loved how curious the pups were, and I like their names.”
Smith cautions aspiring artists. “It’s hard. Painting is not easy. I love it so much. I want to be better. I want each painting to be the best I’ve ever done, the best to my ability.” And it often ends itself. “Once you quit working it, the story is ready to tell. This is the best I can do to get the story across.”
Smith accepts commissions, in particular of weddings. Working in real time, she captures the scenes. She explains, “They’re live paintings” Alluding to a recent job, she shares, “They got my work back before the photographer’s work. They were happy. I would love to go and paint people’s weddings.”
While the Art Exhibit opens on Tuesday, Oct. 13, you can get a sneak preview of the talent that is on display at Grassroots Appalachia tomorrow evening, Oct. 6 when we hold a Song Circle hosted by Terry Edwards and Bob Kogut.
About Grassroots Appalachia
We believe Appalachia’s greatest resource is her people. Helping to create conditions favorable for community life is why Grassroots Appalachia exists. We work to connect and cultivate Appalachian people and traditions in Lenoir and beyond. We are located at 458-B Harper Avenue in Lenoir, N.C. Our normal business hours are Wednesday thru Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and other times for events.
Related Articles
The ‘Spirit of Appalachia’ on Display with Art, Crafts, Books, History and Music
Caldwell County Fiddle Maker Bob Kogut Shares Why and How ‘Music is Important to Life’
Region’s Creative Abundance on Display at Grassroots Appalachia
Terry Edwards and Bob Kogut to Host Acoustic Song Circle at Grassroots Appalachia on Tuesday, Oct. 6
LABOR DAY TRIBUTE: Appalachian Work Ethic on Display in Lenoir, N.C.
Grassroots Appalachia Offers Exceptional, Locally Hand Crafted Art, Gifts and More
Grassroots Appalachia Closing Out Opening Week with a Focus on Caldwell County Writers and Books
Grassroots Opening is Today; Wednesday Offers a Full Day of Activities Led by Local Artisans
Century-old Art, Mountain Crafts and Local Books to be the Focus of
Grassroots Appalachia’s three-day Opening, Aug. 18-20
Grassroots Appalachia Announces Operating Hours, Opening Week Schedule of Events
Creating Conditions Favorable for Community Life
© Michael M. Barrick, 2026.
