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At the turn of the century, Southern Appalachia was considered in need of
educational and social reform. Harsh conditions led to isolated communities
that were cut off from many of the advancements of the day. John C.
Campbell was a noted educator and reformer, and he set off with his new
wife Olive Dame in 1908 to complete a survey of the conditions in Southern Appalachia.
The pair outfitted a wagon and traveled throughout the mountains. As her husband
interviewed farmers about their work and the land, Olive learned ballads and
studied the various handicrafts of the mountain folk. Both husband and wife were
confident that education was the answer to the problems facing the rural people.
After her husband’s death, Olive began traveling to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and
Finland with her colleague Marguerite Butler (see page 38). They were fascinated with
how these cultures handled education. They determined to open a school based
on the Danish Folk School style of noncompetitive education, where no grades were
given, and a spirit of cooperation was fostered. Olive spoke with Fred Scroggs, who
ran the local store in Brasstown, NC. She tasked him with talking with locals to see if
they were interested in a new school in their community. When she returned a few
weeks later, over 200 people were waiting to meet her and talk about the school.
In 1925, construction on the school began, and it became a community center almost
immediately. The motto of the school is “I sing behind the plow.” By 1983, the school
was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s widely recognized as an
essential part of the Craft Revival Movement.

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The school is also the home of the Brasstown Carvers. This group formed
organically very early in the history of the school. The school educated a large
number of woodcarvers and helped to establish a market for their goods. Their
work even made it to the White House when President Roosevelt and his wife
bought a “whole flock” of wooden geese. This group still carves together today.

The Folk School has been operational for nearly a century. The school is a non-profit
organization, working to “transform lives, and bring people together in a nurturing
environment for experiences in learning and community life that spark self-discovery.”

The school is open year-round for classes. Some are week-long sessions,
and others last a weekend. Classes are offered in art, music, dance, cooking,
gardening, nature studies, photography, and writing but the focus is
predominantly on traditional crafts. At the Folk School, you can learn basketry,
blacksmithing, book arts, broom making, calligraphy, chair seat making, clay arts,
doll making, dyeing, enameling, felt-making, glass arts, jewelry making, knitting,
crochet, lacework, leatherwork, metalwork, needlecraft, quilting, sewing, soap
making, spinning, weaving and woodworking, including carving and turning.

You can do your part to keep traditional arts alive by learning
how to craft. You can access the complete list of classes at
the John C. Campbell Folk School by using this QR code. Not
only will you come away with a new skill, but you’ll also be
able to bask in the beauty of the mountains as you work,
and you’ll be part of a rich tradition of Appalachian artisans.

ANNA FARIELLO

is an expert in traditional Appalachian Crafts. Author of 8 books,
numerous book chapters and articles, she presented over 150
conference papers and invited lectures, and she’s curated over
30 exhibitions for regional and national museums.
We recommend that you read the following
books to learn more about these crafts. They are
available for sale at the John C. Campbell Folk
School’s shop, local bookstores and at Amazon.

She also created important research projects. Craft Revival:
Shaping Western North Carolina Past and Present and
Cherokee Traditions: From the Hands of our Elders— both
websites and digital archives — are projects of Hunter Library
at Western Carolina University. Their aim is to create research-
based websites that document historic efforts to revive handcraft
in the western part of the state. The project draws from a wealth
of documents, photographs, and craft objects that are housed in
archival repositories of the region’s museums, guilds, and craft
schools. Hunter Library has organized these into a searchable
database available via the World Wide Web.

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Folk Art Center

Photos courtesy of Southern Highland Craft Guild
On mile marker 382 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Folk Art Center is a cooperative project
between the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the National Parks Service.
In 1930, in the mountains of Tennessee, a group of folk artists chartered the Southern
Mountain Handicraft Guild. When the Great Depression hit, the Guild helped its members
survive, cultivating opportunities for the artisans and keeping the traditional arts alive. Ninety-
two years and two name changes later, Southern Highland Craft Guild is an organization that
is vital to the arts community in Southern Appalachia.
The mission of the Guild is cultivating the crafts and makers of the Southern
Highlands for the purpose of shared resources, education, marketing, and
conservation. Members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild come from
the Appalachian mountain area of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, and Alabama.
Membership is juried, ensuring that members are talented, creative,
and dynamic. Applying to become a member is a rigorous process, and

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only 10% of applicants are accepted. Being a member
of this Guild is considered an outstanding achievement.
In addition to providing opportunities for artists and
artisans, the Guild works to preserve our craft traditions.

The Folk Center holds a craft shop, library, three
exhibition spaces, an auditorium for special events, and
a National Park Service bookstore and information desk.
The permanent collection of the Southern Highland
Craft Guild is housed here. The collection has over 5,000
pieces, although they are displayed on a rotating basis.

