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Media: SAW Craft Related Venues Ceramics:

Artist Statement:

My work is inspired by my childhood time spent at Smith Mountain Lake and my family's farm in rural Bedford County , Virginia. As a child, my siblings and I were given the freedom to roam and explore the outdoors and nature without boundaries. I remember it as an idyllic time filled with imaginative play that usually involved the native animals of Virginia. Today, I aim to create one-of-a-kind clay sculptures that combine factual aspects of my favorite animals (frogs, fish, dinosaurs) with an interpretation that conveys a certain spirit in each piece. That's why while the form is as true to life as I can make it, the glaze effects are sometimes entirely my own invention. I prefer to think of my sculptures as having origins in fact — but, ultimately, inspire imaginative thought and maybe even flights of fancy.

Hours: Every first and third Saturday of the month 10 AM to 4 PM. And by appointment.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Elaine B Jewelry

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan, Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:  Metal,  Precious/Semi-Precious Stone,

Artist Statement:

All objects have the illusion of space, but my favorite ones are airy and simple yet thoughtful. This is especially important when it comes to the things that we wear. I create tiny sculptural worlds using traditional jewelry materials and incorporating geometric elements, to make objects that are light but have a weighty presence.

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:  Glass,

Kary Haun Studio

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Artist Statement:

In studying ceramics I have always been fascinated by the complex problem of integrating three essential elements of ceramic design: form, surface, and function. My forms are a wheel-thrown mixture of the mechanical and the whimsical, flowing lines juxtaposed with hard edges. With many pieces altered after they come off the wheel. The surfaces are then treated as a blank canvas. Rather than dipping or pouring glazes, I like the control of a sprayed surface mixed with the unexpected result of a wood ash glaze. What I love about creating functional pieces of art is the vision of their usefulness. The idea of the viewer or user having a relationship with the piece that speaks to their love of food and drink whether pouring, serving or sipping. While I am creating my work, I envision its function while giving it a reason to not simply be hidden behind a cabinet.

Juba Mountain Pottery, Susan Dienelt

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:  Functional,

Artist Statement:

My pots are fired in my gas fired salt kiln. I am fascinated by the interaction of the clay, salt and heat. I love each step of the process. It is a joy making pots that bring beauty to everyday life in the kitchen and at the table.

Hours: By appointment

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Glass:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Glass:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Baskets:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Metal:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Leather:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Glass:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Baskets:

Juried Status: Master Virginia Artisan

Media:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Glass:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Master Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Mixed Media:  Paper,

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Glass:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:

Artist Statement:

Bijou Graphique was started in 1995. Since that time, artists Dawn Estrin and George Wilson have combined forces to create a unique vision of what jewelry can be. The artists have lived and worked together for twenty years, both exploring many mediums and materials. Their work together reflects a common interest in themes such as art, romance, and humor. Dawn has pursued art since her teen years when she studied metalworking at the Cleveland Institute of Art. She holds a BFA in Fine Arts for painting and drawing. Later in life, she became interested in photography, a craft she taught herself and has practiced for 15 years. She draws on a vast collection of images used in the jewelry. George's interest in art also goes back to his early life. He has accumulated years of knowledge about a multiplicity of materials and techniques to design and build the jewelry. He conceives processes as well as making many of the tools used in their creation.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Leather:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:

Artist Statement:

When I was about six, I discovered my grandfather’s woodshop. I used scraps of wood to make toys for myself. As I grew older, I made bigger and more elaborate pieces; many of which I still use. In my teens, I discovered the metal shop at school. I learned how to make useful items from a new medium. On a whim, I took a pottery class. I had found an exciting new world in which to make things I could use! After becoming proficient in the basic skills, I delved into glaze formulation. I mix my own glazes and continue to develop new and exciting surfaces. The medium of clay requires skill more than tools to produce quality results. My hands and imagination are the most important tools I possess. My work consists of a wide range of functional, enjoyable, and artistic pottery, using glazes that are food safe. While I have not even come close to reaching my creative limits, my work is broad in scope and of the very best quality. My main source of inspiration comes from a desire to make something useful. My goal is to make useful objects that are a pleasure to use. By day I am a proud stay at home father to two daughters. Half of my studio space is devoted to a creative area for them to explore while I make pottery. Now my work brings happiness to them and many other lucky people. I have been making pots for 18 years but it really started twice that long ago with a few scraps of wood.

