(New Member Orientation at the Folk Art Center, March 6, 2012 - shown left to right:
John Turner, Tony Dills, Greg Shaffer, JJ Brown, Simona Rosasco,
Paul Weller, Shelby Mihalevich,
Harry Hearne, Patte Vanden Berg, Lucy Gibson, Bob Gibson, Barb Butler,
Donata Jones, Beth Andrews, David Wright)

The following artists were accepted into the Southern Highland Craft Guild following the first jury of 2012:

Beth Andrews
Greer, SC
FIBER

JJ Brown and Simona Rosasco
Fyreglas Studio
Bakersville, NC
GLASS

Barb Butler
Sutherland Handweaving
Asheville, NC
FIBER

Tony Dills
Weaverville, NC
WOOD

Karen Donde
Candler, NC
FIBER

Robert and Lucy Gibson
Cruso Studios
Canton, NC
MIXED MEDIA

Harry Hearne
Turning Point Clay Studio
Murphy, NC
CLAY

Donata Jones
Bostic, NC
FIBER (HERITAGE)

Alex Matisse
East Fork Pottery
Marshall, NC
CLAY

Shelby Mihalevich
SMetal Designs
Waynesville, NC
JEWELRY, MIXED MEDIA

Annette Romines
Pigeon Forge, TN
FIBER

Denissa Schulman
Skyland, NC
FIBER

Greg Shaffer
Three Springs Forge
Bristol, VA
METAL

John Turner
Reidville, SC
CLAY

Patte Vanden Berg
Pattecoats
Asheville, NC
FIBER

Paul Weller
Aero Pablo Designs
Asheville, NC
METAL

David Wright
Tazewell, TN
WOOD (HERITAGE)

This post is first in the series, "Book Report," which will review new acquisitions to the Robert W. Gray Library here at the Folk Art Center. The author of the series is Guild librarian and

archivist, Deb Schillo.

The Robert W. Gray Library at the Folk Art Center was able to add several new titles to the collection this month. We are keeping an eye on Lark's 500 series, since the books often include the work of Guild members. We added 500 Vases, 500 Tables, and 500 Raku. We also purchased the latest Foxfire books, so we now have all 12 volumes.

Of special interest to our membership is a new book titled Heirlooms & Artifacts of the Smokies, Treaures from the National Park's Historical Collection. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park artifact collection contains prehistoric items such as arrowheads and pottery shards, so the book begins there with a sampling of items that have been cataloged for their collection. In the 1930s and 40s collecting did not focus on Cherokee objects, leaving that field of research to the Cherokee Historical Commission and their own collections. Rather the park supervisors were interested in preserving a sense of what life in this isolated area was like for early pioneers right up to the time that people began leaving their mountain cabins.

The book is concerned with the artifacts left by early settlers in the Great Smokies region. Chapters are divided into the various occupations and needs of isolate families. For instance Farm & Field includes photos of tools used for planting, harvesting, tending livestock, clearing forests, and trapping animals - all items made by regional artisans. Crafts such as Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Spinning and Weaving, and Quilting merit their own chapters. Looking at the photographs of the old artifacts gives one a sense of the rugged, unadorned life of Appalachian immigrants. As the opening section states "To scratch with a garden hoe, day after day, in a rocky hillside cornpatch had to be exhausting work. To wear out that hoe, and start on a new one, simply taxes comprehension. This book is about the people who did that kind of work, and the tools they used to do it."

Aside from the object photographs there are historical photographs of the people who lived on this land. Nearly all of the people photographed have been identified. Former Guild members Matt and Mary Ownby are shown making rifles. Claude Huskey, a relative of current Guild members is shown working at the draw horse to shape a chair leg.

Each chapter is introduced with a brief essay about why the objects were important to their owners and how they were used. Seeing the old tools in their rough condition adds to the story and the sense of connection one feels with these artifacts. It is not difficult to imagine the isolated families and the strength it took to survive in these mountains. As Guild members, there is a special connection to the items in this book. Whether or not you grew up in the Appalachian mountains, by living here and working with crafts you help to keep the traditions and the story of mountain folk alive.

About the Robert W. Gray Library:

The mission of the Robert W. Gray Library is to collect, preserve, and make available for research materials concerning the appreciation and knowledge about traditional and contemporary crafts - particularly the craft heritage of the Southern Appalachian region.

Library materials relate to craft work from around the world and in all media with historical background as well as "how-to" information. There are also materials on regional history and development.

