Carolina Crafting

Our latest video is uploaded. This time we visit with the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Assoc. in Blueridge, GA. (www.brmaa.net) Executive Director Sarah Verner and Bill Groce explain their mission, current happenings and futute plans for the center. We meet Lynn Dwyer (lynndwyer.com) and Anthony Abreu (www.anthonyabreu.com) artists who both have had their work on display at the center. Our next show will feature Bill Gross of the arts center demonstrating his woodcarving of realistic birds. Then a special show we shot in Anchorage, Alaska in June at the Saturday Market.

My trip to Alaska was more business than pleasure. I spent a month there and learned a lot about our 49th state. I found new friends, some interesting food and lots of artists.

I actually met someone who has a home in Hanging Dog, NC. She introduced me to the market they have on the weekends in Anchorage. There, I met some wonderful artists.  I’ll tell you all about them as the summer goes on, leading up to the special we shot there. I didn’t get to talk to all the folks I had wanted to, but you will get the feel of what it is like.

Craft show season is in full force here so be sure to go out and support your local artists. It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping.

Just Jackie

Our latest episode features Sherry Tanner a clay artist in Murphy, North Carolina. Sherry demonstrates how she makes a small clay piggy. Sherry designs all sorts of clay pots, animals and jugs in the folk art style. Head up to our “Videos” tab and watch as Sherry shows you the basics of working with clay.

Recently we had a chance to travel to Anchorage, Alaska. So while there we interviewed several crafters at the Saturday Market in Anchorage. This is a wonderful venue that gathers together artists, crafters, musicians, and great food every Saturday from May to September. Look for these segments later this summer.

Another great segment from Judy Peppers. This time Judy demonstrates how to make a wire wrap ring out of gold filled wire. This will give you some idea of what goes into such a project. You can visit her web site at www.judypeppers.com and see some of her great work. Judy also has a shop in Brasstown, North Carolina. Select “Videos” from the menu above and have a look.