Spring Jury Session: Welcome Newly Juried Artisans!

Congratulations to the talented artisans juried in during our March 15th session! We’re excited to introduce them and share a bit about their work. Learn more below!

 

Meet Ann Henry!

Potter | Cabell County, WV

“I am a production potter who likes to use Laguna clay. I use different colors/types of Laguna clay. My preferred method of working with clay is on the wheel. There are occasions that I will hand-build but I prefer wheel throwing. I measure out my clay, especially if I am making several mugs at one, then I generally throw all my mugs in one setting. The next day I will trim, handle, and put whatever design I have chosen onto the front of the mugs. I will then allow these things to dry and will bisque fire them in my kiln. The next step would be to glaze and fire the pieces one final time. I inspect all my pieces to ensure their bottoms are smooth, no glaze is missing, and there are no other imperfections that need fixed.” 

 

Meet Matthias Solliday!

Pen Maker | Cabell County, WV

“Each one of our pens is completely unique. When creating our pens we start by collecting wood, pinecones, and other natural resources all found in West Virginia. We place these pieces in epoxy molds and then pour dyed epoxy over the wood. This mold is then placed in a pressure tank to cure. This blank is then milled to the specific dimensions, drilled, a brass tube inserted, and then ready for the wood lathe. On the wood lathe, the blank is carved into the desired profile, sanded up to 12000 grit and polished. After polish, this piece comes inside to be hand assembled into a pen.” 

 

Meet Lou Ann Hartley!

Crochet | Putnam County, WV

“I love to crochet! I crochet a variety of modern items such as purses, handbags, market bags, scarfs, hats, and ponchos. I use yarn from a variety of sources such as Hobby Lobby, JoAnn’s, Michaels, and I order special yarns for handbags from a selected vendor. My home is pet and smoke free. Once completed, I store my work in air free containers in my home to keep them clean, dry, and mold free.” 

 

 

Meet Ron Hoy!

Blade Maker | Kanawha County, WV

“I make knives, swords, and weapons, all forged and stock removed. I make Damascus and use repurposed carbon steel. I also do silversmithing, jewelry work, setting stones on sword & knife pommels, in addition to leather crafting for sheaths and scabbards.” 

 

 

Meet Mary Lively!

Quilter | Summers County, WV

“I start by choosing only high quality, quilt shop fabric. I use purchased patterns designed by various quiltmakers. All my quilt tops are pieced using my domestic sewing machine. After the quilt top is finished, I take it to a longarm quilter to have it quilted. After it has been quilted, I put the binding on myself by hand. Other than quilts, I make wall hangings, table runners, place mats and various other small items. With smaller items such as these, I quilt them myself on my sewing machine. I also occasionally make bags. As with the quilts, I use only high-quality fabric and items needed when making anything.” 

Meet Tom Ogle!

Photographer | Kanawha County, WV

“I was fascinated by photography as a child. I started photography in 1971 Shooting, developing and printing black and white prints for the high school yearbook. I purchased my own 35mm camera after high school and began landscape and still life photography. I processed and printed my film in my home darkroom. Today, after retirement, my goal is to produce the most interesting and reflective photographs I can. I enjoy getting out in the wilderness of West Virginia, looking at God’s creation and hunting for interesting and solid compositions and then applying my photographic experience to best capture the scene with my camera.” 

 

Meet Sibel Mallory!

Fiber Artist | Greenbrier County, WV

“Born in 1974 in Turkey, I embarked on a journey from the world of international media, working in TV and film, to pursuing my passion for craftsmanship. After relocating to Los Angeles, I found my true calling in the world of handmade accessories. Seven years ago, I moved to Lewisburg, WV, where I opened my own boutique, focusing on one-of-a-kind accessories crafted by local artisans from around the globe. As a self-taught artisan, I specialize in creating unique women’s accessories, blending techniques such as embroidery, felting, and sewing. Each piece is carefully designed and handmade by myself, ensuring no two items are ever alike. My boutique offers a curated selection of accessories, including those I personally craft, that celebrate individuality and creativity. With a deep passion for supporting local talent and craftsmanship, my boutique has become a destination for those seeking exceptional, artisanal products that tell a story. Whether it’s a handmade scarf, a unique piece of jewelry, or a carefully stitched bag, I am dedicated to providing high-quality, beautifully crafted accessories that inspire and delight.” 

Meet Tenley Shewmake!

Textiles | Greenbrier County, WV

“Everything I make is informed by what I’m experiencing and learning about the World around me. Today my signature work is the Story Coat, a hand pieced (mostly) cotton jacket reflecting my interests in sustainability and community. I was first inspired by Japanese Boro, the clothing and fabric used by peasants, merchants, and artisans in Japan during 17th – 19th century. Boro exemplifies the value of ‘mottainai’ or ‘too good to waste’. Once an item was made, it would be maintained throughout the owner’s lifetime, and longer. Sewn together and patched over generations, a family history was woven into the threads. I aspire for my garment to help the wearer, and the viewer slow down, to step back from the rote activities of dressing and wearing and get lost in the moment admiring a color pairing, the depth of a pocket, the look and feel of a one-of-a-kind fabrication made by hand, with care and attention. I want you to read the contemporaneously written 106 word short story, and breathe.” 

Meet Sarah Bostic!

