Artisans

Iredell County, NC

My father was a wood carver working in the Ball in Cage style and while I started at an early age but was sporadic in my efforts. We had both used exacto tools but at thirty began heating with wood and cutting my own fuel. I kept the larger and most special varieties that I found and began carving again. This is when I changed tools to the European style chisel and gouges with occasional mallet use. I still use the saved firewood as a source much of the time. This shows in the checks and cracks in the wood but as it is seasoned the danger of these cracks becoming large and damaging the subject is most remote. Think of them as you would wrinkles on an old face.

Wilkes County, NC

There’s nothing profound or mysterious to be found here- I paint because I love to paint. I enjoy finding a beautiful composition in the commonplace as well as the extraordinary landscapes that surround us in the Western North Carolina. It’s not always easy but when everything comes together the creation of a successful painting that will be appreciated for years to come is a very self-fulfilling endeavor. The challenge of learning how to create that success and the artist friends I’ve met who share the same passion has also been a great pleasure. I began my career as an artist late in life and soon understood the profound words of French Artist Edgar Degas that ‘Painting is easy when you don’t know how, difficult when you do’. The learning challenge is a lifelong pursuit, but one that provides great rewards.

Watauga County, NC

Photographing nature and traveling to unspoiled natural places... those are two of the things I enjoy most. I spent countless hours in my youth wandering the mountains and streams of northwest North Carolina, and it was there that my love of the natural world was born and nurtured. Later in life, nature photography grew from those early experiences. I completed course work with the New York Institute of Photography and my cameras and lenses became the focus of my time outdoors. My work is concentrated on the southern Appalachians in general and the Blue Ridge in particular, but also includes many images from places farther afield. My images are sold in limited editions and are individually signed and numbered with certificates of authenticity. I hope my photographs inspire others to a greater appreciation of wild or preserved natural places.

Wilkes County, NC

“I have always been drawn to beauty, whether in the art of calligraphy, the human form, or the design elements in nature. I believe in the divinity of a creator who took into account every unique detail of each subject, and I strive to honor His creation. It is my hope that as you view my paintings you will experience a sense of serenity and joy that will remind you of the beauty all around us, if we will take the time and have eyes to see.” ~ Deb Sosebee

Wilkes County, NC

Mia Milani Design was born out of creativity and love of beanies. I design knit and crochet clothing, accessories and home decor. My inspiration comes from what I see and the materials that I use. I like to use wearable breathable materials that allow for easy care and wear. As a local artisan I strive to perfect my craft by learning new techniques and styles. This allows me to produce one of a kind items.

Iredell County, NC    

While working at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture I became interested in wood working. In 1994 I received a table saw from my co-workers as a retirement gift. The next week while traveling I purchased a small wood turned bowl in an artisan shop in Georgia. During that trip I also visited a store building that was a grocery store in a previous life and where I had conducted many inspections during my career at NCDOA. that grocery store now housed wood turned items for sale. After seeing wooden bowls and vases I was inspired to venture into the world of woodturning.

Watauga County, NC

Blowing Rock, NC

I am a leather artisan who creates eco-conscious and one-of-a-kind accessories for men and women. My business name is Primavera Leathers, specializing in what I call "pro-impact" leathers that each have positive social and/or environmental attributes that are moving us in the direction of harmony with the planet that sustains us all. The leathers I use are free-range, re-purposed and chemical free leathers. A portion of the proceeds from my work goes to support wildlife conservation.

Wilkes County, NC

I have been drawn to creativity in all forms throughout my life and I have taken the opportunity to explore many types of media. I’ve enjoyed painting, glass blowing, jewelry and clock making, computer graphics even a black smith! But in 2009 I took a beginner’s pottery class at the Wilkes Art Gallery and found a passion in me for clay. I love its versatility and hands on quality.

Watauga County, NC

Working primarily in oil on canvas, Jack Hamrick uses his unique impressionist style to create original paintings that arouse our instinctive visceral response to complimentary colors and patterns in the natural environment.