Geer's Creations, J. Gail Geer

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Stone:  Sculptural,

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Metal:  Sculptural,

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Fiber-Wearable:  Accessories, Jewelry:  Metal, Metal:  Sculptural, Stone:  Sculptural,

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:  Functional Accessories (non-wearable);  Furniture,

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Glass:  Functional (non-wearable),

The Yarn Boutique and Bead Shop, Marilyn Scott

Media: Fiber-Wearable:

Artist Statement:

From hats, purses, sweaters and beaded scarves, to earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Knitted and beaded creations to enhance anyone’s wardrobe.

Hours: By Appointment Only

Alberene Soapstone, Kierk Sorensen

Media: Stone:

Artist Statement:

Harvesting, processing, and fabricating soapstone from the world’s largest deposit of architectural soapstone from Schuyler quarries since 1883.

Hours: Mon–Fri 8–4

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media:

Artist Statement:

Ninni creates large cement sculptures & mosaic art in her historic home on the Rivanna River. Her art celebrates collaboration, form & color.

Hours: By appointment.

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Leather:  Accessories,

Artist Statement:

Soft, supple, top grain cowhide shoulder bags and accessories are personally designed and handcrafted. Classic styles and one of a kind pieces are available

Hours: Available at Valley Green Gallery, Nellysford VA. or by appointment by contacting me direct via email or phone.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:  Furniture,

Artist Statement:

Clients engage me to design and make furnishings they want but are unable to find in the commercial furniture market. I design in the style which fits the clients' own aesthetic values, their current furnishings and the setting in which the piece will function. When designing and building non-commissioned work, I enjoy furniture influenced by Scandinavian and Asian styling. The sentiment guiding my craft is, simply, wood well-used honors its Source, its maker and its patron.

Hours: By appointment

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Fiber-Decorative:  Quilts,  Wall Pieces,

Artist Statement:

Mary Beth Bellah is a quilt artist whose creations in fiber continue to challenge the definition of what we call quilts. Whimsical bed coverings with topsy turvy goat babies, free-standing teapots and rising 3D waves all come together within her mixed media approach to quilting. Exhibiting widely in both national and international juried/invitational exhibits her work frequently involves a unique combination of cotton, wire, recycled elements and thread which may be free standing or wall mounted.

Wayfarer Forge, Gerald Boggs

Media: Metal:  Functional Accessories (non-wearable),  Sculptural,

Artist Statement:

I'm a classically trained blacksmith living in the twenty-first century, but working as if I lived in the seventeenth. I use the four element: fire, earth, air and water to create the functional and artistic.

General Course Offerings:

I give private one on one lessons in the Craft of the Blacksmith.  Email me for more details

Media:

Artist Statement:

Unique walking sticks, tables, love seats, beds and chairs made from branches, roots, trunks and old planks.

Hours: Flexible

Jarvis Ceramics, Judson Jarvis

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:  Functional,

Artist Statement:

