Two Polk County artists, Janet Orselli and Linda T. Powell, were notified recently of their selection to receive Regional Artist Project Grants for 2016-17 based on nine applications accepted from Henderson, Transylvania and Polk counties.

Orselli is a visual artist who is furthering her development by beginning a new artistic direction. Orselli will create drawings for her solo show that will open at the Depot Room in Tryon, April 7.

“My intent is to capture an individual essence, an internal light in portrait form,” said Orselli.

Since earning her master of fine arts degree from Clemson University in 2001, Orselli has been focused on three-dimensional work, with an emphasis on large-scale mixed media installations. Orselli’s work has been selected for numerous regional and national exhibitions including two solo exhibitions at OK Harris Works of Art, New York, N.Y.

Powell demonstrates the power of music as a therapeutic tool. She earned her master of music degree from University of Michigan and bachelor of music education from Boston University. Powell completed a three-year program in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music with the Southeastern Institute for Music-centered Psychotherapy in 1992.

While Powell’s first book guided students to focus on self-esteem, her new book is “Character Education through Stories, Music, and Imagery.” During 30 years of expanding her knowledge of the natural healing properties of music, Powell developed her specialized methodology for sharing the therapeutic power of music.

“I continue to share the qualities of creativity, play, healing, and wisdom with my students,” said Powell.

Orselli and Powell live and study at Adawehi, both expressing creativity and collaboration throughout the area. If you frequent the lawns, parks, patios and stages nearby, you probably have seen Orselli with her sketchbook and camera or Powell surrounded by African drums and energetic drummers.

Adawehi has become known as a place where individuals can develop and use their creativity in service to others. The campus, on 125 acres, includes a Stewardship Forest, and is easily accessible from Fox Mountain Road in Columbus.

– article submitted by Roulettei Gildersleeve