masterpiece in the making

Above: Daso works on the beginning of the complex mural that will feature Whiteside Mountain

On one of my excursions this week, I noticed a gentleman in a painter’s getup mapping out a sketch on a blank “canvas” - also known as the side of the BP gas station at the Cashiers Crossroads. Naturally, my curiosity was peaked, and I stopped on my way back through town to get a closer look at the masterpiece that was soon to unfold. Upon stopping, I met John. John Daso is a Greenville, SC native who’s been in the art industry for sixty years. Upon further conversation, I learned that John will be retiring from his artistry career this October, and this mural will be one of the last pieces of art he creates as a part of his formidable journey. 

The finished scene is to be one of Whiteside Mountain, one of our most recognizable landmarks on the Plateau, as well as one of the oldest mountains in the world. John hopes to have this mural completed within the week, and I am absolutely positive it’ll become a well renowned focal point in Cashiers for photos and more. After this piece is completed, he’ll then move on to another location and work on a second piece for our little town - one that I’m sure will be just as gorgeous as the first! 

I encourage all of you if you’re around town to stop and enjoy the artistry process over the next days as this impressive piece comes together - and if you get the chance to chat with John, definitely do so! He’s a true artist, and you’ll love to get to know the hands behind the work. You can find a link here to John’s Facebook page where he shares his works.