I make functional pottery. That statement by itself does not explain much, but putting it in print has carried some trepidation for me. I love making pots that people either use on a daily basis or just like to look at. Both aspects serve a function, the enrichment of people’s lives. The trepidation comes out of the internal conflict of my nature. New and old, control and spontaneity, introverted yet seeking connection with the outside, all are wrapped in my work and my working life. These issues are in my work but not in a way that is readily accessible by the viewer. It is always in my mind while I work. I have always thought of my work in terms of a house. The aspects that make a good pot function correctly (balance, heft, beginnings, endings, and proportions) are the foundation and structure of this metaphorical house. This house has a fenced yard and in that yard is where the interesting questions are raised. That fence represents the boundaries of my ideas of function, utility, design, my place in the ceramic and arts community. The fence has been contracted, expanded, built from scratch and leapt over to explore other yards. This all leads to my current work and the balancing act in which I am engaged. My love of functional pottery, Abstract Expressionism, Constructivism, and design are all in my mind while I am working. It is not a calculated formula; it is much more abstracted. The influences manifest themselves in subtle ways. The basis is the functional pot, but the function can be sacrificed slightly or greatly to let some of the other ideas come forward. Not everything in the studio is successful. It is the one safe place to learn from failure. What is harmed in the failure? The pot is scrapped and my thinking is slightly altered. The next pot begins and the balance is shifted. The changes are subtle but they are there. My current work is created using the potter’s wheel, hand building, simple hump-molds, and various combinations of all of these processes. The work is fired in a salt kiln that I built on my property. The salt firing interacts with my forms and surface decorations in interesting and visually exciting ways. My surroundings also influence my work. It could be an architectural element, a diseased leaf, the mountains, bird plumage. I never know what is going to strike me. These influences do not end up in the work as a copy of the original. A certain aspect or feeling is conveyed in a simple and somewhat abstracted way. Each firing is a little different. Each time I learn a little more. Each unloading stokes the fire to keep working and looking for that balance. judson jarvis

Hours: by appointment

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media:

Artist Statement:

From the mountains of Lovingston, Virginia, Steve combines his years of experience with welding, stone fabrication and logging to create sculptures from natural materials and found iron objects that are beautiful and classical in their presentation and intelligently humorous in their content and titles. They all seem to have a story to tell, just like Steve himself.

Hours: Sunday through Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Please call first if you need to see me.

Media: Ceramics:  Functional,

Artist Statement:

Noah makes stoneware pottery, firing with wood as a fuel for ash-glazed surfaces. He focuses on both functional kitchen-ware, and larger jars and vases.

Hours: By appointment

K Robins Designs

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:

Artist Statement:

In the late 1980’s my passion for the women’s movement began to drive my expression in art and craft. I began sculpting wood; now I carve wax and cast in mostly silver. The collection reflects my fascination and study of multi-cultural symbols and archetypes. Over a hundred pendants/small sculptures have been birthed in my Nelson County studio. Because the images were inspired by life’s challenges, triumphs and transitions, they often evoke emotional responses from viewers, wearers, and givers. Each design has its own name and a 'poem' that describes its essence. These days I enjoy hearing others use words such as talisman, amulet, medallion, totem and charm to describe the pendants.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-3:00 ( 434-361-2128)
We love having visitors!
Please Note: We are located at RVCC - #92,
not #15

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Fiber-Decorative:  Rugs,

Artist Statement:

I saw my first floor cloth 10 years ago in Colonial Williamsburg. I was so inspired by the bright colors and patterns of the painted canvas on the floor that I immediately started to research floor cloths and began creating my own designs. I find great joy in making floor cloths because I can employ my skills as a painter to create a floor covering that is beautiful, functional, and brings a historic craft into contemporary life. The designs I create are inspired by natural forms, geometric designs, and various decorative arts movements. My floor cloths are unique because of my painterly style in which I layer colors and capitalize on the brushstrokes to create richness and depth. In addition to floor cloths, I also make other canvas mats for the home using the same process: place mats, table mats, runners, coasters, book markers and pet mats.

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: SAW Artisan Studios Fiber-Wearable:  Accessories,  Felt, Fiber-Decorative:  Accessories (non-wearable),

Artist Statement:

After knitting and spinning with wool for forty years I have found my true passion in the art form of felting. The combinations of colors and textures of felt allow me to express myself in abstract as well as functional art. I specialize in both dry and wet felting. Dry felting, also called needle felting, entails the taking of dry natural wool and using special needles to draw the fibers together to create the art piece. Wet felting entails the combining of wool and other natural materials which are then moistened and agitated by hand to draw the fibers together. The range of my work primarily encompasses fiber sculptures, wall hangings, and wearable art. I have been fortunate to have studied from the best teachers in the field of felting. In the years ahead I look forward to continuing my exploration of this wonderful art form and lending my knowledge to those who share my passion.

