Historical novels include “The Starched Apron,” set in Russell County VA years 1792-1830; “Up the Water Spout” set primarily in the Abingdon - Meadowview, VA area 1918-1942 period and “Come Saturday” The latter book is set in depression years and tells of a true tragic event in the mountainous area of Southwest VA. Added are a mystery "First Ten Chapters," a collection of short stories "ZENITHS & ZEPHYRS" Mountain Peaks and Soft Breezes, and a "ghost" story called "HANOVER HOUSE, A Haunting Tale."

After making my first piece of jewelry, I knew I had found a craft about which I was passionate! That was four years ago, and I've enjoyed every minute of becoming an "artisan." My style varies, depending on how the metal or bead speaks to me. I enjoy metal and wire work especially, as well as playing with color and texture. I live in Chilhowie, VA with my husband and two boys.

Otis Mullins, a native of Wise County, handcrafts railroad spike knives and knives with antler handles and blades of stainless steel and sawmill blades.

The spike knives are made of spikes found along railways in Wise and Dickenson counties in Virginia. They are hard carbon steel and no two knives come out exactly the same.

My style goes from abstract expressionism, to impressionism, even surrealist. My work at this period in my life is all about that pent up artistic expression. In addition to painting, I create flame-worked glass beads that I use to create jewelry and pottery pieces, both slab-worked and wheel thrown.

As a child, I was interested in art and that interest never faded. Although photography remains only a hobby, I have been recognized in regional exhibitions for my photography and I received Best in Show at the 2010 Rhythm and Roots Reunion. I am honored to have such great family and friends, to have an amazing God by my side, and to live in such a beautiful region with a community that is so talented and passionate for the arts.

Helen Morgan creates artworks in weaving, knitting, and mixed media which includes wearable art, decorative items and traditional art forms.

I've been carving for several years. I prefer carving human forms like Indians, cowboys, spirit faces, sometimes famous people depending on my mood and spirit and likes at the time. I like using native woods from around the area like butternut and basswood and also clay is becoming one of my favorite medias.

My fascination with fibers began in the mid-90s after I attended the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. An interest in the use of colors has grown from attending fiber events and weaving workshops, and from involvement with weaving guilds.

I primarily weave functional items: towels, table linens, scarves, stoles, and baby blankets. Every aspect of our lives can be enhanced with fiber, color, and texture...it warms the home and the heart.

Fused glass artist creating unique original art jewelry as pendants,rings, earrings, or pins. Pendants are embellished with gemstones or charms.
A mixed media artist who also creates handmade paper.

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.

This studio uses glass as its major medium for artistic expression. Kilnformed glass is a fused glass or warm glass art. This studio paints with glass by fusing various colored glasses together to form an art panel which can be shelf displayed or hung by various modalities. Optionally Art panels are formed into bowls and plate for functional art. Moreover, this studio produces one-of-a-kind glass jewelry signed by the artist. This studio is a working glass studio and has an industrial flavor. You will be able to view the inventory at this facility.

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.

Handcrafted writing instruments made from topical, exotic, common woods and acrylics. Made in styles from a small twist that is the right size for checkbook or shirt pocket to a capped Rollerball or Fountain pen. Pens can be made from wood salvaged from old barn, front porch from old home place or dad's old hammer. Alot of things can be made into a handcrafted pen for every day use or special keepsake.

Being a musical instrument maker challenges me to use my body, mind & spirit. My love of history helps me understand the roots of folk music. Theology, 20 years a Lutheran pastor, enables me to integrate music in a spiritual sense. Each instrument is one-of-a-kind and individually handmade. I choose a variety of woods, match them to the best advantage for both aesthetics & sound. Therefore, the size & shape may be similar but each in a unique work of love & art from the beginning to the end.

I work in mostly acrylics and pastels with some oils. I have originals and giclee prints as well as small photo prints double matted to standard sizes. I paint local landscape scenes, florals, portraits, still-life, animals, birds etc. I frame my own pieces as well as for others.

Flame gives my copper a simmering, iridescent patina that changes throughout the day. Detailed hand tooling twinkles over harmonious shapes and paint highlights the design. My goal is lively experience for both passing glance and leisurely perusal. I also work and design in stone, clay, fabric, neon and fiber optics and write, speak and give workshops on these art forms and on healing through making art.