When Elise Okrend creates pastel paintings, she experiences “a freeing of my mind,” she said, and feels connected to her true self.
Okrend hopes that her pastel landscapes, paired with mindful passages from her husband, Phil, will help other people “get into that space.”
The Asheville couple’s new coffee table book — “Messages to the Heart: Reflections of Beauty and Truth” — is designed to be a tool “that readers can use again and again to pull themselves through life’s challenges,” said Phil, who is a writer and professional coach.
The hardcover book features 37 of Elise’s paintings of the area’s natural beauty, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Fontana and the Great Smokies.
The Okrends will make two local appearances in the next couple weeks to promote the book, which is available for $29.95 at The Kress Emporium, Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe, The Asheville Museum of Art Store, The Asheville Visitors Center Gift Shop and online at their www.messagestothe heart.com website and major book retailers.
Malaprop’s will host an author reading and book signing Sunday. Hotel Indigo will host a Valentine’s Day themed reception, book
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