David_Weatherly's Blog

Roy Ackland and I were only about five years into our journalistic journey producing the “Roy’s Folks” series, when one of those “Consultant” types, asked me the dumbest question imaginable. He said, “Aren’t you guys about to run out of people to feature?” We just laughed.

Our area is very blessed with way more than our share of interesting and talented people. If Roy and I had another twenty years, I don’t think we would even scratch the surface. Take Davidson County for example; I can’t even count the number of stories we’ve done there. Throw a rock in any direction there and you’ll likely hit someone whom we’ve either featured or who we should; Dempsey Essick, Greg Ferrell, Chip Holton, Phil Christman, Bob Timberlake, the list goes on, literally. Now, add another name, Mike Hesalbeck.

Mike Grew up in Davidson County and admits to the influence, area artists shed on his work. He’s a modern day version of a true renaissance man. He’s a musician who loves the outdoors, hunts, fishes, and paints pictures of all the things he loves. About four years ago he had the guts to quit his “day job” to pursue his art career.

Mike Helsabeck is just the latest example of Davidson County’s artistic wealth. He’s also a sample of the still untapped talent pool. Whether it’s artists, craftsmen or just good old characters, that county is chocked full. If we’re ever looking for a good story, we know more than one will await us there. Why is that? I don’t know. The same question could apply to why so many barbecue restaurants are there. Maybe the answer it similar too, who cares, let’s eat.

Click here to see our feature on Mike.