This collection began with a generous gift from founding
member Francis L. Goodrich. She gave the organization
many traditional items, calling them “the best in mountain
handicrafts.” The collection features traditional woodcarving,
textiles, furniture, basketry, pottery, dolls, and other crafts.

Goodrich was an important figure in turn-of-the-century
Appalachia. She moved to the Asheville area in 1890
and saw that the people here still had strong skills with
traditional crafts. Goodrich thought there might be an
unexplored market for the work they were doing. She
started the Allanstand Craft Shop, the first of several
roadside stands that sold traditional Appalachian crafts. She
was right about the new market, and she was able to bring
the work of Appalachian artisans to the rest of the world.

Goodrich’s work was part of the Southern Appalachian
Handicraft Revival, a movement in the late 1800s to
the 1930s that also inspired The John Campbell Folk
School and the Penland School of Craft. Goodrich was
75 when the Guild was created, and she donated her
Allanstand Cottage Industries and a large craft collection,
confident that the Guild would help preserve them.

When you visit the Folk Art Center, be sure to give yourself
plenty of time to peruse the historical art, as well as the work
of current artists. One of the strengths of the Guild lies in
connecting artists to the marketplace. Southern Highland Craft
Guild provides several different ways for people to purchase art.

The Guild hosts two Craft Fairs in downtown Asheville at
Harrah’s Cherokee Center every year. These are held in July
and October. More than 200 makers join together to offer
the best in heritage crafts. More than 10,000 people shop at
these weekend-long events.

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The event features craft educators
doing demonstrations and teaching
classes, and live musicians. Over a
million dollars is invested in the arts
community each time this event is held.

Additionally, Southern Highland Craft
Guild has a robust website where
you can purchase the work of 800
members. craftguild.org allows you to
search by craft, by artist, by popularity,
and more, and you’ll be surprised by
how many lovely items are offered.

Items on this page are all offered on
the website.

First is “Tall Walnut Bowl,” crafted
by North Carolina artist Nathan
Favors. He says his passion is to let
the wood dictate the shape of each
piece. This bowl is available for $400.

Next is “Jars with Blue” by Clint
Alderman. This Georgian potter uses
ash glaze and fires in a wooden kiln.
This pot is available online for $115.

The iron bottle opener is crafted by
artisan Ron Howard of Chestnut
Oak Forge in North Carolina.
He has many items available,
and the bottle opener is $28.

The basket is crafted by Susan B.
Taylor. It is a small cat’s head open
basket made entirely of ash, with a
sawtooth rim woven in a Fibonacci twill
pattern. You can purchase it for $300.

Bob Harmon of Old Virginia Textiles
crafted the handwoven flax table
runner. Bob is a 6th generation
grandson of the Goodwin family,
which has been well known in
textiles since 1812. He has several
table runners available for $69.

All Appalachian heritage crafts are
represented in the store, but you’ll also
find more contemporary art, including

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many innovative techniques. You’ll
also find the Allanstand Collection,
named after the business of founding
member Goodrich. The curated
collection is whimsical and folksy.

In addition to the craft shows and
online gallery, Southern Highland
Craft Guild has four retail locations.
The first is at the Folk Art Center off
the parkway; the next is in Biltmore
Village in Asheville, at 26 Lodge Street.
Asheville is home to another location
at 930 Tunnel Road. The last retail
location is much closer to home for
many foothills residents. Moses Cone
Manor, off the parkway near Blowing
Rock, houses a lovely retail store.

The Guild has been working with the
National Parks Service since 1951
at the Moses Cone Manor. Several
rooms on the first floor of this
historical estate are filled with turned
bowls, ceramic tableware, woven
garments, and other crafts. There are
also seasonal demonstrations. The
hours at the shop vary throughout
the year, so be sure to check
them before you visit. You can call
828-295-7938 for the schedule.

Through these varied markets and
channels, Southern Highland Crafts
Guild connects artisans and shoppers,
which keeps these traditional arts
thriving in Southern Appalachia.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Folk Art
Center has over 200,000 visitors
per year, and there is no admission
charge. Much of that is possible
because of donations. If you feel
moved to contribute to this vital
organization, consider sending a
check to:

Southern Highland Craft Guild
PO Box 9545

Asheville, NC 28815
or go to craftguild.org to donate.

Penland school of craft

Penland School of Craft was vital to the Craft Revival movement of the Southern Appalachian
Mountains. The school was started in 1929 by Lucy Morgan, always known as Miss Lucy.
She learned to weave at Berea College in 1923 and when she returned home she started
Penland Weavers, a cottage industry which provided local women with looms and
materials.Penland Weavers also marketed the pieces the weavers made and sold them.

