Explore Rabun

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When you Explore Rabun, you’ll discover Our Mountain Treasure!

by CJ Thompson

Sometimes the treasure you’ll find in our mountains, actually is treasure! In the past, people came to the mountains to look for gold. Just about 200 years ago, gold was discovered in North Georgia and the second greatest gold rush of the country began in these mountains. People flocked to the area in search of “mountain treasure.” It is estimated the Georgia Gold Rush netted over 870,000 ounces of some of the prettiest gold ever mined. When the gold yields started to play out in the mid 1800’s, commercial gold mining in the north Georgia mountains came to an end, as any remaining gold would have cost more to get out than it was worth. Many of the Georgia miners moved on to the next great gold rush in the west. However, those that remained developed an appreciation for a different sort of “mountain treasure” they found here. It is this legacy that we value most today. Our “Mountain Treasure” is a little less tangible than a nugget of gold. It’s found in the beauty of a stunning sunrise over the mountain tops, the crashing thunder of a waterfall, the crisp fall air and the sparkling stars in a clear night sky, and in the laughter and good company you’ll find in the people of our community.

Another type of treasure you can find in our mountains is the local art that is produced here. We have a wealth of truly talented artists and craftsmen that reach back to the heritage of mountains for the inspiration for their work. Sometimes known as Traditional Folk Art, crafts in the mountains began as functional skills for making necessary items. Skills such as weaving, carving, soap making, pottery making, blacksmithing and many more, were handed down through generations. Over the years, the talent people had for creating their wares was refined into an art form. Today, the art forms and the pride the craftsmen and women have in their work is still thriving, especially here in Rabun County. Just stop in at the Foxfire Museum and Gift Shop to see the stunning

beauty of the woven goods and enjoy the show at the blacksmith’s shop. All the artisans love to share the history and meaning of their crafts. Another form of art that thrives in the mountains today is Contemporary Southern Folk Art. The selftaught rural artists of the south have become a part of larger and popular genre of art known as Outsider Art. These artists create from personal inspiration without input from the outside world and express themselves and their culture in their work. They use it to tell their stories, share their faith and record their lives. This art has a very intimate meaning to people who create it and the people who purchase it, it is so much more than just a pretty picture that goes well with your living room décor. And every piece is absolutely unique, making it something special both for artist and owner, a true treasure. Many of our local galleries exhibit well known outsider artists’ work. To learn more and see some of these spectacular creations, visit Jeanne Kronsnoble, owner of the Main Street Gallery in Clayton.

So, from Dwayne’s custom-made furniture at Timpson Creek Gallery to Michelle and Broderick’s Crawford Art Gallery in Clayton, to the Lakemont Gallery and to Gallery 441 in Dillard, these mountains hold so much more than just amazing views, although they are very good for that too. From their natural environment, to their history and culture, to the people who are inspired by them, there are so many things that truly make this place “Our Mountain Treasure,” and something to be cherished. Come see for yourself and take a piece of treasure back home with you! Handcrafted furniture, jewelry and so much more can be found at Timpson Creek Gallery

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” - Thomas Merton