SHERRI G., Clay.
Witness the enchantment of Raku. Watch as the pottery piece is placed in the kiln. Experience watching the glaze melt as the propane increases. See the beautiful fire dance as the flames swirl around and over the piece. Feel the heat as the kiln is opened and the 1800° piece is pulled out and placed in a garbage can prepared with organic combustibles. Watch as the material bursts into flames and white smoke rolls as a lid is put on the container smoldering the flames. You will be amazed when the piece is removed 10-15 minutes later. Be a part of the miracle of Raku. Sherri’s studio is From the Earth & Sea Originals, 237 Gard Lane, Smithville, TN 37166. (615)
597-6528. sherrig@dtccom.net.

RANDY JOHNS, Wood Furniture.
Randy has spent 40 years developing his skills in working wood. His furniture shows the influences from the Shaker/Arts & Crafts Movement with a dash of James Krenov thrown in. The result, however, is uniquely his own. He blends the use of power and hand tools to produce furniture, both traditional and modern as tomorrow. Many times, surfaces are scraped as was done in the 1700’s rather than sanded. Handplanes, scrapers, drawknives, spokeshaves and shaving horses are integral to his creations. Some items are split from the log to utilize the power of following the grain and for certain effects. He welcomes commission work for tables, chests, stools, boxes, etc.
Randy may be contacted at (931) 946-2834 or johnje01@blomand.net.

TIM HINTZ, Ladderback Chairs.
A Tennessee Arts Commission fellow, Tim enjoys making his award-winning Fresh Chairs from scratch. He starts with the highest quality middle Tennessee red oak and then collects his own hickory bark for the woven seats. The chairs are comfortable because the back posts are steam bent to a supportive curve. After controlled seasoning of the parts, Tim carefully constructs each chair. He has a variety of finish styles, so he will have chairs that are just right for you to enjoy for years. Come to Fresh Chairs and see how comfortable they are. His studio is Fresh Chairs, 118 Ponder Lane, Smithville, TN 37166.
(615) 597-8770.

Jeanne Whitfield Brady
~ Whirligirl Designs ~

Jeanne heads the Fibers Department at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville.
Jeanne's fabric designs are hand dyed and printed using permanent and safe dyes on silk, rayon or cotton. Her one-of-a-kind items are made one at a time, so each piece is original & unique. Jeanne's work is represented in national and international exhibitions, in private collections and on individuals.

Kathryn Mills Faille lives in Auburntown, TN and works in her home studio. Her interest in clay work began 30 years ago when she began to study in the studio of a local potter, after which she attended several summer sessions at the Penland School of Crafts. The direction of her work combines function with beauty.  She strives to create lovely pieces that work both as useful vessels and yet can be displayed as art.
She is a member of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, Tennessee Association of Craft Artists and a member of the board of directors of the Cannon County Arts Center. Her work is on display at The Appalachian Center for Crafts, Stella Luna Art Gallery, Arrowcraft as well as several other craft shops and galleries throughout the South.
New forms and lots of color have found their way into her work this year.  The work is exciting, fresh and just plain fun.

She can be reached at her studio by phone (615) 464-4644 or by email  kfaille1@gmail.com.

My work is woodturned Christmas ornaments and wooden bowls. I use wood native to Tennessee as well as exotic wood. I am self taught, but have taught woodturning at the Appalachian Center for Crafts, John C. Campbell Folk School, and Arrowmont. Woodturning is a hobby for me, I am a corporate pilot and this gives me something constructive to do when I'm not flying.

 

2011 Marks the 4th year Stella  Luna Gallery will host the Hospitality Center during THE OFF THE BEATEN PATH STUDIO TOUR 
    Louis & Christine Colombarini will also celebrate their 7th year as Gallery owners, and over 32 years supporting themselves as professional ceramic artists.
    Although they have won numerous awards and gained national recognition; staying closer to home to enjoy their pets, and the beautiful middle Tennessee countryside is a dream one day they hope to realize.
    Be sure to stop by to relax, enjoy light refreshments, and view " a distinctive ciollection of American fine art and craft".

