The Art Gallery

Paintings & Prints

If you are looking for a mountain landscape painting or print, Alta Vista Gallery is the place to visit. Hundreds of paintings in various styles and mediums by many different artists fill the gallery rooms.

Many of the gallery artists, such as B. Jean Baird and Joan Sporn, live very nearby yet are recognized in galleries across the country. Other artists are internationally famous, such as folk artist Will Moses, great-grandson of renowned artist "Grandma Moses."

Owner Maria Santomasso-Hyde, an impressionist oil painter, also accepts commissions.

Stepping into Alta Vista Gallery feels less like entering a shop and more like wandering through a living celebration of regional creativity. The gallery brings together a broad spectrum of artistic voices, from painters capturing the dramatic sweep of mountain ridges to craftspeople working in wood, clay, fiber, and glass. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, moving from room to room at a leisurely pace while discovering pieces that range from bold contemporary statements to quiet, traditional scenes. The mix of local talent and artists from farther afield means every visit offers something new, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to linger over a favorite canvas or examine the fine detail of a handcrafted object.

Beyond the artwork itself, the gallery serves as a gathering place for the community, hosting shows and events that connect artists directly with the people who admire their work. Frequent rotations keep the walls fresh, so returning visitors always find something they have not seen before. Whether someone is a seasoned collector searching for a meaningful addition to their home or a first-time visitor simply curious about the local arts scene, the staff are known for their approachable guidance and genuine enthusiasm. The gallery's setting in the Valle Crucis area, surrounded by the natural beauty that inspires so many of the pieces on display, makes the whole experience feel cohesive and deeply rooted in place.

Featured Artists

The gallery showcases works by local and nationally acclaimed painters. Among them is Sheila Hancock, a nationally acclaimed impressionist oil painter whose work hangs in the Georgia Governor's Mansion. Her paintings capture the beauty of the North Carolina high country near Boone.

Folk artist Will Moses continues the legacy of his great-grandmother, "Grandma Moses," with charming narrative scenes. J. Sporn contributes evocative oil paintings to the collection.

Learn more about Sheila Hancock →