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Glass:  Functional (non-wearable),  Sculptural,

Artist Statement:

I am captivated by the endless possibilities for creating surprise, beauty and inspiration through the interaction of light with the color and texture of stained glass. My non-traditional stained glass work often includes negative space, slab glass (dalle de verre), recycled glass items, found objects, and design elements which tend to push the bounds of this medium. Through organic design and artistic selection of glass, I hope to share with others the joy of light passing through the form, texture and color of stained glass.

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media:

Artist Statement:

I have been an artist for about 9 years. I do paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic and encaustics. I also do stain glass, fused & slumped glass, jewelry, fiber arts(silk painting & quilted wall hangings), leather & clay sculptures, among other things. I enjoy the learning process so am constantly studying new arts. I am a board member & Chairman of workshops at Shenandoah Valley Art Center and member of Central Va Watercolor Guild(President 2009). I helped to found Shenandoah Valley Painters Society in Waynesboro and the Holy Cross Painters, Batesville. I also am a member of the Piedmont Pastellists,Charlottesville. Prior to becoming an artist I owned a decorating business for 18 years.

Hours: I am open most Tue- Sat 11 to 5, Sundays 12 to 5. Call 540-456-6262. I will be closed Jan 24 thru March 15 2012.

General Course Offerings:

The open studio will be for anyone interested in watching the art being made.

Upcoming Events:

When I reopen March 15 I will be holding some open studio days.  Watch this site or my website www.RubyCanody.com for a listing of those dates. 

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:  Furniture,

Hours: Visitors always welcome - just call ahead.

Media: Glass:  Functional (non-wearable),  Sculptural,

Hours: Always open.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Mixed Media:  Sculptural,

Artist Statement:

My work involves the interactive edge where man and nature meet. I use fine craftsmanship with a multitude of materials to continue an energetic symbiosis with found objects of nature. The work is a healing between the psyche of man the environment.

Sugar Grove Studio, Nell J. Fredericksen

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:  Functional, Jewelry:  Metal,  Precious/Semi-Precious Stone,

Artist Statement:

As an artist my inspiration, passion and fascination has two aspects – the natural world and my fascination with the media themselves. First and foremost, the natural world, the beauty that I see in everything around me flows both consciously and subconsciously through all my designs. Second, I have a fascination with the materials that I use - the medium is where the passion lies, the hardness and softness, the ability of the metal or clay to take so many different shapes and forms – hard geometric lines, smooth bright surfaces to wonderful flowing lines and endless textures. It is my ability to take raw materials and making them “move” with my hands into the shapes and textures that I picture in my mind that fascinates me.

Hours: By Appointment Only

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Baskets:  Metal,

Artist Statement:

For more than twenty years I have been exploring woven three-dimensional forms using a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials. I prefer bias plaiting with either copper or hand painted watercolor paper. The copper naturally poses challenges to the fingertips not experienced with more traditional weaving materials. It does, however, offer rewarding sculptural and surface treatment possibilities. While traditional basketry techniques are used in my work, my creations are far from traditional and are more sculptural than functional forms.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Fiber-Decorative:  Quilts,  Wall Pieces,

Artist Statement:

Over the years I have worked in a variety of media including painting, pastels, colored pencils, papermaking and printmaking. In 1998, I discovered the field of surface design. Now I incoporate the various media that I have used to create a single body of work. I hand color all of my fabrics using paint, pastels and colored pencils. I design and carve printing plates that I use to add images to my textiles. The final component is hand or machine stitching which adds color and texture. Color is the common thread that runs through my work. Sometimes it is vibrant and full of contrast, other times it is more subtle to convey a softer or more contemplative mood. The subject matter I am drawn to is frequently nature based. The imagery varies from broad landscapes to close-up views of insects and trees.

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Glass:  Functional (non-wearable),  Sculptural,

Artist Statement:

My work focuses on using post-consumer recycled container glass to create innovative and provocative designs. Pieces include lighting (sconces and table lamps), counter tops, window panels, giftware, and sculpture. I practice alchemy with glass. By taking what is essentially considered waste (empty bottles- wine, beer, and food containers), I transform it using variations on conventional studio processes to create beautiful and otherworldly designs that have biological or geological connotations.