The collection contains over 7,000 books and exhibition catalogs, 45 current periodical titles as well as many that have been donated and are no longer available. A recent addition is an audio-visual area where visitors may choose from over 100 craft-related videos.

While the resources do not circulate, the materials are available for use on site.

The Library is open whenever the Folk Art Center is open- every day from 9-6 (5pm in winter). It is housed on the second floor, to the left of the receptionist desk. The collection catalog is available on the library's computer at all times and a librarian is present four day's a week ( T-W-Th-F ) to assist users.

Editor's Note: This post is the first in a series called "From the Archives" - a look back at the people who served and helped shape the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The author of the series is Bonnie Krause. Bonnie works at Allanstand Craft Shop and volunteers in the
SHCG Library.

O.J. Mattil

O.J. Mattil, he never used his first name Otto, was born in 1896 in Chattanooga, TN and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Tennessee in 1920. From 1922 to 1929 as an agricultural extension agent for the University of Tennessee, he taught vocational education, agriculture and woodworking at the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School High School. His wife Francis was a public health nurse for the school. Mattil taught wood shop, animal husbandry, horticulture and poultry raising and visited rural farmers, giving advice on crop rotation and fruit tree pruning. His early visits to farmers along primitive mountain roads were on horses that he cared for at the school along with cattle. On later trips he drove his Ford, carrying the first movie projector seen in the area, showing new farming method films at small local school houses.

Mattil created the first woodshop at Pi Beta Phi School funded through the industrialist Louis E. Voorhees of Cincinnati. Voorhees would later donate his Tennessee property and buildings for the founding of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the shop students constructed cabinets, furniture, mountain furniture reproductions, miniature beds and chests. He researched, searching remote mountain homes, then reproduced traditional mountain designs in his pieces as well as creating new designs. Many of the Gatlinburg, TN woodcarvers such as Carl Huskey studied and worked under Mattil and created their own woodshops and carving businesses.

In the 1930s - 40s Mattil taught adult education at the Tennessee Valley Authority Center in Norris, TN after the TVA created the lake and electrification at Oak Ridge. Many of his students were workers on the 1933 dam construction. He worked with the Civil Conservation Corp (CCC) and with young men in thirty-four east Tennessee counties.

Mattil joined the Guild at its official founding in 1932 representing his business Woodcrafters and Carvers. He participated in the first traveling exhibition of the Guild in 1933 under the American Federation of Arts sponsorship. That show with over 500 items traveled to Washington, D.C., New York, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Virginia and Kentucky. Mattil served on the Guild Board over 34 years, being President from 1937 to 1940and 1966 to 1967. He was regarded as "Mr. Craftsman's Fair" by assisting with the Guild fair from its founding in 1948 and leading its organization and set-up for 43 fairs. When the TVA founded the craft organization, Southern Highlanders, Mattil participated on the Board of Directors until it joined the Guild in the 1950s. He served on the Guild's Old Crafts Committee which supported a museum of old crafts for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park resulting in the historic farm at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Mattil was awarded a Guild Life Membership in 1965 and was declared "Director Emeritus" of the Guild in 1971. He died in 1976. Mattil and his woodworking were mentioned several times in Allen Eaton's Handicrafts of the Southern Highlands. Mattil and his incredible volunteerism over three-quarters of the twentieth century contributed significantly to the success of crafts and craft organization in the Southern Highlands.

Oscar Cantrell, blacksmith, and O.J. Mattill, photo taken at the 1959 Craftsmen's Fair

Claudia and John work on a collaborative project at Yummy Mud Puddle.

There are many paths which lead people to settle in the mountains of western North Carolina. For Claudia Dunaway the move to Burnsville was a sort of homecoming. She grew up in Reidsville, NC and has fond memories of visiting the mountains in her childhood. For her husband, John Richards – home is where Claudia is (and, of course, he fell in love with the amazing natural beauty of the area and the thriving arts community). The artists (Claudia is a potter and John is a sculptor) form Yummy Mud Puddle – the site of two studios and one gorgeous view. Claudia creates hand thrown stoneware and porcelain fired in a gas reduction kiln. John works with mixed media and found objects to make sculptures, lamps, and jewelry.