In 1928, she convinced noted weaving expert Edward F. Worst to come to Penland to teach
the women she worked with. He returned again in 1929, and this time several students came
from out of state, and the Penland School of Craft was born. It didn’t take long before new
buildings were built and other crafts were added to the offerings. Miss Lucy was enthusiastic
and promoted her school widely. It became known internationally as a haven for learning
traditional crafts.

Since 1929, Penland School of Craft has helped countless artisans learn to work with craft
materials. It’s also been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Lucy Morgan said
the usefulness of the school lay in “the joy of creative occupation and a certain togetherness-
working with one another in creating the good and the beautiful.”

Photos by Robin Dreyer 62

The school offers workshops in books and paper, clay, drawing and painting, glass, iron,
metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, wood, and other media. Each year
1,400 students come to Penland School of Craft, and an additional 14,000 come as visitors.

Penland School of Craft has no standing faculty or permanent instructors. Instead, instructors
are full time artists or instructors at other universities. Students come to the school and take
only one class at a time, while living on campus. This full immersion creates a stronger learning
environment.

The school also has a residency program.
Full-time artists spend three years living
at Penland and learning as they are
immersed in work. The primary goal
for artists, and the main expectation,
is that they “engage intently with their
work.” This program is extremely helpful
for artists. It’s also helped Penland to
become an area full of artisans, as many
artists fall in love with the region and
never leave.

Penland School of Craft provides artists
with tools to take their craft to the next
level. Much beauty has been created
here, and we hope you’ll find some time
to visit. Be sure to check out their gallery
where you can purchase art.

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Crossnore

weavers

In 1913, Dr. Mary Martin Sloop
and her husband Dr. E. H. Sloop
moved to Avery County and
opened the Crossnore School as a
boarding school for disadvantaged
mountain children to live and
learn. In 1917, a weaving program
was established at the school,
and it proved very popular. The
weaving room burned in 1935,
and the next year, the Home
Spun House was constructed
to house the weaving activities
of Crossnore School. It remains
largely unchanged, still used as
the weaving room and gallery.

Crossnore Weavers was an
essential part of the Craft
Revival. They provided looms
and a cooperative environment
for local women and helped
market and sell the products.

Especially popular were woven
coverlets and rugs, and some
of the designs were incredibly
intricate. Today, you can visit
Crossnore Weavers and watch
as these woven pieces are
made, the same way now as
they were nearly 100 years ago.

It’s fascinating to watch the
women work, with their shuttles
moving quickly back and forth.
The women are keeping time
to a pattern we can’t see. The
rhythm of the looms is almost
musical, and the fabric grows
slowly, though the tempo is fast.

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We asked shop manager Lisa
Banner what drew her to
Crossnore Weavers. She said,

“We are here on a mission
to weave hope and healing
to children in need.”

In addition to the weaving
room, Crossnore Weavers
features a fine art gallery,
exhibits, and a retail shop
whose proceeds benefit
Crossnore Communities for
Children, a private, nonprofit
child welfare organization.

You can purchase regional
crafts like baskets and
jewelry in the shop, but
the bulk of the products
are objects woven on
site. Luxurious shawls are
popular, but the best-sellers
are the placemats, napkins,
and runners. Intricate
coverlets are available in
many styles, including the
most traditional of patterns.
Also popular are tartans.

Crossnore Weavers has a
special relationship with the
Daughters of the American
Revolution. DAR was among
the organization’s earliest
funding partners, and today,
Crossnore is responsible for
weaving the official DAR
tartan, seen on page 17.

While you’re visiting, be
sure to check out the
Sloop Chapel, built by
Dr. Mary Sloop for her
husband. It features a
Ben Long Fresco called
“Suffer the Little Children.”

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Green Energy Park

The Green Energy Park of Jackson County is unlike any other place in the world.
At least, so far. We hope that the rest of the world catches up to this leading-
edge concept, and this sort of action plan becomes more common. But, for now,
it isn’t common at all, and it’s worth a visit to check out what these folks are up to.
The Green Energy Park is built near the old Dillsboro landfill. Methane gas is
a very potent greenhouse gas. Did you know that landfills create 15% of this
problematic methane? It is usually just released into the air, where it contributes
to global warming. But the clever folks in Jackson County capture the methane
from the landfill, and then they use it as fuel to operate a working studio for artists.
The Glass Studio is one of the only hot shops in the world utilizing landfill methane gas
as a fuel. The Metals Shop features the first blacksmith forges and art foundry ever
fired on landfill gas. Artists are invited to rent space as the facility so that their art can
also benefit the environment. These spaces available for rental make metalsmithing
and glasswork possible for many artisans who would not otherwise have access to
the “hot” tools needed for this work. Additionally, the park has an Anagama Kiln,
which is modeled on ancient Japanese designs. It’s over 1000 square feet, and it uses
wood and waste vegetable oil as fuel. The kiln is available for scheduled public firings.
This park prevents 281 tons of methane from entering the atmosphere each year. It
also offsets 550 tons of CO2 that fossil fuels have created. Those are huge numbers,
and it’s hard to imagine the real-world impact. Imagine removing 916 cars from
the roads or planting over 1,000 trees. It’s the same as preventing the use of over
10,000 barrels (42 gallons each) of oil. We think you’ll agree that this is a big deal!

