Yes, theres gold in them thar hills, even the close-by ones like Black Mountain where one can discover a wealth of local artists producing shining examples of color in oils, pastels and watercolor paintings and sculpture.&bsp; And in April there will be a chance to view a collection of pure gold in an exhibit, Swannanoa Valley Moods, where six Black Mountain artists reveal their talent, imagination and skill at Tryon Painters and Sculptors Gallery One in the Tryon Fine Arts Center.

Black Mountain artist Denise Geiger will be showing landscapes in oil. She received her art education in Switzerland and since moving to the United States, marrying, and raising a family, has always maintained a studio and kept the artistic juices flowing. She has also had other careers as a minister and clinical counselor and after retirement decided to dedicate her time and efforts to creating art full time.

Since living in Black Mountain she has been involved in classes and workshops, has continued her painting career and exhibited widely in this area. And she has earned some recognition along the way. She is the president of the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League and a member of the Appalachian Pastel Society, as well as being a member of TPS. She exhibits in the Sourwood Gallery in Black Mountain.

Also showing in the Mahler Family Boardroom Gallery adjacent to Gallery One will be artists drawings and paintings from the TPS Life Drawing Studio.

An artists reception will be held on Sunday, April 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. These exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until May 8 at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon, NC. For further information call 828-859-8322 x 212 or visit the website at www.tryonpaintersandsculptors.com