Claudia and John moved to Yancey County in 2003. By 2005 they were both members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. John recalls visiting the area before the move and one of the places which resonated with him, assuring him this was the right place for them was the Folk Art Center. He appreciated Allanstand Craft Shop and the exhibition galleries and their obvious support of regional craftspeople. Their work is now represented at the Folk Art Center, Guild Crafts, Parkway Craft Center and Arrowcraft.

Claudia’s attachment to the Guild was formed years earlier. Her mother was a lifelong advocate of the arts and took Claudia year after year to Guild fairs – in Gatlinburg and later in Asheville. She grew up wanting to be a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. After her graduation from UNC – Greensboro she studied under legendary potter and SHCG member Charles Counts at Rising Fawn in Georgia.

Claudia and John have been blown away by the inspiring and supportive community in Yancey and Mitchell County. With its close proximity to Penland, the area is a mecca for talented craftspeople. The couple (who have each lived in several other art towns) notes that it is like no other place on earth – not only the quality of work being made but the amazing support that is provided by other artists and area galleries. They are both involved with the Toe River Arts Council and regularly participate in the TRAC studio tours. Claudia also regularly exhibits at the Spruce Pine Potters Market. She also plans to exhibit at the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, perhaps in October 2012.

Spending time at Yummy Mud Puddle is an opportunity to see a couple creating not only art, but living life as an artful collaboration. As business partners they share responsibilities. For example, Claudia handles the online elements and computer-related aspects of their work, and John makes regular trips to galleries to deliver work and check in with buyers. As artists they bounce ideas off one another and occasionally collaborate for exhibitions. They enjoy their lifestyle, living moment to moment, embracing the risks and solitude afforded craftspeople, and making up their own rules as they go along.

John and Claudia will be participating in an exhibition of their work at
W.B. Tatter Studio/Gallery in St. Augustine, FL.
Artists' Reception
Saturday, January 28, 5 - 9pm

Did you know that there are nearly 500 fiber animal farms in western North Carolina and 400o fiber artists? I didn’t either until reading about Handmade in America’s new exhibition, Farm to Fashion in a recent Asheville Citizen-Times article. Yesterday I had the opportunity to check it out at HIA.

The show, which is sponsored by Echo View Fiber Mill in Weaverville, explores the fiber community in North Carolina, raising awareness about the importance of handmade clothing and bringing to light the networks which are being created to bring the raw materials of fiber arts into the hands of craftspeople. The exhibition not only highlights the final product, but the raw materials from which the art begins including sheep’s wool and plant materials used in natural dyeing.

Objects featured include coverlets, shawls, scarves, hats, and handbags using felt, wool, cotton and repurposed materials. Styles range from traditional to contemporary, all showing a mastery of skill and design. Many Southern Highland Craft Guild members are active in the locally sourced movement and have work in the show. The list includes: Mary Nichols, Teena Tuenge, Edwina Bringle, Eileen Hallman, Cassie Dickson, Dede Styles, as well as Haywood Community College and the Crossnore Weaving School.

This video, "Natural Dyeing with Dede Styles" is on display in the exhibition:

Here is more information from Judi Jetson of Handmade in America about the network of suppliers and artists working together to build the local fiber economy:

The WNC Fibershed Initiative's Mission:

To sustain and encourage the growth of the regional fiber and textile arts economy and professions through collaboration, education and innovation.

Approach: A group based in Asheville, North Carolina has started an initiative to grow the regional fiber economy, focusing on craft artists, fiber animal farmers and emerging fiber mills and processing businesses. Based on strategies of adding value to locally harvested materials and substituting local products for imports, they have identified 8 areas for attention:

· Develop an on-line directory of sources, makers & users of fiber, including

o Fiber Artists

o Guilds and associations

o Research and trade organizations

o Schools and colleges with fiber programs

o Retail stores and boutiques carrying local fiber and locally crafted garments

o Fashion & home furnishing designers

o Local manufacturers and custom mills

· Develop an online calendar for events and classes

· Estimate and track the size of the fiber economy

· Organize textile shows and tours

· Start a Textile Study Group

· Study feasibility for a Community Dye studio & Textile Center

· Support Fiber Entrepreneurship and identify $ for new fiber-related ventures

· Advocate wearing & making garments from the local Fibershed

Interested in Joining? contact Judi at jjetson@handmadeinamerica.org or call 828-252-0121, ext 304

Making a Corn Shuck Doll with Jan Morris

Beginning with natural corn shucks

And hand-dyed corn shucks

Making the doll's head

And arms

The doll's body

And skirt and apron

Finally the dolls are ready for a hike at the Folk Art Center.