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You should most certainly visit
the Green Energy Park, but it isn’t
just because of renewable energy.
It’s also a wonderful place to view
art, including many of the region’s
traditional crafts. The art gallery is
impressive, featuring the works of
many of the artists that use the space.

Outside, you’ll find a sculpture garden.
Green Energy Park hosts sculpture
competitions, and the winners are
featured in the garden, along with
the work of other regional artists.

If you live close by and want to
learn to work with metal and glass,
you can take classes at Green
Energy Park. By offering these
classes, the organization is helping
to keep traditional crafts alive and
thriving in western North Carolina.

The Green Energy Park opened in
2005, thanks to the efforts of Timm
Muth, project director. He has a
career’s worth of experience in the
energy industry, helping to design
and manage nuclear facilities, fossil
fuel stations, hydro-power, solar
and wind installations, and biomass
resources, like the methane from
landfills. He led the charge to build
the Green Energy Park, and he has
worked to improve it for 17 years.
His belief in community and his drive
to turn what “could be” into “what
is” has been instrumental to the
project’s success, and he has created
an incubator for artists in the process.

This project is truly innovative,
and it’s an asset to western North
Carolina. Because of The Green
Energy Park, our air is cleaner,
artists have the opportunity to
create, and the rest of us benefit
from enjoying the art created here.

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Shira Forge

When Matthew Shirey was in high school, he became interested in living history. In the years
since he’s worked to master the skills and crafts that allowed pioneers to survive and thrive.
In 1999, Shirey attended a blacksmithing workshop at a local state park, and he was hooked.
He says, “I was mesmerized by the forging process, the rhythmic ring of the hammer
meeting the anvil, and the way iron became malleable when heated to a bright orange glow.”
He bought his first hand-crank forge, anvil, and post vise and began to hone his
skills. Matthew attended both the John C. Campbell Folk School and Penland
School of Craft. We asked what it was like to study at these schools. “To me, both
schools are my idea of heaven, good people, good food, beautiful campuses,
and tons of creative energy everywhere! I found it to be very inspiring and
can’t wait to go back again someday, hopefully as a teacher and a student. “
Matthew’s unique style is the result of studying 18th and 19th-century ironwork and
cutlery combined with the lessons learned while forging all his products literally by hand.
Shirey’s work is getting a lot of traction. He was named USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s
Choice for his kitchenware line, and he’s being written about in a variety of magazines.
Matthew still makes his pieces the way it’s been done in Southern Appalachia for centuries.

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“People in the mountains
didn’t embellish a lot. There’s
real beauty in something that
is simple and functional. It’s
graceful. If it works well, that
makes it more beautiful.”

He has quite an array of
products. Our personal favorite
is a forged carbon steel pan.
We featured it on the cover of
our Food Issue in 2021, and it’s
in constant use in our kitchen.

He also has a line of kitchen
knives also made from forged
carbon steel. This line was
created because Matthew
loves to cook and thought he
could improve on the kitchen
tools he was using. The result
is a functional work of art.

We’re also fond of his Bird & Trout
Knife, which is a small, thin, sharp
blade suitable for processing
fish and game or as an everyday
carry (EDC) knife. It features a
silver bolster, leather spacers,
and antler handle. Matthew
says, “I’ve been really inspired
lately to try new handle materials
and blade styles and to broaden
my scope as a bladesmith.

One unique item in his store
is a straight razor. The blades
are hollow ground, and they
fold into the handle when
not in use. Handle materials
can be wood, bone, antler, or
micarta with silver, copper, or
iron fittings. For men who want
to bring simple artfulness to
their daily routines, this razor
might be just what they need.

Matthew is teaching his
craft to his sons, carrying on
the Appalachian tradition of
passing on this sort of skillset.

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He says, “There is something magical 73
about forging iron that strikes a chord
deep within me. Whether I’m forging a
knife, axe, or frying pan, I never tire of
watching the iron transform under the
careful guidance of my hammer. Every
day is a learning process and I seek the
lessons the iron and fire have to teach
me.”