Hours: by appointment; please call to schedule a time

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Fiber-Wearable:  Accessories, Fiber-Decorative:  Wall Pieces,

Artist Statement:

My art has always reflected a fascination with color, light, and organic form. Although I have worked in varied media over the years, I've been painting on silk since 1989. The combination of control (through the use of a resist), and chance (using the inherent properties of the silk to effect the movement of the dyes), yields a satisfying balance for me. The clear colors that can be achieved with dyes and the luminous/translucent qualities of the silk contribute to an expressive final image. I also often use stitch and embellishment to add substance and texture to my work. Since I am a serious gardener as well as an artist, my designs usually incorporate “portraits” of flowers, seeds or leaves. I am honored that one of my lily paintings was selected to be a 2010 Easter Seal. Recently, I have begun to explore and develop the technique of needle-weaving, and I’ve named the resulting line of jewelry "Simple Treasures". This new work combines silk, cotton and other fibers with unique focal beads to make interesting pieces that are beautiful and have a supple “drape” around the neck. Throughout a 40 year career as a teacher and art therapist, I’ve supported people of all abilities in learning to use art as a tool to communicate, explore personal issues and to enhance self-esteem and self-confidence. My art can be found in both private and public collections, and has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in the US and the UK. More information is available at my website www.clharrison-silk.com.

Hours: Hours available by appointment only - contact by email or phone.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Fiber-Wearable:  Woven,

Artist Statement:

Weaving is the primary language I use to experiment with color and texture. Yarn is my 'canvas and paint' and while I love working with various fibers, I especially love rayon chenille, because it comes in an amazing array of gorgeous colors and feels wonderful to the touch.

In my wallpieces I often explore spiritual themes. Most of these pieces are abstract compositions of curves, squares and rectangles. I like to attach found objects and gemstones onto the pieces and have started mounting smaller works onto collaged backgrounds.

I think of my scarves as color sketches. Wearable drawings that come to life when worn. I also enjoy adding crocheted 'lettuce' edges to some of my scarves and am having fun creating cowls, skinny scarves, long scarves and wraps. It fascinates me that each piece takes on a personality of it's own when worn and, like things in nature, no two are exactly alike. When combined with you, each scarf is a co-creation. My hope for each piece it that it brings the wearer comfort, warmth and joy.

I fell in love with weaving while attending VCU in Richmond, Virginia where I received a BFA in Crafts in 1970.

Hours: by appointment only

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Baskets:  Mixed Media,

Artist Statement:

My passion for basketry was ignited by the Native American basket exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. The variations possible through changing weaving techniques, shapes, colors, materials, and decorations have inspired my weaving for over 3 decades. I enjoy looking at a material and analyzing its possible structural use as “bones” (ribs or warp) of a basket or “skin” (weft or weaver). I weave with locally harvested natural items, grape and honeysuckle vines, pine needles, yucca leaves, and tree barks as well as imported reed. Since 1997 I’ve included man-made materials, new and recycled, such as ropes, belts and cords, plastics, paper, piano strings, and even communication wires in large randomly woven baskets. These one-of-a-kind baskets conform to the weaver’s tradition of using materials readily available in the environment. I hope that viewers stop to appreciate these unique works as a combination of traditional techniques and contemporary materials!

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Metal:  Sculptural,

Artist Statement:

As an artist/ metalsmith, I specialize in sculptural metalwork using inspired compositions of dissected imagery from plant life, feminine symbolism and the human form. I combine quality craftsmanship with design translations that emerge from the metal through line, form, repeated elements, texture and color to create hand-hammered metal in-relief that captures a fragment of the whole. I experiment with the plasticity of the metal and explore how recognizable elements can evolve abstractly into a finished piece. The viewer may then envision the familiar or the unexpected. My sculptural metalwork includes wall pieces, jewelry, architectural and sculptural objects. My work has been in exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the eastern United States and I am the founder of the Southwestern Virginia Metal Arts Guild.

