Valentines for artists and Autumn Care of Saluda
February — the month of love and valentines. This is a story of a surprise gift of love and beauty for many people who might not have otherwise gotten a Valentine’s Day remembrance, and it took someone with a big heart to make it all happen. Enter Jane Powell of Saluda, owner of Random Arts, a shop that offers creative workshops, supplies and inspiration.
Back in January, Jane had a ‘lightbulb’ idea about artists creating artist trading cards to swap for Valentine’s Day: the call went out all over the country. Just so you know, artist trading cards are small in size, about the size of a playing card. Artists received two different cards from other participating artists after sending in their own three creations, and one card was saved.
Jane took the extra cards and carefully mounted the colorful Valentine artwork on a board: all  intended for residents of Autumn Care of Saluda’s rehabilitation and skilled nursing services facility on Esseola Drive.
So, for both residents and staff of Autumn Care, it really has been the month of valentines! Cupid in the guise of Jane Powell came with hearts in hand, and the smiles made it all worthwhile.
“There are so many talented individuals that I come in contact with each and every day and they love to share their talents and this is one way to do that. In our world it is called art swaps. We have themes, deadlines, size restrictions material restrictions but with the Artist Trading Card, it’s always the same size 2  1/2 and 3 1/2. In the past we have had “fat book” swaps and had great successes. I feel so blessed that I have found such a giving, caring and talented community of artists that surround me.  This is true prosperity,” Jane smiles. She obviously loves playing Cupid.
If you’d like to learn more about making your own artist cards, or taking creative workshops, Random Arts is located at 481 Louisiana Ave (at Ozone Dr.) in Saluda. Call 828-749-1165, or visit the website at randomartsnow.com/
Autumn Care of Saluda is located at 501 Esseola Drive, Saluda, NC; administrator is Glenn Pierce; 828-749-2261.