He continues, “My goal as a craftsman is
not only to create beautiful objects but
to master these ancient techniques. I
want to know that I could stand shoulder
to shoulder with a Blacksmith of 200
years ago and keep pace.”

He adds, “It is also important to me that
I share this acquired knowledge with
others and so I take every opportunity
to teach that comes my way, whether
it means bringing a youngster to my
shop or demonstrating at craft fairs and
festivals.”

Blue Ridge Craft Trails

Foothills ROAD TRIP

We don’t have room to highlight each artisan and organization on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails,
but we’ve worked out a 3.5-hour drive that takes you to 20 different stops along the trail.
We begin in Elkin with the Foothills Arts Center. After visiting several locations in Elkin, we
take Highway 21 to Sparta, where we see several artisans and a gallery. We take Highway
21 back into Traphill for Sunset Fiber Arts, and then we travel into Wilkes County on Traphill
Road, then Mountain View Road. In North Wilkesboro, we visit Wilkes Hardware, a historic
hardware store that sells local traditional crafts, and Taupe Gallery. We take Highway 268
into Boomer for Brey’s Quality Crafts and continue on Highway 18 to visit Kogut Violins.
From there, we head into Downtown Lenoir to visit Folk Keeper, an art gallery that has many
locally produced traditional crafts. Next, we take Highway 64 into Morganton, where we
visit potter Hamilton Williams and Osusannah’s, West Union Art Studio, and Oak Hill Iron +
Wood. This trip will give you a much deeper understanding of the world of traditional crafts.
While the driving is about 3.5 hours, you’ll want to dedicate a whole day or split the trip into
shorter trips. Also, be sure to call ahead, as the continuing pandemic causes closings from
time to time.

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Foothills Arts Center

129 Church St, Elkin

Chatham Manufacturing Company produced textiles in Elkin for more than
a century, and it was the major employer for the community. Part of their
outreach program included building Gilvin Roth YMCA built in 1942. The
building has been an important community center ever since, and now it
houses the Foothills Arts Center. The 45,000 square foot facility overlooks the
Yadkin River and provides plenty of space for a multitude of creative activities.

The Foothills Arts Center was founded in 1975 to “foster community and creative
practice through arts education, collaboration, and entertainment.” Students
from a four-county area come to the Foothills Arts Center to study a wide range
of arts and crafts. Traditional crafts get a lot of focus here, but you can also take
painting and other types of classes. Notably, students can take violin building
courses from master luthier Joe Thrift. The center is currently developing glass,
metal, woodworking, and printmaking departments as they renovate the space.

Additionally, the space is a craft & exhibit gallery, with traditional crafts available for
purchase. As they renovate, the space is only open on Saturdays. The organization
hosts two craft shows a year as well.

The Foothills Arts Center also
focuses on the rich heritage of
traditional musical performances.
They host several music festivals
each year, like Reevestock, Surry
Old Time Fiddlers Convention,
and the Elkin Roots Music Fest.
The Foothills Theatre is also
located on-site, and they produce
a musical and a play each
year and other performances.
Yadkin Valley Fiber Center is
also located in the same space.

This collaborative space will
continue to strengthen the
artistic community of Elkin, and
it will help incubate young artists.

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Yadkin Valley Fiber Center

321 East Main St, Elkin

Yadkin Valley Fiber Center is an affiliate of the
Foothills Arts Center, and it’s located in their
45,000 square foot building. Elkin is a town
built by textiles, so it’s very fitting that this
organization dedicated to preserving traditional
fiber arts is based in a building built by Chatham
Manufacturing Company.

Leslie Fesperman, program coordinator, says,
“The Yadkin Valley Fiber Center is dedicated to
broadening an understanding of the fiber arts
through weaving, spinning, felting, and other
fiber-based instruction.”

A wide range of classes are offered, focusing
primarily on weaving, spinning and felting.
Beginners can learn these trades, but there are
also master classes for spinning and weaving.
The Center is the only U.S. location to offer the
Olds College Master Weaving Program

In addition to these educational opportunities,
the Center also offers loom rentals for artisans.
Several weaving events are offered throughout
each year. They cohost, with the Foothills Arts
Center, an annual tapestry exhibit every June-
August. It’s made of member works of the
Tapestry Weavers South Guild. It features both
nationally and internationally recognized fiber
artists.

