An opening reception for an exhibit of Richard Baker’s fine art landscapes of the southern Appalachian Mountains will be held Saturday, August 8, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Saluda Historic Depot.

The exhibit, to run through August, will be among upcoming events to raise money for a museum celebrating the town’s historical significance as the crest of the steepest mainline railroad grade in the United States. A preview museum of historical items in the depot will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. throughout the summer.

Baker, formerly of Saluda, is a painter of fine art landscapes and portraits and currently has a studio in Asheville’s River Arts District. He will exhibit 15 of his landscapes in Saluda, with half of the proceeds from sales being donated to townspeople’s efforts to purchase the historic depot building and establish a lasting museum to present the history of Saluda from its beginnings to the present.

“Richard Baker has been a catalyst for bringing Saluda artists together, and has always supported the arts in Saluda. We are excited and proud that he is supporting our fundraising efforts by exhibiting his original works and donating up to 50 percent of the sales to Saluda Historic Depot,” said Cathy Jackson, Saluda Historic Depot board member.

Additional art exhibits are planned throughout the year, along with a Holiday Gallery in November and December.

The preview museum contains – among other historic artifacts – lanterns, a mail catcher from a mail car and an original waiting room bench as well as old photographs and a model train display. A retail shop has also been opened in the depot where t-shirts, wood carved trains, prints, books, DVDs and other items are available.

For more information about fundraising efforts and calls for donations and volunteers, visit historicsaluda.org. Details and photos may also be found at Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Richard Baker’s art may be previewed at RichardBakersStudio.com. His studio is located at 344 Depot St. in the Pink Dog Creative section of Asheville’s River Arts District.

– Submitted by Cathy Jackson