Hours: By Appointment

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:  Metal,  Precious/Semi-Precious Stone,

Artist Statement:

It has been said that I am a painter who happens to frame her paintings as jewelry. I do miniature acrylic paintings of birds, animals and plants on bone, antler, synthetics...then I create a sterling silver setting which enhances and tells a story about the subject. Many of my pieces open to reveal Biblical quotes that add a level of spiritual appreciation for the natural world. My goal is to share my love of nature and a deeper, more personal message of God's amazing hand in Creation.

Mountain Vision Pottery LLC

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:  Functional,  Sculptural,

Hours: 11 am to 4 pm and By Appointment

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:  Functional,

Artist Statement:

All my pottery is wheel-thrown stoneware. The animal pots are assembled from thrown parts, sculpturally altered, and hand-carved. The carved traditional pottery is designed free-hand without molds or templates. I use oxides to bring out the textures and details for the most part, combining them with underglazes when color is needed. The interiors are glazed for use. I have spent my life captivated by the beauty and variety of Mother Earth. What so many overlook as mundane I take great joy in; the curl of a leaf, angles in the tree limb, the grace and beauty of both flora and fauna. It is a great joy to me to take the raw earth (clay) and create forms that give the holder and viewer an echo of this delight. We are all bound to the Earth and I would like for my work to reflect the joy of this bond in the heart of the beholder.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:  Functional,  Sculptural,

Artist Statement:

"I never considered myself particularly gifted as an artist. When I say "gifted," I mean to differentiate that concept from "skilled." That is, I have never felt like I was born into this world knowing how to create in clay; I just loved the feel of the medium and continued to work at it until I developed some level of competency. Even those of us who don't consider ourselves "gifted" artists can enjoy the process of creation and gain an even greater respect for those who are truly graced with such a natural endowment. I worked exclusively in Raku for 15 years. I adored the involvement in the firing process, and the excitement in the uncertain results. Now, I am more interested in low-fired painterly surfaces. The process is much easier on the lungs and, hopefully, the environment. I like to throw simple, classical forms to use as a vehicle for my busy surfaces. My designs stem mainly from doodles with playful brushstrokes and sometimes my background in Botany will sneak in. For the most part, I paint on greenware and once-fire, which saves energy. Each piece is produced with a loving reverence for the creative process. My work does not attempt to make a social statement or to stretch the boundaries of what we think of as art; art isn't required to search for the meaning of the cosmos. My pieces are intended purely for the amusement of the visual sense, not necessarily for the intellect. Beauty gives our souls a little refreshment so we can get on with the more mundane tasks of life.

Hours: by appointment only

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media:

Artist Statement:

Years ago, an accident drastically altered my life. Working with my hands started as a way to pass time. Drawn to Native American designs; I became interested in pine needle basketry. Reading the few books I could find on the technique, I sent my daughters out to collect needles. Today, I have switched to the stronger Loblolly needles which give the baskets a more refined and sturdier structure when woven with imitation sinew. It is incredible to create something from that which Nature has discarded. My other creative outlet, jewelry, started as a way to create with my daughters. Through studying books and online forums, my interest has switched from woven bead work to wire work. A relationship has to be developed with the wire, learning its moods, possibilities and limitations. The creating which started as a way to pass time has become a passion, a source of good energy, positive feelings and a way to transcend the limitaions and pain of my body. My hope is the viewer feels this joy and energy upon seeing my work.

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Wood:  Furniture,  Sculptural,

Artist Statement:

For me the creation of furniture and sculpture from wood is an exploration of the essential relationship between human and tree. Each work flows from the individual beauty and grace inherent in the growth of the tree: grain, color variation, strength and symmetry. The life force of the tree is present in each piece, honoring all parties in the exchange – user, tree, and artist.

