Poetry and art reacquaint writer in residence with Smoky Mountain plants
When Laurie McDowell begins a wildflower sketch, he always starts with the base, getting a feel for the curve and shape of the stem before exploring the contours of the leaf. Finally, he reaches the bloom. “It’s like an interview,” he said, glancing up from his sketchbook along Kephart Prong
Holly Kays
May 21, 2026