Have you ever felt the quiet shift of air in the woods when no breeze is stirring? Or heard a stair creak in an otherwise empty house? Those small, uncanny moments often spark something much deeper. An echo of stories passed down through generations. In Appalachia, these whispers of the strange and the supernatural are more than just passing curiosities; they are part of the region’s cultural fabric. Our newest exhibition in the Fine Art Gallery channels those stories into visual form, offering a haunting and beautiful reflection on the region’s traditions.
The artwork in ‘Simple Folk’ draws inspiration from the Appalachian oral tradition, exploring the rich world of Appalachian folklore, superstition, and storytelling through the eyes art. From wise women known as “mountain witches” to restless spirits said to linger in the hills, Appalachia’s tales are as layered and complex as the mountains themselves.
Storytelling in this region has long been a way to share caution, wisdom, and wonder. Around firesides, porches, and kitchen tables, stories of eerie happenings or otherworldly figures found a place in daily life. These narratives, both haunting and hopeful, shaped the identity of the people who called the hills home.
‘Simple Folk’ brings those traditions into the gallery, allowing visitors to encounter Appalachia’s oral history through a new lens. The works on display reimagine the folklore that has shaped the region, reminding us that these tales are not simply relics of the past but living traditions that continue to inspire.
Whether you’re drawn to the shiver of the supernatural or the timeless wisdom woven into old stories, this exhibition invites you to step into a space where art and folklore meet.
“Simple Folk” will be on display at Tamarack Marketplace’s David L. Dickirson Fine Arts Gallery from September 19 – November 8. Join us for the opening reception, September 20 at 1 PM. If you are unable to visit the show, check out our virtual gallery here.
Featured Artists:
Tim Armentrout of Raleigh County, Lynsi Boyd of Raleigh County, D. Ray Bozic of Greenbrier County, Nancy Brumley of Kanawha County, Andrea Brunais of Mercer County, Angela Carpenter of Braxton County, Karen Cohen of Greenbrier County, Pat Cross of Putnam County, Bob Fisher of Kanawha County, Judy Foxx of Boone County, Cathy Fulks of Putnam County, Tim Gump of Marion County, Sharon Harms of Kanawha County, Fred Hays of Kanawha County, Carol Hilleary of Kanawha County, M.Jane Holt Emmons of Raleigh County, Vernon Howell of Cabell County, Laura Moul of Cabell County, Jill Moles Mullins of Clay County, Misty Murray-Walkup of Greenbrier County, Melanie Myhre of Cabell County, Shelby Oreolt of Raleigh County, Thomas Ott of Brooke County, Nan Perry of Kanawha County, Ed Rehbein of Raleigh County, Cheryl Robertson of Wayne County, Kathleen Ryan-Reagan of Morgan County, Debbie Sisson of Jackson County, Stephen Sisson of Jackson County, Lesa Smith of Kanawha County, Susan Stover of Raleigh County, and Julia Thomson of Summers County