Hours: Monday-Sunday 8-5

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Fiber-Wearable:  Accessories,  Woven,

Artist Statement:

I design all kinds of textiles here in my Charlottesville studio. Working on an 8-harness Gilmore loom and using traditional weaving methods and ancient patterns, I make cloth of all sorts. My raw materials are yarns ranging from organic, naturally-colored cottons, to wool, silk, rayon and bamboo. Sequins, beads, ribbon and vintage and glass buttons often find their way into my finished work. If you are looking for a woven wrap, a cropped jacket, a warm blanket, garlands, crowns, or something for your table, my studio is your kind of place. Commissions and inventions are welcome.

Hours: By appointment. Cash, check, credit cards

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:  Functional,

Artist Statement:

I love the qualities of clay, it’s softness when the pots are made, and it’s strength and endurance once the pot has been fired. Most of my work is thrown on the wheel, and most pieces are then altered or cut when still moist. I strive to make pieces that have a sense of strength and purpose as well as beauty. I hope that the things I love and my experiences make a mark in my work. Equally important is the satisfaction if creating pottery that will be enjoyed by others for every day use.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:  Functional,

Artist Statement:

My studies began in the mid 1960s, with two Japanese potters, and I continue to be inspired by Southeast Asian ceramics and by the ancient and timeless traditions of production, folk-craft pottery. Ware for table and specialty cuisine, as well as large planters and urns, are offered at Buck Creek Pottery. Teaware for Chanoyu-Japanese Tea Ceremony is a specialty.

Hours: By Appointment

General Course Offerings:

Buck Creek Pottery is a production and teaching studio, with apprenticeships. 
Please call for more information.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Glass:  Functional (non-wearable),

Artist Statement:

For thirty years my passion has been the ethereal, fluid, and translucent qualities of stained glass. While owning a glass shop I taught traditional stained glass and worked with various clients such as galleries, home owners, and architects. Sculptural or functional, medieval to modern, each piece reflects my love of the craft. My major source of inspiration is Louis Tiffany. I was presented with the chance of a lifetime to apprentice with a glass conservationist in restoring historic Tiffany windows. The daily discipline of high technical skill has refined and clarified my vision of new work. From lamps to windows and sculptures, each artistic element is carefully crafted using traditional techniques and frequently the unusual such as found objects and metals; slumped, fused, plated, and painted glass.

Juried Status: Professional Virginia Artisan

Media: Ceramics:  Functional,

Artist Statement:

The first time I watched a pot being thrown on a potter’s wheel was a life-altering moment. Now over 35 years later, I am still fascinated by the magic of the clay itself and thrive on the potential inherent in the material. My work is rooted in function. The forms are simple; the glazes are layered blues, greens and earth tones. I am inspired by the natural world and the mountains and vistas surrounding my home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I work in several directions, all starting with wheel-thrown pieces that are altered at various stages, some with sculptural additions. I enjoy sharing my love of clay as the ceramics instructor at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton and at PVCC in Charlottesville.

General Course Offerings:

Summer workshops for raku firing pottery are held each summer at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA. Contact Nancy for more information.

Juried Status: Virginia Artisan

Media: Jewelry:  Precious Metal Clay,  Precious/Semi-Precious Stone,

Artist Statement:

Silver, gold, minerals, stones and glass. I work with earth-based products. Gathered with care and joined in design so that each finished piece speaks for itself. I invite you to wear my art jewelry and enjoy the 'listening'. My work space is half natural history lab; half art studio. Jars of fossils and sea shells keep company with sketch books holding dried fauna. Storage drawers hide large seed pods or cut bamboo. I always hunted for specimens of nature's beauty, wherever I lived or travel. These become my muse. As an illustrator I sought to record, accurately, images for reproduction. I am grateful that those colors, luminosities and forms influences my jewelry. Imagination is at play. Metal clays are an exciting new material in jewelry. I love Fine Silver. Capture the strong veins of a palm leaf by brushing the leaf with liquid silver paste. A favorite pendant design swaddles a natural stone--like Unakite--(found locally in the Rose River) with a silver drape secured by handcrafted prongs.

Hours: Call or email.

General Course Offerings:

TBA

ACV Studio School Course Offerings:

Spring 2012 PVCC Metal with Music - introduction to designs in silver metal clay