Western North Carolina is home to a number of rail-trails – paths for walking, hiking or biking created from railways no longer used by trains. Several of our region’s rail-trails, many within an hour’s drive of [...]

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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 [...]