Painter | Greenbrier County, WV

“Sarah G. Bostic is an award-winning Greenbrier County, WV artist. Originally from Danville, VA, she earned an undergraduate degree with a triple-major and later, an MBA from Averett University. After spending 21 years in Louisiana with their family, she and her husband moved to WV to retire. Sarah loves spending time on their Christmas tree farm with two “fur babies,” Bella and Buddy, and several other animals which keeps her busy. Sarah enjoys painting her colorful landscapes and still-life paintings with a textured finish which is attributed to her work with pallet knives and thickened acrylic paint. Each of her paintings include a small hidden heart, her way of recognizing God’s ever-present love for us all. Sarah is a member of the Greenbrier Artists, and her artwork has been featured in the Brook Gallery in White Sulphur Springs, WV, has been sold in retail and online, and graces the walls of homes and businesses from coast to coast.” 

Meet Teresa Cole!

Potter | Marion County, WV

“I am a potter residing in the small town of Monongah, West Virginia, where I create handcrafted pottery. My artistic journey began in 2008 after taking a pottery class in Morgantown, WV. This experience ignited my passion for creating handmade pieces, which led me to convert my sewing shop into a dedicated pottery studio. My love for the craft is evident in each of my pieces, which are inspired by nature. I frequently incorporate elements such as maple leaves from my parents’ trees, among other decorative applications, into my work. Every piece is individually crafted, either wheel-thrown or slab-built, using stoneware clay and food-safe glazes. The pieces are then fired in an electric kiln. The process of making pottery brings me joy and fulfillment. Each day spent in my studio is a reminder of my gratitude for my family who helped make this dream a reality and for the discovery of a passion that continues to bring joy to others.” 

Meet Carol Jackson!

Sculptor | Summers County, WV

“A 1978 alumnus of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, I relocated from Maryland to West Virginia in 1978. I experience the joy of creating objects of beauty that others also appreciate. Over the course of 25 years, I dedicated myself to crafting sets and costumes for the annual drama performances of the local elementary schools. I also collaborated with graduates from local schools for Ars Creo dramatic performances. My artistic endeavors primarily involve sculpting, utilizing oil-based clay, and casting in plaster or bronze. I have also created puzzles that depict the Earth’s surface, revealing layers beneath. These puzzles have been exhibited in various locations throughout the United States and internationally.” 

Meet Lynn Quillen!

Painter | Greenbrier County, WV

“I love painting wildlife. I use free reference photos for artists, donated by artists and photographers. I first sketch out my subject, then paint the background with a wash if needed before adding the background details. Next, I begin the animal; I always begin with the eyes and then paint the rest of the animal. I use many layers to be able to show the details of the animal subject.” 

 

Meet Moment Johnson!

Jeweler | Monongalia County, WV

“I am a stone intarsia artist specializing in pendant designs inspired by natural landscapes. Each piece reflects the beauty and diversity of nature. My work blends traditional lapidary techniques with contemporary aesthetics, crafting unique, intricate compositions that highlight the natural beauty of stones. Through Sacred Totems, I aim to honor these natural wonders and share the joy and tranquility they bring.” 

 

 

 

Meet Angela Hill!

Stained Glass | Pocahontas County, WV

“I have created patterns, used free patterns, and purchased patterns from creators to make my stained-glass creations. I select the glass for the pattern depending on the look/outcome I want to create. I then trace the pattern onto the glass, cut the glass, and grind the glass to match the pattern. Once all the pieces are cut and ground and fit to the pattern, I foil each piece of glass with the foil that matches the patina I plan to use on the solder – i.e. silver backed copper foil, black backed copper foil, etc. When the creation is squared up, I then solder the glass together. Typically, I quick solder the seams both front and back, then go back over the solder to create a bead and even out the solder lines. Once the solder is complete, I wash the stained-glass piece to remove the flux and any other residue. Allow the glass/solder to dry, then apply patina and wax to perfection. I have also created 3-D glass whirls which are based on the Whirls book by Deborah Aubin. I have also used her cage pattern to create my own creations inside the cage. I have used driftwood and macramé rings as a base for some of my creations, as well.” 

Meet Shannon Arbogast!

Photographer | Monongalia County, WV

“I’ve been chasing light, color, and little sparks of joy with my camera for over 25 years. Photography has taken me through all kinds of phases—sports, events, weddings, and portraits—but in recent years, I’ve settled into what truly lights me up: flower and nature photography. There’s just something about the way flowers interact with light, how their colors pop, and how they have this quiet way of speaking to people. With my photo suncatchers, unlike traditional photography displays, these pieces are crafted by printing my flower images on transparent film and mounting them in double-pane frames. When hung in a window, they capture the sunlight, creating a colorful display that brings nature’s beauty to life in a dynamic, ever-changing way. This combination of light, color, and nature makes them a truly unique way to experience photography in the home.” 

Meet Melanie Toyama!

Photographer | Cabell County, WV

“Melanie grew up exploring the forests, prairies and wetlands of northern Minnesota. As an artist deeply rooted in the natural world, her work seeks to capture the dreamlike essence of human connection with nature. Whether photographing a moonlit forest or capturing the fleeting interplay of mist, light and shadow, her goal is to invite viewers into a world of wonder and possibility. Melanie was inspired early on by the Romanticist and Pre-Raphaelite painters and a childhood fascination with fairy tales, which helped shape her ethereal, dreamlike style. Through her art, Melanie invites viewers to immerse themselves in the magic of these moments, aiming to inspire a deeper connection to the world. She believes that art can spark creativity and wonder, illuminating even life’s darkest corners. By sharing awe-inspiring scenes, she hopes to encourage others to find their own sources of beauty, peace and inspiration. Melanies’ process involves nature hikes to capture the initial image and adding hand painted digital enhancement—lightening, darkening, color adjustments and painterly texturing—while maintaining the authenticity of the scenes. No AI is used. Her work has been featured in publications like Sony Alpha Universe and Sigma Corporation of America. She has contributed to two books that are available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon and has received multiple awards, including the prestigious Sony Alpha Female Micro Grant.”