Tasnim Setayesh knows a thing or two about Asheville; after all, she was born and raised here, an Asheville native from a long line of Asheville natives. But it wasn’t until she took up painting about four years ago that she started viewing Asheville in a completely new light. Tasnim saw her creativity blossom – quite literally – as she began drawing inspiration from Asheville’s natural surroundings, particularly the native blooms that populate these Blue Ridge Mountains. Today, Tasnim brings to the city’s eclectic art scene her unique take on Asheville’s natural beauty.  

Tell us a little about your background as an artist and a resident of Asheville. How long have you been creating art in Asheville?

I was actually born and raised in Asheville, as were my mom and grandma. People are always surprised when I tell them that I’ve been in Asheville since birth!

My art journey started as a kid doodling people that I thought were cool, usually the Beatles or David Bowie, but I didn’t pick up a paintbrush until lockdown happened in 2020. I fell in love with painting. I loved mixing and laying color beside color, then stepping back and seeing a painting come to life. Only earlier this year did I decide to step out and put my work out in the world, so I’m quite new to the Asheville art scene.

How does being part of Asheville and its eclectic art scene inspire and inform your work?

I feel blessed to live in such a beautiful part of North Carolina. I have been painting flowers that are native to here; now when I go out in God’s creation, I look at nature differently than I did. Now I see flowers that I recognize all over! It's kind of like being in a whole new world. 

I love that Asheville has such a strong art scene. One of my favorite things about art is how it is unique to the artist. I love how it reveals things about people and places that we perhaps can’t put into words. I’ve always known that Asheville and art went hand and hand. It’s like the heartbeat of the city, in a way. It’s very inspiring to live in a place that sees art as important. 

Where can people view your art and learn more about your artistic journey?

My art can be found at Trackside Studios [375 Depot St.] in the River Arts District. It's a wonderful studio with a ton of amazing local artists! You can also follow me on Instagram [@tasnim_setayesh].

The Asheville area is brimming with all manner of live music, from multi-stage festivals to buskers on bustling downtown streets. One thing locals love is the Asheville area’s intimate venues, often off the beaten path and perfect for hearing a range of homegrown musicians. Here’s the inside scoop on some of our favorite free or inexpensive [...]

Asheville, N.C., affords residents and visitors alike amazing proximity to all sorts of hiking adventures set against magnificent natural beauty, thanks to the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Some of the most popular hiking options incorporate the Mountains-to-Sea Trail of North Carolina. This 935-mile trail is made up of footpaths, roads and bike routes traversing the state, with about 190 miles of it comprising mountain terrain running adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Following are a few favorite sections for enjoying a leisurely stroll, or a longer, more strenuous hike, all within a short drive of Asheville.

Pisgah Inn to Folk Art Center – This 31-mile stretch starts at the parking lot for Mount Pisgah, connecting to the Shut-In Trail (originally built by George Vanderbilt), which eventually leads to the N.C. Arboretum, then the Folk Art Center in East Asheville.

Beech Gap to Pisgah Inn – If you want to make pit stops or pick up the trail at popular destinations, this stretch of the MST is perfect. The 21-mile section encompasses Devil’s Courthouse, Graveyard Field and Skinny Dip Falls.

Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains – Mount Mitchell – the highest peak east of the Mississippi River – is a destination in itself, but if you want to incorporate a challenging hike into the visit, try this 23-mile stretch of the MST. This section runs from Balsam Gap North (milepost 360) to Buck Creek Gap (milepost 344) on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Folk Art Center to Balsam Gap North – This is a popular stretch of the MST, thanks to such stops along the trail as Rattlesnake Lodge (ruins of a summer lodge built in 1903), Craggy Gardens and Glassmine Falls. In addition, the 22-mile-long section affords expansive views of wildflowers, lush vegetation, and varied wildlife. 

Woods Mountain Trail – If you’re looking for a scenic, 13-mile hike, try this section, which runs from Buck Creek Gap (parkway milepost 344) to Woodlawn Park (on US-221). Weaving through Pisgah National Forest, this trail showcases views of Grandfather Mountain and is home to a range of native plants and wildlife.

Linville Mountains and Gorge – Looking for a hiking challenge? Try this section, which travels from Woodlawn Park to Ripshin Ridge (on NC-181). Take in the beauty of Linville Gorge along with views from Shortoff Mountain and Table Rock as you traverse the 35-mile section.

For information about real estate that’s an easy drive from the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, or anywhere in Asheville or Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556. 

Search: Asheville Area Real Estate

Eager to experience some exciting events and community opportunities in Asheville and Western North Carolina this September? Following are just a few of the many happenings about town, suited to a range of interests and lifestyles, and supported and curated by [...]

Looking for luxury living in Asheville? Whether you’re interested in an expansive, tucked-away estate, or a more centrally located homestead, there are a number of luxury communities spread throughout the Asheville area from which to choose. Here are a few to [...]

An attractive hallmark of the Asheville region is its easy access to outdoor activities – and not just in the warmer months. Here are a few favorites to enjoy for every season.

Spring into action with these Asheville area activities

With springtime come the warmer temperatures, awakening the natural world around Asheville. Spring is a [...]

As you prepare to sell your Asheville-area home, it makes sense to take measures toward getting top dollar. These upgrades promise to provide a hefty return on investment, going far to boost your home’s value ahead of [...]

As Asheville and the surrounding Western North Carolina region continue to grow, so does the number of newly constructed homes. The combination of a fresh, modern build against the backdrop of the area’s Blue Ridge beauty makes new construction a popular option when looking to buy a home in Western N.C. Here are some appealing reasons to buy [...]

As the Asheville area settles into summer, unique adventures are heating up. Here are some favorite late-summer activities from Mosaic Realty’s Asheville-area real estate agents.

Catch an Asheville Tourists baseball game – Fun’s in full swing as Asheville’s minor league team continues to bring the baseball excitement to Lewis McCormick Field [...]

Whether it’s a growing pothole, a foliage-obscured stop sign, or a backed-up stormwater drain, reporting an issue that requires the City of Asheville’s attention is a lot easier and more streamlined thanks to [...]