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Herald’s new summer magazine debuts inside this issue
By Samantha Blanton
Jackson County’s oldest newspaper has published a new summer magazine that celebrates local history and mountain scenery.
The Sylva Herald’s “Across the Mountains” debuts inside this issue, just in time for the crowds that flock to Sylva’s Main Street every year for the annual Fourth of July celebration.
The full-color, 8-inch by 11-inch magazine spotlights all that’s unique about Jackson County, according to Herald Publisher Steve Gray.
“Across the Mountains,” a full-color summer magazine section published by The Sylva Herald, makes its debut inside this issue. A gallery exhibition by newspaper photographer Nick Breedlove, which includes a number of images from the magazine, will open with an artist’s reception this Friday, June 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. at downtown Sylva’s It’s By Nature Gallery. Breedlove’s work will remain on display at the Main Street gallery through July.
“It’s devoted exclusively to Jackson County with a primary focus on the central (Sylva-Dillsboro-Cullowhee) region,” Gray said. “We saw a need for a magazine like this, and we felt we have the specific knowledge of Jackson County required to publish one.”
A primary aim of “Across the Mountains” is to make visitors aware of all Jackson County has to offer; equally important is its second goal of reminding residents of this county’s storied past, stunning views and cultural heritage, Gray said.
“We envision our inaugural issue as a collector’s item,” he said. “Advertising space was limited to create more room to highlight our county’s spectacular mountain vistas and interesting past. We’re pleased to be able to offer our readers and advertisers a first-rate, full-color, all-Jackson County magazine.”
Initial reaction to “Across the Mountains” has been positive.
“It’s handsome,” said City Lights Bookstore owner Joyce Moore, who is also publisher of Spring Street Editions. “I like the fact that it focuses entirely on Jackson County, and that it gives people a look at one of the most important assets the county has – its natural resources.”
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Travel and Tourism Director Julie Spiro concurred.
“The photography is outstanding, and I think it will draw people to our area,” Spiro said.
Designed by The Herald’s Nick Breedlove, who also served as photographer, the magazine’s copy was written by Editor Lynn Hotaling. Advertising sales and design were by Advertising Manager Margo Gray, Janis Extine, Sherry Peek, Cindy Turpin, Jeff Harlow and Breedlove.
“We’re really happy with the way it turned out,” Hotaling said. “Nick’s photos are amazing, and his design work is excellent.”
In addition to looking good, Hotaling said she thinks the magazine will prove useful in helping area residents and visitors enjoy the outdoors this summer. “Across the Mountains” offers suggestions for outings – both by foot and by automobile – and gives specific directions and trail information.
“We wanted to provide people with an idea of how beautiful Jackson County, and we also hoped to furnish information on places that are off the beaten path,” she said. “In these days of high gas prices, we wanted to people to know they don’t have to leave Jackson County to find interesting places”.
‘Across the Mountains’ images to be featured in gallery exhibit
In conjunction with the launch of The Herald’s new magazine, It’s By Nature gallery in downtown Sylva will host a studio exhibit featuring 13 of Breedlove’s images. Many of the photos in the show appear in the magazine or were taken in conjunction with it; others stemmed from Breedlove’s work on The Herald’s popular “Then and Now” feature.
Three area artists have been unanimous in their praise for Breedlove’s images.
Cullowhee painter Craig Forrest points to the composition and perspective of Breedlove’s photos and their successful treatment of light and shadow.
“The juxtaposition of shadow and bright sunlight is hard to pull off, but these work,” Forrest said, adding that a shot of an approaching storm is “so dynamic you can almost feel the wind blowing.”
Another fan is photographer Larry Tucker, Jackson County’s best known nature photographer.
Tucker termed Breedlove’s photos “solid” and “technically great,” and said the It’s By Nature event will be a good show.
He seemed particularly drawn to Breedlove’s water images, commenting on their excellent composition. Tucker quoted Henry David Thoreau’s famous line – “It’s not what you look at, it’s what you see” – and said Breedlove’s photos are a perfect example of how a photographer can use his camera to transform an ordinary image into an extraordinary one.
“He’s got an eye, no doubt about it,” Tucker said, a sentiment that was echoed by Breedlove’s high school photography teacher, Ray Menze of the Jackson County Visual Arts Association.
“Nick’s always shown a lot of talent,” Menze said.
Jackson County businesses who would like to learn more about “Across the Mountains” or reserve space in next summer’s edition may call The Herald’s advertising department at 586-2611 or inquire by e-mail at ads@thesylvaherald.com.
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