SUSAN DEMAY, Clay.

Made by deMay is the studio of Susan DeMay who is known for her rich, colorful glazes on simple functional tabletop wares and larger art forms such as handbuilt trays,  hanging platters, and vases.  Her imagery, stylized natural motifs such as flowers and leaves, fossils and other ground cover elements,  is inspired by the beauty of Middle Tennessee landscapes.  Her pieces have been included in the Lark Book 500 series, and most recently, Susan received news that her work will be included in the publishers’ tenth anniversary special, 21st Century Ceramics. A writer herself, Susan was pleasantly surprised in January 2011 that an article she wrote appeared as the cover article of “Clay Times.”

Gail Looper received her BFA in Textiles from the Appalachian Center for Craft in 1997 and is participating in the Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour for the first time.  Taking the two dimensional medium of paper and turning it into rich three dimensional objects is what inspires her every time she goes into the studio.  Whether it be paper, or books the use of embellished paper is the focus. 
Her books and embellished papers have been published by Lark Books, Krause Publishing and Tennessee Tech University. 

Gail’s studio is located on 7 wooded acres outside Smithville, TN near Center Hill Lake.  Contact her at Tranquility Hollow Studio 615-587-0109 or bcgail@dtccom.net

Donna Rizzo,Clay.
Donna is now a full time clay artist after leaving a long career in dance. Her contributions in this field were acknowledged with a Governor's Award in the Arts. It seems only normal, then, that Donna's clay creations move in one way or another from rocking horse teapots to hanging dolls. This year her carousel "Alice Goes Round" was included in the 2010 Biannual Best of Tennessee Arts and Crafts Show. She may be contacted at 1414Pennock Ave, Nashville, Tn 37207 email rizzoraku@gmail.com

LOUIS AND CHRISTINE COLOMBARINI, Clay.
Louis and Christine have been partners in clay for over 30 years. Interests in foreign travel and pre- Colombian cultures have inspired them to focus on primitive-fired clay works. They have exhibited throughout the country and won numerous awards. In 2005, Louis and Christine were the recipients of the prestigious Niche Award. Last year, the couple was represented in American Style Magazine in “Collecting Ceramic Art” (Oct. 2007). Recently, Christine’s work was chosen for inclusion in Lark Books’ 500 Plates & Chargers: Innovative Expression of Function & Style (500 Series). In addition, their Stella Luna Art Gallery’s 4th anniversary will be held during studio tour weekend. Their studio is Cosmic Clay Studio, 8252 Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown, TN 37059. (615) 597-6476. www.cosmic-clay.com.

Kathe Reed-Nelson and Bryan Nelson, jewelry designers

Kathe Reed-Nelson began her jewelry career in the early nineties as a way to express her inventive and imaginative ideas in stone and precious metal design.  To improve her skills she took jewelry workshops at TN Tech Appalachian Center for Art.

In 2006, her husband, Bryan Nelson, who works full time as an engineer, joined Kathe in making chainmaille jewelry.  He has also taken classes at the Appalachian Center.  They have both taken workshops with established jewelers.  Bryan recently added wire weaving to his skills which is a very popular medium.

Working as a team, they create one of a kind wearable art.  They work with semi precious gem stones, top quality Swarovski crystals, hand made dichroic glass beads, freshwater pearls, and precious metals.  Using beads from all over the world combined with eye catching silver, copper and 14kgf they make their jewelry a pleasure to own or give as a gift.

Kathe and Bryan enjoy meeting their customers when ever possible.  Primarily marketing their jewelry at Art and Craft shows, Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour, and local art galleries, they often see repeat customers, who express their desire to see the new products each year and add the season’s newest pieces to their collection.

They strive to find unique cuts and patterns in the stones they use.  It is not unusual to have to reassure their customers that the gemstones are indeed all natural......the amazing designs and patterns in the stones come from nature.  The unique quality of their work comes from their designing styles which highlight the natural beauty of the stones.

