With Pencil in Hand - Tony Saunders

The Arts With Pencil in Hand, Tony Saunders Leaves an Impression

Sometimes art is learned and sometimes I think you are born with it. Perhaps we are all born with the ability to create, but sadly some never find it. That is not the case with our featured artist, Tony Saunders. “I always had a pencil or a crayon in my hand. As long as I can remember I have always loved to draw,” this Rabun native told me in a recent interview. Tony’s art came to my attention when his sister, Bonnie Wallace began posting his prints on her social media page. The detail in his pencil drawings was incredible. Barns, farms and old fences by flowing water all spoke to me, a reminder of simpler times.

As I scrolled through Bonnie’s page I saw acrylic paintings much the same. She posted to her brother that she had found them in her mother, Thelma Saunders’ things. “I gave my mom paintings for her birthday or for Mother’s Day,” Tony told me when we spoke. “She always encouraged me to paint and draw. I had some friends on Lake Burton that I had worked for who did the same. They helped me get some lessons and bought supplies for me. It means a lot when people believe in you.” Tony spoke of one woman, an art teacher

named Aspasia Voulis, who taught him a valuable skill, a lady who changed things for him. “She taught me how to see the world as an artist,” he shared and he still puts that gift to use today.

Tony has severe diabetes and lost a leg to it. It is a horrible disease, often robbing people of their eyesight or their limbs. Today Tony lives in Providence, North Carolina. He’s still drawing and when I asked what he likes to do when he isn’t drawing he said, “Well, I’ve been learning to play the guitar for forty years.” Tony told me that many of his family members are also artistic and that maybe it runs in the family. He left his portfolio with sister Bonnie when he moved to North Carolina and she hopes to sell some of his prints and paintings to help him supplement his very limited income. If you see something here that you like or if you have something you’d like for him to draw for you please give Bonnie a call at 706970-8259.

Clayton, Georgia - Downtown

Southern Fare Bon Appétit - Goodbye Winter and Hello Spring

By Scarlett Cook

Warmer weather has arrived and with it all the glorious blossoms of the season. These recipes make a lovely Easter lunch or dinner. So gather your family and friends and enjoy your time together. Don’t forget to hide the Easter eggs.

Herb Chicken Bake Serves 4

1/2 Cup Panko 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 Teaspoon dried basil 1 Teaspoon oregano 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder 4 Boneless chicken breasts 1/2 Cup butter, melted 1/2 Cup dry white wine (or apple juice) 1/2 Cup chopped green onion 1/2 Cup dried parsley

Preheat oven to 375°. Spray 8” pan with cooking spray. Combine Panko, cheese, basil, oregano and garlic powder. Dip chicken in butter; then dredge in Panko mixture.

Place in prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Combine wine (or juice), onion, parsley and remaining melted butter. Pour over chicken and bake 20 minutes more until chicken is done.

Squash Bake Serves 4

2 Small yellow squash, sliced 1 Medium zucchini, sliced 1 Large tomato, peeled and chopped 1 Small onion, sliced and separated into rings 1 Teaspoon basil 3/4 Cup Mozzarella 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray baking dish with baking spray. Combine vegetables, basil and Mozzarella in casserole dish; toss lightly. Cover pan with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Easiest Biscuits Ever Makes 12

1 8-Ounce container sour cream 1 Egg 2 Cups Bisquick Poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a cookie sheet. Combine sour cream and egg in a large mixing bowl; beat until well blended. Add Bisquick and stir just until dry ingredients are incorporated.

Drop by tablespoons onto greased sheet. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Bake 10 – 15 minutes or until golden.

Fresh Strawberry Mousse Serves 8 – 10

1 Pint strawberries 1 Small box strawberry Jello 1/4 Cup sugar Cool Whip

Mash strawberries; drain reserving juice. Add enough water to juice to make 1 1/2 cups liquid and add the sugar. Bring mixture to a boil. Add gelatin, stirring until dissolved. Chill until the consistency of unbeaten egg white. Cool. Add mixture to Cool Whip. Pour into serving bowl. Cover and chill at least 3 hours.