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November Room

206 East Main St, Elkin

The November Room is Elkin’s artist
collective. Local artisans join with boutique
owners in this unique space that is a
shopper’s dream. Touted as an indoor
artisan market, the November Room has the
best artisan crafts the region has to offer.
You’ll find pottery, woodwork, painting,
soaps, honey, textiles, jewelry, leather work,
and local wines. Interestingly, the November
Room has their own line of honey and tea,
and a line of beauty products. A coffee
shop on-site makes for a pleasant olfactory
experience, and artisan desserts are also
sold. Be sure to purchase some local Yadkin
Valley Wine as well.
The November Room also offers classes
in painting, ceramics, chalk couture,
decoupage, and barn quilt painting.

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Yadkin Valley Quilts

235 East Main St, Elkin

Yadkin Valley Quilts is not just a store. It’s a
quilting studio. You can visit owners Andrae
and Tim DeHaan as they make quilts, and
learn from their experiences as quilters.

As she came from a quilting family, Andrae
has been quilting most of her life. Her first
quilt was a puff quilt stuffed with nylon
hose. Her husband had never quilted
before he met Andrae. Watching her quilt
piqued his interest, but it wasn’t until a
long recovery from illness left him bored
enough to take the leap and learn the craft.

They work together to create an environment
like the Quilting Bees of the past. They
maintain a tranquil setting because they
know that quilting can be therapeutic.

The two offer classes to beginners and
experienced quilters. They also offer
quilt kits, blocks of the month, quilt-
alongs, open-sew times, and more. The
shop is also known for embroidery, and
the couple offers custom embroidery.

Yadkin Valley Quilts can create your
custom quilt. If you’ve pieced together
a top, they can also use their Innova
Longarm machine to finish your quilt.

The quilt shop also features a store that sells
a variety of local artisan crafts. Stop in for “All
your Quilty Pleasures.”

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Authentic
Comfortable
Professional
Distinguised

828-475-1323

eckardphotographic.com

Blue Ridge Woodcrafters

593 Andrews Ridge Road, Sparta

John Brady spent his earlier years as a teacher and a principal. It was a job he enjoyed, but
he went straight to the woodshop when he retired. Brady opened Blue Ridge Woodcrafters
in 2009. The 5,000 square foot workshop provides plenty of space for Brady to create nearly
anything he can imagine.
He especially likes to create useful items made from different kinds of wood, pieced
together. Cutting boards are a specialty, but there isn’t much he can’t make. He’ll also take
custom orders.
Brady sources his cherry, walnut, pine, and other woods, mostly from Alleghany County but
all from North Carolina. Visitors can check out the workshop and shop in the gallery, which
houses pieces from John Brady and Woodcrafts by Hedrick. You can also find Brady’s work
at Alleghany County Arts and Crafts. Call ahead at (336) 372-1710.

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woodcrafts by Hedrick

593 Andrews Ridge Road, Sparta

The Hedricks happily spend their days crafting wooden toys,
side by side. They both came to their love of woodworking
after retiring. But “retiring” hasn’t slowed them down. They
create wooden toys for children and collectors. The couple
continuously innovates and creates new patterns and tools.
Especially popular are their vehicles, which include monster
trucks, racers like the ones seen below, family cars, fighter
planes, and vintage pickup trucks, to name a few. They also
make puzzles and several other toy designs. But they don’t
only build toys. One of their best-sellers is a wooden squirrel
meant to help you pull out and push in a hot oven rack.
David and Annarealwayshappytohelpcustomers with custom
projects, including modernizing old fixtures and chandeliers and building furniture and lamps.
The Hedricks have their workshop in the upstairs space in Blue Ridge Woodcrafters. Their work is
available for sale at their gallery and Alleghany County Arts and Crafts. Call ahead at (336) 372-1710.

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AlleGhany Arts & Crafts

18 South Main Street, Sparta

This art collective is positively
delightful. It was formed in 2003
by a group of artists who needed
a place to sell their work. Each of
the artists spends time working at
the gallery, which fosters a unique
sense of community and purpose.

Nestled away in downtown
Sparta, just miles away from the
Virginia border, this store appears
unassuming until you step inside.

The collective features artists that
work in a wide variety of mediums.
Baskets by Deborah Patridge
cover a wall. They are crafted and
dyed with natural materials. She
uses traditional techniques and
patterns, but she also allows the
material to guide her designs.

You’ll find work from John
Brady here, including many
sizes of cutting boards. There
is also a large selection of toys
by Woodcrafts by Hedrick.

The product line at Alleghany
Arts and Crafts includes fine
art paintings, photography,
pottery, painted glass, jewelry,
quilts, clothing, knitting and
crocheting, baskets, toys, cutting
boards, lazy Susan’s, cards,
jams and jellies, to leather,
woodwork and much more.

