The Catfish Bottom Dweller
Contributed by Mary Kate Nicely and Joey Ellis From the potters, to the painters, to the people who blow glass, out of all of these artisans in southwest Virginia, Rick Radman stood out the most. Radman attended Michigan State where he majored in Physical Education...
The Soap Lady
Contributed by Emily Dix and Tanner Jackson Way back 15 miles in the country, near Wytheville, Virginia, there is a small, green, block building that will take you back in time 50 years. This is where Crystal Gillian makes her craft at Mule Hell Trading Company. Our...
Unexpected Art from an Unexpected Artist
Contributed by Brock Burnette, Dakotya Douglas and Jubilee Melton The humming of a wheel spinning, the pounding thud of a slab of fresh clay against a round “bat”, and the splatter of a spinning wet creation. These are all noises Chris Lively hears every day. For...
Walking My Mountains to Prepare to Walk the Camino de Santiago
The founder of Taoism, Lao-tzu, is attributed with saying “The longest journey begins with a single step.” My journey began around 2000 when I was first introduced to the Camino de Santiago by Shirley Maclaine’s book, The Camino. I was intrigued by her accounts of a...
Wayne Henderson & the Eric Clapton Guitar
Contributed by Big Blue Author We all know fine craftsmanship when we see –or feel –it: the perfectly balanced hammer, the heavy-duty kitchen mixer that whips everything poured into it for 20 years, the musical instrument that makes every player sound better than he...
16 Hands Studio Tour
Contributed by Big Blue Author Nestled in the hills around Floyd, Virginia is a group of craftsmen you might want to get to know: Ellen Shankin, Brad Warstler, Donna Polseno, Silvie Granatelli, Richard Hensley and Stacy Snyder. The members of 16 Hands have been...
Local Treasures: Ricky Anderson
by Judy Weigand Traveling west on 58 from Galax, up gentle hills and down again, snaking through the many twists and turns, I felt myself slowly folding into the mountain scenery. Dipping down into the lush farms and hardwood forests along the road leading to the...
Bed Full of Bonnets
by Penelope Moseley The wind was howling, furiously, on a cold day in March when a petite, frail looking women came scurrying round her house to let me know I was knocking at the wrong door. When this writer sat down with Mrs. Cassell to hear about her art forms, I...
Tripping or Centering?
by Penelope Moseley Easter Monday, the day before Arbor Day, was a perfect time to be outside. I wanted to hike Buffalo Mountain, elevation 3,971 feet, a hike to aid my training for the Camino de Santiago. The Buffalo is a pilot for the Blue Ridge Plateau region, as...
Buster Osborne: Honoring the Stillness
by Big Blue Author Mastin Fayne “Buster” Osborne is a gentleman. His caring expression, thoughtful remarks, well mannered family, and perfectly appointed attire replete with cap and penny loafers, all manifest the kindly, respectful, manner typical of his...