Kathe has taught jewelry classes to students of all ages.  Her philosophy is that if you have a skill or talent, you need to share your knowledge.  We all need to inspire the next generation to express themselves.

There is no better compliment an artist can receive than when a customer is willing to spend their hard earned money to purchase a piece of their wearable art.

CHERYL SULLIVAN, Fibers.
Cheryl’s weaving career began in 1999 when she enrolled in an introduction to fibers class at the Appalachian Center for Craft. For her, what began as an escape and hobby quickly became an eye opening adventure into her creative nature. She enjoys weaving both traditional and contemporary textiles, incorporating hand-dyed yarns with some commercial chenille, rayon and cotton. Cheryl’s designs have won several awards at regional craft fairs, and her work can be seen at various galleries. She may be reached at (931) 265-2588 or Nanny031158@yahoo.com.

WILLIAM KOOIENGA, Sculpture. SHARON KOOIENGA, Fibers.
William and Sharon live simply on their 100 acres in an owner-built, solar-powered log home. William’s studio, overlooking their home, will be on the tour for the first time. William works primarily with wood to create flowing, organic, figurative and abstract sculpture as well as furniture and household articles. William recently participated in an exhibition at LeQuire Gallery, “New Approaches to Figurative Art,” and is now represented by Rymer Gallery, both in Nashville’s art district. In addition, he just completed a 24’ outdoor sculpture for a private home in Belle Meade.

Sharon spins, dyes and weaves natural fibers to create rich, beautiful rugs and wall hangings. Her work graces the halls and walls of many private homes. Together, they are Beech Hollow Studios, 578 Frazier Hollow Road, Dowelltown, TN 37059.
(615) 536-5567.

KENDRA McKIMMY, Mixed Media.
Kendra has been making her living as an artist since the late 1970’s, beginning as a functional potter. For the last 18 years, her focus has been on smoked porcelain jewelry and sculptures of clay, rock, driftwood, twigs and recycled materials. Indigenous cultures and nature are the inspiration of her work. Her home and studio are surrounded by the Manistee National Forest, Michigan. Having traveled to countless art fairs and exhibited at numerous Midwest galleries for 30 years, she is now finding alternative, creative ways to sustain her philosophy of living simply and honoring the earth. She may be contacted at (231) 937-5027.

CLAUDIA LEE, Paper and Books.
Claudia’s paper is handmade from sustainable raw plant materials, many of them locally grown, cooked, beaten into pulp, and formed into sheets of paper. Her studio is a working/teaching facility that welcomes visitors and students. She is the author of Papermaking; included in 500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations in a Timeless Form (both published by Lark Books), and represented in over 20 additional books, three published in 2008. Recently, Claudia was invited to make the paper for part of the prestigious juried portfolio in Hand Papermaking magazine, and she will soon show at Nashville’s new Snow Gallery. One of her stunning pieces was recently chosen for the private collection of the Nashville Public Library. Her work is also part of the private collections at the Arrowmont School and at the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Claudia’s studio is Liberty Paper Mill, 1618 Cripps Road, Liberty, TN 37095.
(615) 536-5151,
paperlee@dtccom.net

I believe that every plant and animal possesses a unique essence, which is interrelated with the lives and spirits of others. Each of my one-of-a-kind pieces embodies fragments of the spirit of the clan of mankind. Using found objects, I am embedding memories of the past in the present. Holding these pieces, you are connected to all cultures, back to the beginning of time. They are infused with a very ethnic presence.
My work can be found in many publications, including 500 Handmade Books, and in galleries in the Southeast, New England and in private collections in Japan, Europe, and the United States and was included in the 2009 American Craft Council Southeast Spotlight.

DAMON MACNAUGHT, Glass.
Damon makes a variety of sculptural and production glass items. Color and form have always been of strong interest in his exploration of glass as an artistic medium. He holds his M.F.A. in sculpture from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and recently moved back into this area to establish his studio. He is a former Artist-in-Residence at the Appalachian Center for Craft. His work has been included in the New Glass Review, Lark Books’ 500 Glass Objects, and Glass: The Urbanglass Art Quarterly. He may be reached at (931) 858-5211 or through www.dmacnaught.com.