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We especially enjoy the line of pottery that includes functional pieces and dramatic sculptures.
Phyllis Haile’s innovative work invites discussion and forces one to think about our relationship
with nature.
The collective is a non-profit whose mission is to support and serve artists and craftspeople by
engaging the community through the sale of art and crafts and promoting education, exhibits,
special programs, and events.

Artists include: Kay Bodeen – Author, John Brady – Woodworking, Aida Brodt – Knitting and
sewing, Sherry Cahn – Acrylic Pour and Jewelry, Carol Collins – Dolls, Pratt Davis – Author
Elizabeth Davis – Acrylic and oil paintings, Deb Donaldson – Hand-dyed fabrics and mixed
media art, Tina Duffey – Pottery, Edward Farr – Photography, Brenda Frizzell – Oil Paintings
Butch Godwin – Wood turning, Alison Gracey – Pottery, Phyllis Haile – Pottery, Steve Heckman –
PVC Birds, David Hedrick – Wooden Toys and décor, Charlotte Logan – Author, Lee Mercer – Live
edge furniture, Elaine Moretz – Glass collage, Alecia Nehls – Acrylics, Jewelry and Woodburning
Deborah Partridge – Baskets, Brenda Priest – Pen & Ink, Stephanie Ray – Felting and Jewelry,
Liz Redding – Acrylics on Glass and Wood, Acrylic Pour, Martha Simpson – Wood Turning, am
Sundstrom – Jewelry and Alcohol Inks, Dennis Trimble – Wood Carving, and Susan Worrell –
Sewing and Jellies/Jams.

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Mangum-Cater on main

24 South Main Street, Sparta

Robin Mangum (seen below) started making pottery in 1974 when he and
his wife Bet opened Mangum Pottery of Turkey Knob. Together, they made
pottery that gained national acclaim. Since Bet’s passing in 2009, Mangum
has continued to make pottery that stuns, including dramatic sculptures.
In 2013, he opened Mangum-Cater on Main with his friends, talented
potters Daniel and Robin (shown on the next page) Cater. Daniel Cater
focuses on hand-built forms with a contemporary influence. Robin
Mangum creates one-of-a-kind whimsical forms using underglazes and slips.
The downtown space features a gallery downstairs and a workshop upstairs.
Both functional pieces and sculptures are featured in the gallery as well as
decorative pieces. They take surprising forms, and make excellent use of color,
especially natural earth tones. Visitors can walk upstairs to a professional
workspace complete with wheels, slab roller, glazing area, and kilns.

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It’s rare to have three potters of this caliber
working in the same space. Don’t miss the
opportunity to watch these artists work!

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Three Crows metalworks

28 West Whitehead Street, Sparta

Three Crows Metalworks offers intricate, beautifully crafted jewelry. Diane Morrison took
jewelry making classes with her daughter Maggie, and they both realized they had an affinity
for it. They studied and practiced, and eventually husband/father Lou decided he’d have more
fun if he joined them.
In 2019, the three opened a store in Downtown Sparta. They are dedicated to using recycled
copper and silver, ethically mined gemstones, and eco-friendly packaging, and to being good
stewards in the community.
Daughter Maggie grew up in Sparta, graduated from Salem College with a degree in Studio
Art. She lives in Harlem, teaches 4th grade, and has a studio in her home where she fabricates
jewelry. Maggie creates a large variety of items for the store, to include unique one-of-a-kind
rings and beautiful collections of jewelry crafted from Owyee Picture Jasper which resembles
the NC mountains.
Shop Three Crows Metalworks and you’ll probably see Diane working, perhaps metalsmithing or
demonstrating Cloisonné techniques. Cloisonné refers to enamel-work, where powdered glass
or gemstones are separated by thin, flat metal wires, then melted. Dianne creates beautiful
scenes in her enamel-work, with a focus on natural vistas. You may also see Lou making chain
mail and hammered copper jewelry.

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The building that houses the artisans was built in the 1940s, and the history feels almost
palpable. The shop is impressive, selling a variety of sterling cuff bracelets, pendants, chains,
and rings with and without precious and/or semi-precious gemstones. Much of the jewelry
offered here has natural themes, like mountain scenes, rivers, sunrises, sunset, birds, owls,
and flowers. The use of natural gemstones further roots the work in nature. This unique
jewelry store is sure to impress!

