Nestled within the age-old hills of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is a place where natural beauty and cultural heritage intertwine, creating a tapestry of history, tradition, and artistry. The beauty of Appalachia’s history inspires artisans to capture this unique culture and legacy, which is one of resilience, creativity, and a connection to the land. It’s a legacy that lives on in the hands and hearts of its people.
In our exhibition ‘Appalachian Artistry’, we honor and celebrate the traditions that have been lovingly preserved and practiced in our state and region. These are stories are told through the artisan’s hands that have painted, woven, and carved for centuries.
But time honored and practiced skills are rare to come by these days. Sometimes, the arts in the mountain state can be lost in the vast expanse of valleys and hollers that encompass the landscape. The return to the ‘hand’ of crafts is vital to the true expression and non-conformity. Hand-woven, hand-carved, hand-sewn, hand-built: a way to inspire creativity and poke the fire of the imagination through life-long crafts and ingenuity.
“Exhibitions like ‘Appalachian Artistry’ and establishments like Tamarack Marketplace help bring exposure and celebration to the tradition crafts and emerging arts found at the heart of the state while encouraging Appalachian artisans to cherish their talents.” Tamarack Marketplace’s Gallery Manager, Gretchen Carr, explains. “We want to give these traditions the chance to reach a new group of people – a new generation – and inspire someone new.”
‘Appalachian Artistry’ is more than an exhibition. It’s a celebration of the creative spirit that defines our region. From the intricate patterns of quilting that tell stories of family and community, to the strength and precision of basket weaving, these crafts embody the soul of Appalachia. Whether it is a craftsperson keeping these traditions alive or an artist capturing the essence of these practices and this land through photography, painting, or other mediums, their work is a vital part of this story. Together, let us honor the generations who came before us and inspire those who will carry these traditions forward.
Appalachian Artistry will be on display at Tamarack Marketplace’s David L. Dickirson Fine Arts Gallery from February 21th – April 12th. We invite you to join us for the opening reception on February 22nd, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists, immerse yourself in ‘Appalachian Artistry’!
If you are unable to visit the show, keep an eye out for our virtual gallery! It will be live next week.
Artists featured in Appalachian Artistry:
Lesia Angel of Kanawha County, Nathaniel Brown of Wetzel County, Andrea Brunais of Mercer County, Karen Cohen of Greenbrier County, Brooke Covert of Putnam County, Pat Cross of Putnam County, JJ Deakins of Fayette County, Butch Ferguson of Greenbrier County, Cathy Fulks of Putnam County, Timothy Gump of Marion County, Melvin Hartley of Fayette County, James Jarrett of Fayette County, Kembelene McGinnis of Ritchie County, Laura Moul of Cabell County, Jill Moles Mullens of Clay County, Lisa Harrison of Putnam County, Shelby Oreolt of Raleigh County, Thomas Ott of Brooke County, Nan Perry of Kanawha County, Micheal Pitzer of Kanawha County, Christine Rhodes of Wood County, Kathleen Ryan-Reagan of Morgan County, Randall Sanger of Mingo County, Savannah Schroll Guz of Hancock County, Debbie Sisson of Jackson County, Stephen Sisson of Jackson County, Lesa Smith of Kanawha County, Linda Stonestreet of Putnam County, Outhelia Taylor of Fayette County, Mike Williamson of Raleigh County, Merideth Young of Monroe County