Meet Our Artisans

William Bell has been a full time photographer since 1989, specializing in making archival, museum grade prints of scenes around the Eastern United States. The collection of photographs he is now showing includes many traditional landscape images from the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Ive lived most of my life in these mountains, and I'm continually inspired by the beauty of this area,” Bell said.

Jeni Benos meticulously hand carves or fabricates each of her exquisite designs in Sterling Silver. Horses have always been a passion for Jeni. This respect and love allow her to capture a variety of equine personalities in her designs. Shooting is also an enjoyable pastime for Jeni, and after collecting some shells, Jeni began to create elegant designs using spent shell casings, sterling silver, and genuine gem stones.

I work primarily with fine silver and fused and/or flameworked glass. My jewelry relates deeply to natural forms, incorporating actual textures from leaves, shells, etc. to enhance my pieces, many of which also reflect my faith. I also use textures that I have developed myself to expand my designs. Besides a limited production line of earrings, I also work one-of-a-kind and in limited series.

Artist Lisa Boardwine creates original paintings and prints and custom matting, framing, and art supplies are also available at the gallery. The gallery features watercolor, mixed media, pastels, oils, collage, and more. Subject matter includes (but is not limited to): ballet dancers, portraits, abstract/contemporary art, and figurative art. Art classes are taught from the artist's studio and workshops can be arranged for groups.

Associate Professor of arts and crafts for thirty-three years at Southwest Virginia Community College. It is difficult for me to separate myself the teacher, from the artist craftsman because I feel dedicated in both categories. I like to work in all aspects of clay and leather being functional and non-functional while combining the two in some projects.

Hawkstone Arts - Acrylic paintings, pen & ink drawings, prints of wild animals and knitted llama skirts. Prints of some paintings are also available. Calligraphy prints. Also an educational llama coloring book “Baby Ody” A llama adventure.

I started drawing in the 3rd grade. Now at 73, I have experimented with many Art forms. I specialize in shaping wood. While living on Emerald Isle, in NC, I sketched many shore birds,fish,dolphins,etc. I then shaped the wood for my patterns from those drawings. My art work is in several galleries in NC and VA. I make over 850 items from 5” to 5' tall. Prices range from $10 to $3,000. I also make one of a kind walking sticks and canes. New items are eagles, deer, horses, bear and buffalo.

Although fused glass is the basis of my craft business, it continually leads me to other areas of exploration. The color, liquidity and variable nature of fused glass and other materials constantly invites innovation. Everybody has an idea - what fun to interpret by way of kiln fired glass! The possibilities of heat and gravity manipulation are endless!

A great love for the Appalachians inspires the variety of subject material for my watercolor art. My concentration on painting spring houses, something that is quickly fading away, (typically located near a spring where cool water flowed through, these structures were used to house milk, eggs, butter, etc.) helps to preserve those things that will soon be gone. I have a studio in my home and in process of completing a gallery. I am also a watercolor art instructor.

I love playing with ideas, be it through painting or making jewelry. Although I am a published writer, speaking without words is as much of a challenge, and part of the fun of “living in the land of make believe.”

My photography is for people who love the outdoors, wildlife and the beauty of nature. It is for everyone who wants to listen to water running over the rocks of a small stream or feel the warm sun after a long winter, or smell the clean smell after a rain. It's for those who enjoy watching a fawn with a doe, or a black bear cub with its mother.

I love the outdoors, I thank God for it, and I want to share it with others through my prints and greeting cards.

I have been building custom designed furniture for 36 years and have built a wide range of styles, both original and reproductions. I use mainly Appalachian hardwoods cut, milled and dried locally. My work has been featured in Fine Homebuilding Mag. (June 2004), the Washington Post, The New York Times, Mountain Home Mag., and the Roanoke Times. I can build to fit a wide range of budgets. I enjoy working closely with my clients and making an object that meets their specific taste and needs.

Retired from the N & S Railroad, Mr. Bryant is also a Vietnam Veteran and an Evangelist. He has worked in his craft for over 40 years.

I am involved in a variety of crafts, always searching for just the right medium to acheive my vision. I enjoy working with natural materials and my subject is mainly of natural and organic themes. I teach any of my crafts to interested students. Custom made items are always welcomed.

I have been weaving rag rugs and placemats for more than 30 years. My rag rugs are made from recycled materials as well as new materials salvaged from factory cutting rooms. The placemats are made from cotton yarn or material from factory overruns or cutting rooms. All items are machine washable. The average size of a rug is 24 in. by 42 in. and the average placemats are 12 in by 18 in.