BREANNA ROCKSTAD-KINCAID, Fibers Art.
A graduate of the Appalachian Center for Craft, Breanna is a fibers artist, felt-maker, teacher, and mother. She works predominately with wool, making hand-felted accessories that question the definition of wearable art. Breanna uses unusual abstract felted forms that create visual movement as a vehicle to explore uninhibited creativity. She shows her work throughout the Southeast, and has been published in Lark Books’ Artful Felted Scarves, as well as in the magazine, Shuttle, Spindle, and Dyepot. She may be reached at
(931) 284-7947 or www.feltgoodfibers.com.

CHERY CRATTY, Pulp Painter.
Chery Cratty is a full-time studio artist. Using porcupine quills and palette knives, she applies her distinctive plant pulp paint to pulp covered canvasses, creating richly textured paintings that invite touching. She is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, Piedmont Craftsmen Guild, Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild, Tennessee Association of Craft Artists, and the International Association of Hand Paper Makers and Artists. Her paintings hang in corporate and private collections internationally. Chery teaches pulp painting at her studio, and in schools in both NC and TN. Her email is chery@cherycratty.com.

Timothy Weber’s work consists of both wheel-thrown, functional, surface decorated stoneware. A second body of work consists of hand-built, wheel-thrown neo-primitive mixed-media raku.

Ed Wooten, Glass and Shaker Boxes
This is Ed’s seventh year on the tour. He has been working with glass for 30 plus years. Starting out with stained glass panels and lamps, moving into torch working, and then to fused glass. He still works in all of the areas, finding glass to be both a source of challenge and pleasure. Four years ago he satisfied a long standing entry in his “bucket list” by taking classes in Shaker Box making at the restored Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill, KY. Wood has proven to be equally challenging and satisfying.  Ed’s work is displayed at The Arts Center of Cannon County and Southern Stained Glass in Murfreesboro. He offers classes in stained glass, fused glass, and box making at his shop. His address in 5818 Big Hill Road, Liberty, TN 37095. Email address is edwooten@dtccom.net.

David Sharp, Wood Carver. Vistors to his studio/gallery will have an opportunity see David demonstrate his skills carving a human bust as well as pumpkins on Halloween. Impressive as his work is, it's remarkable to realize he only started carving in 2006, and quickly mastered the tools and technique evident in the many different styles of work on display for the tour.

 

 

ROB HARVEY, Clay.
For the first time, Rob Harvey’s studio will join the studio tour. As an artist, agriculture has been a huge part of his evolution. The debut of his wood kiln consummates his personal transition from agrarian to artist. Still a working farm and homestead, Rob’s studio emerges from its trial by fire. Rob produces functional wheelthrown stoneware, using wood-ash glazes and traditional salt and wood-firing processes. A member of TACA, his work may be seen at selected shows and galleries in Tennessee. His studio is Creek Bend Pottery, 2566 Dry Creek Road, Dowelltown, TN 37059. (615) 536-5538.

Doug Hays, Sculptor | Blacksmith
&
Brenda Heim, Abstract Expressionist Painter

Exhibiting small to large scale works on canvas, paper and steel –
offerings include collaborative pairings and individual works.
Both specialize in site-specific work for public/private spaces
and often collaborate on projects.

AMY POTTER, Architectural Ceramics.
Since 1997, Amy has made architectural ceramics and raised her kids in Liberty. Custom tableware, ceremonial vessels, arttile and wheel-thrown sinks are colorfully rendered to inspire form and function in living and working spaces. Her work is carried in Nashville at Utopia and the Frist Center Gift Shop, Williams Home Center in Brentwood, and the Williamsburg Winery in Virginia. Her professional associations include the Highland Rim TACA, Watertown Artist Guild of Tennessee, and This Century Gallery in Williamsburg. She may be reached at (615) 418-6220 or www.amypotter.com.