Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia, the state’s premier art and craft facility, held its most recent artisan jury session on Aug. 28. Fourteen craft, fine craft and fine art artists and artisans from 12 counties were accepted into the Tamarack system.
Twice a year Tamarack actively seeks new artisans to be eligible to sell their handmade products to Tamarack, according to Robin Watson, artisan services coordinator. “Tamarack has a three-step process for those interested in selling their product to Tamarack,” she explained. “Submitting digital images of their work for review is the first step. If their product meets our criteria for quality, consistency and marketability, artisans’ are asked to come in for a one-on-one counseling session. If the artisan is successful at the second step, they are asked to return to a jury session where the artisans’ work is critiqued by a panel of master crafts people.” All jurying information is available at tamarackwv.com.
In addition to other marketing outlets, these individuals are now eligible for many opportunities and programs to further develop and grow their businesses. “We are excited to welcome this group of talented people into the Tamarack family,” said Robin Watson. “Two artisans were accepted with conditions, which means they have a little work to do. They will be brought into the system once they have completed revisions required by jurors.”
Tamarack artisans are eligible for wholesale and consumer shows, as well as training activities and other opportunities, sponsored by the Tamarack Artisan Foundation located in Charleston.
New artisans are: Fred Belknap, Braxton County – Wood; David Bruffy, Monongalia County – Souvenir; Pat Cross, Putnam County – Paper/Acrylics; Joyce Waltz Daniels, Kanawha County – Fine Art; Nellie Rose Davis, Randolph County – Textiles; Judy Foxx, Boone County – Fine Art; Jane Gilchrist, Cabell County – Textiles; Linda Gribko, Monongalia County – Fine Art; Joshua Hartsog, Raleigh County – Jewelry; Marietta Lyall, Greenbrier County – Fine Art; Elizabeth McElwain, Berkeley County – Bath & Body; Joshua Miller, Hardy County – Wood; Connie Moeller, Fayette County – Fine Art; Anthony Papa, Kanawha County – Fine Art.
Tamarack, located off I-64/77 in Beckley, is open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, call 1-88-TAMARACK or visit www.tamarackwv.com.