Usually a studio conversation takes place at an artist's home or business, but in the case of Guild member Jan Morris, a conversation in the lobby at the Folk Art Center made just as much sense. It made sense not just because she is a regular craft demonstrator there, but because, throughout her life, Jan has made her studio wherever she is. Whether in a classroom at AB Tech or an elementary school, or at a craft fair or bazaar, or at her own dining room table, Jan has been making things and sharing her love and expertise with the world around her. Last week Jan was kind enough to teach April and Janet how to make a corn shuck doll.

Jan Morris became a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild in 1982. She was making things by hand well before that, though. She started making pine cone wreaths and other decorations in the 1950s. One of her teachers was Mrs. Leonard Miller of the Sandy Mush Community in Buncombe County. When Jan asked Mrs. Miller if she could teach her, Mrs. Miller said she couldn't because her methods were trade secrets. In the next breath she added, "But there's nothing to stop you from watching me." Through the years Jan would develop her own methods and teach others the art of working with natural materials. She developed a strong friendship with Guild member Ann Buchanan and together the two taught each other.

Jan Morris became a professional craftsperson in the seventies. In 1972, her husband, Clyde D. Morris Jr., died. With children still at home Jan knew she must provide for them. While being a single mother is challenging in 2011, the difficulties back in 1975 were much greater. Employers were much less flexible and affordable childcare options were limited. At one point, Jan had to choose between a good-paying job and being with her kids on Sundays. Jan made the decision to become a craftsperson so that she could be home with her children. Jan joined the High Country Crafters and took several marketing classes. She made wreaths and other decorations and started teaching classes. She taught at AB Tech, Warren Wilson, Montreat, and area elementary schools. To create a more diverse body of work, Jan also started making corn shuck dolls. She recalls admiring the work May Deschamp at the Guild Craftmen's Fairs held at the City Auditorium in Asheville long before she became a member of the Guild. Eventually Jan would also begin wheat weaving, an artform she has perfected over the years.

In addition to demonstrating at the Folk Art Center, Jan also volunteers her time at Guild special events throughout the year. She and Guild member Sandra Rowland work with children at Fiber Day, Clay Day, Wood Day and Heritage Weekend. She enjoys working with children and being a part of the Guild community.

April Nance, Janet Wiseman, Jan Morris

SHCG Annual Meeting 2011 Arrowmont

Mary Dashiell works with Douglas Atchley in ceramic workshop.

Jen Swearington led a screenprinting workshop.

Screenprinting workshop

Tom Roberson of the Asheville Visitor Center received the Honorary Membership Award.
(shown: April Nance, Lila Bellando, Tom Roberson)

Mike Hensley received the Heritage Craft Affiliate Award.

Homer Sales received the Heritage Craft Affiliate Award.

Ed Brinkman received Lifetime Membership Award.
(shown: Lila Bellando, Ed Brinkman, Hugh Bailey)

On Saturday, April 16, 2011 the Southern Highland Craft Guild held its 81st Annual Meeting at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. Prior to the Guild’s business meeting, special awards were presented.

Tom Roberson, Director of Visitor Services at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, received an Honorary Membership award. Honorary Membership awards are bestowed upon individuals for outstanding service or significant contributions to the Guild.

Mike Hensley, a blacksmith from Spruce Pine, NC, received the Heritage Craft Affiliate Membership award. This award is given to the traditionally trained man or woman, born or raised in the Guild region, whose work in an indigenous craft reflects the highest level of achievement and perpetuation of folk art in the Guild region. Homer Sales, a rifle maker from Fairview, NC also received the Heritage Craft Affiliate award.

Ed Brinkman, a ceramicist from Burnsville, NC and member since 1972 received the Lifetime Membership award which is given to active individual members in honor of outstanding service to the Guild.

Following the Awards Ceremony the 2011 business meeting was conducted and new members of the Board of Trustees were appointed. The Board members are: Teresa Brittain of Oak Ridge, TN (President), Tom Bauman of Asheville, NC (Vice President), Freida Terrell of Clyde, NC (Treasurer), Sandra Rowland of Murphy, NC (Secretary), Lila Bellando of Berea, KY, Hugh Bailey of Knoxville, TN, Rob Mangum of Weaverville, NC, Mary Dashiell of Meadows of Dan, VA and Alan Hollar of Newland, NC.