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Pottery Place

555 North Main Street, Sparta

Pottery Place is located in a house in Downtown Sparta built by Joe Finney for
Emma and F. A. Mitchell in the 1930s. It’s now owned by cousins Sara Harper (the
great-granddaughter of F. A. Mitchell) and Tina Duffey. They have more than 75
years of experience making pottery between the two of them. Other featured
artists include Tim Lewis, Walt McMillan, Martha Honaker, and Cindy Pardue.
Pottery Place is also a wonderful place to view antiques, as they are scattered
among the five rooms in the house. At Pottery Place, you can purchase mugs,
bowls, plates, tile work, flower arrangers, and nativity scenes. Visitors can also find
quilts, including baby quilts and matching stuffed bears, photography, watercolors,
Intaglio prints, slumped and fused glass, carved gourds, and quilted pictures. Work
from other artists includes antiques, felted bowls, recycled tin, and barn quilts.
Pottery Place is open on Fridays and Saturdays from May until “just before Christmas.”

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Sunset fiber works

3249 Swaringen Road, Traphill

Mary and John Freas are interested in a slower, more traditional life. Sunset Fiber Works
is built on land that has been in John’s family for six generations. The Foxfire Books have
been instrumental in preserving the older ways of life, and this couple used the books
to build their log cabin. The couple raises bees and cattle, and Mary works with fiber.
When Mary and John were married, she didn’t know how to weave. John’s aunt promised
to give Mary a loom if Mary would learn to use it. It turns out she had a natural affinity
for weaving and has been working with fiber ever since.
John’s great-aunt was Lucy Morgan, an important woman in the Craft Revival who
founded Penland School for Crafts. One of the looms that Mary now uses to weave and
teach was used by Lucy at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Bringing Appalachian crafts to
a worldwide audience was a defining goal of the Craft Revival, and weaving at the World
Fair was a crucial moment.
Sunset Fiber Works also has a shop where, depending on Mary’s productivity, you can
purchase hand-woven items like dish towels, placemats, wraps, throws, totes, pillows,
hats, and hand-spun yarn. Arrangements can be made for weaving or spinning lessons.
Open by appointment, so call ahead at (336) 957-2753.

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Wilkes county hardware

324 10th Street, North Wilkesboro

You might be wondering why a hardware store is included in this list. It’s because this quaint
hardware store features a quite large selection of handmade, traditional Appalachian crafts.
This business still operates much as it did when it first started in the 1940s. The building has
one of the oldest working freight elevators in the state, and the building keeps much of its
original charm.
Before this building was a hardware store, it was a chicken and turkey processing plant.
Farmers would herd their poultry flocks down the mountain and into the building.
They’d be processed and shipped out on the nearby trains. In the 40s and 50s, the
store sold many items needed to make moonshine. Wilkes was the moonshine capital
of the state, so we imagine selling the needed supplies was a solid business model.

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Today, many still buy 97
their tools here because
of the personalized
service. They always
know just what you need,
and they are happy to
help.

Wilkes County Hardware
is also a great place
to hang out. An old
wood stove serves as a
centerpiece, and chairs
circle it. One particular
rocking chair is marked
with a plaque, naming
it the chair of the late
Harry Galifianakis, who
sat there most days while
he chatted.

But, Wilkes County
Hardware made our list
because of the artisan
crafts they offer. We are
particularly impressed by
the woodwork of Keegan
Watson. Dramatic bowls
and a myriad of other
items.

Stunning traditional
basketry lines the walls.
A wide variety of pottery
is also available.

Handmade soaps, local
honey, wooden signs,
wind chimes, kitchen
crochet wash rags, and
natural bug repellent
are also available. The
selection is impressive,
and it’s matched by
a similar selection of
artisan foods, including
granola, local honey, local
molasses, BBQ sauce,
peanuts, and Moravian
cookies—all made right
here in North Carolina.

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Taupe Gallery

305 10th Street, North Wilkesboro

Jim Lyall and Steve Key visited the North Carolina
mountains and fell in love with the art they found.
Fascinated by the colors, form, and unique Appalachian
flavor of the arts and crafts they found in the region, the
two decided to open an art gallery/shop.
In 2010, they opened Taupe Gallery in downtown North
Wilkesboro. The two clearly have an eye for art and their
store is filled with truly beautiful and unique pieces.
Walking through the store feels like walking through a
very nice museum, but you can purchase the items that
move you.
This gallery is a curated collection of beautiful, often
functional art. The pieces they select are fresh, and
many seem infused with life. Walking into the store is
an uplifting experience filled with exciting colors and
textures. Don’t miss this unique shop!

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F.A.R.M. Cafe, Inc. is a non-profit, pay-what-you-can community cafe that operates
primarily with volunteers. They prepare high-quality, delicious meals
produced from local sources whenever possible and served in a
restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. They
are always in need of volunteers and donations.
Their Full Circle program is a food recovery and
redistribution project that’s proving very beneficial to their
community! Find out more about donating and volunteering
here: farmcafe.org/get-involved.

617 W King St, Boone, NC 28607 828-386-1000

AD DONATED BY STEVE AND LORI WATSON FOUNDATION