Walking through these Blue Ridge Mountains have become the inspiration for the many different colorways in my hand weaving. I enjoy the traditional patterns which were used when weaving at home was a necessity, and I hold a deep appreciation for the weavers who have gone before. My weaving includes wool lap robes, blankets, coverlets,rugs and household cotton items such as towels, table covers, placemats and fabric yardage. Natural vegetable dyes and commercial dyes are used in my work.

I've spent most of my life living near or on mountains. I grew up in the embrace of the Catskill Mountains in NY, and I spent 12 years studying the rain forest in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico. I have always felt most at home in the mountains. I can remember when I first started coming to this piece of paradise two decades ago. Once or twice a year I'd drive down Rt 77 and marvel at the layers of majestic mountain ridges stretching into infinity. I was inspired by them then, and 8 years into making the Blue Ridge my home, I'm more inspired by them than ever. The attachment grows ever deeper. With the mountains comes the culture they nurture. Mountain music emanates from living rooms and front porches and from free for all jam sessions at the local restaurant or grocer after hours. The songs very often pay homage to these mountains where our communities nestle.
I would venture that the hearts of the people here, so big and so welcoming to this displaced yankee, are at least in part inspired by their surroundings. I know mine has grown a bit. And I've been inspired by the way art is integral to everyones life here. There is little division between artist and patron. As with the music, the artists and the audience are often the same. Whether you quilt or carve or paint, you don't need a fancy degree to show up and share your passion. Sharing is the point. Being in this environment is truly nurturing. It has helped me to explore and develop my own creativity. I find so much joy in creating and sharing my work in a community that genuinely values the creative journey. I feel so fortunate to be sharing my journey in the Blue Ridge!

Hi, My name is Judy King and I make and sell a variety of crafts. I have been sewing and making crafts for forty years. I attended school at Rural Retreat and then to Wytheville Comm. College. I am married and have two children, three grandchildren, and three wonderful great grandchildren. I also have a german shepard dog named Dekotah. I love camping with my family and friends, going to flea markets and craft shows. I like taking care of my flower gardens and working in my yard. I have a variety of house plants to take care of and I like container gardens. I attend church at Kings Grove UMC and I am a member of The Friends of The Rural Retreat Library. I love to read, do puzzles, and play games on my computer.

Stony Fork Workshop features birds and other creatures welded together from recycled tools and other farm parts. Wind chimes made from used coffee pots, roller skates, horse shoes and more. High fired, wheelthrown, functional pottery. Hiking sticks made from homgrown bamboo.

Sarah Minick has been making traditional Appalachian style baskets since 1996. In her baskets she weaves reed and cane, and hand-gathered vine and bark. When the basket is finished, she dips it into a homemade black walnut dye to soften the colors. Sarah uses sustainable, natural materials, and her newest project is learning how to gather materials, dry, and weave bulrush and iris leaf baskets. Her work reflects the beauty of her natural surroundings.

Dan is a talented artist who is not limited to one style or media. He can capture a variety of subjects well and has an appeal to people with various backgrounds and tastes.

Thomas Stowe has been creating wildlife artwork for more than thirty years using Linden wood as the main medium.

Subjects are carved for shape, wood burned for texture, and panted for realism.

Over the years, artwork ranging from basic feather pins to intricate life-sized woodcarvings have become desirable and collectible.

Real Wood Designs builds functional household items, including furniture. All projects are created in my studio using local wood.

After retiring from the federal government, I have pursued a lifelong love of woodworking. I enjoy making detailed scrolled magnets from quarter inch hardwood. I also enjoy making solid wooden birds from various woods with imaginative stands and bases. I also do wood turning and make writing pens.