Stop 14. Berea Studio Artists
The Berea Studio Artist Program invites visitors to experience the various stages of art production through educational graphics, text, and interaction with artists, as their work schedule permits. The studio artists have created space in their studios for visitors to observe them as they work, but they are not there as demonstrators. These are full-time, producing artists busy at work to fill orders and create inventory. This unique program gives visitors an insider’s view of how the creative process becomes visible. Watch for the Studio Artists at Work icon as you wander through town. With the exception of Student Crafts on the Square (which is in College Square), the Studio Artists are clustered in Old town Artisan Village, all within easy walking distance of one another. Click here for more information about the studio artists.
Hot Flash Beads
Jimmy Lou Jackson left the world of scientific discovery to make discoveries of her own, in the ancient art of lampworking: melting and manipulating glass without blowing air. Her beaded creations harkens back to a childhood love of marbles. Visitors to Honeysuckle Vine – a shop she co-owns with her sister Dinah Tyree – can watch Jimmy Lou heat-fuse intricate glass patterns into her beadwork and other designs.
- Nationally known for torch worked glass beads
- Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more
- Watch the artist at work
Images of Santa
Lindy Evans began by designing dolls for family and friends. Her love has blossomed into a 20-year career as a professional doll maker. A former teacher and school administrator, she spent years studying people’s expressions and facial characteristics. Those experiences help Lindy sculpt polymer clay into amazingly life-like characters and Santa collectibles. Special touches like vintage fabrics and antique toys bring Santa and his Elves to life, making a believer of even the biggest skeptic.
- Original life-like characters
- Santa collectibles, elves
- Original characters from polymer clay
- Workshops available
Gastineau Studio
Ken Gastineau’s interest in metal work and sculpture, combined with influences from travels to Europe and the American Southwest, help define his jewelry making and metal work. At Gastineau Studio, bars of lead-free pewter are melted and poured into molds created by Gastineau to produce jewelry, napkin rings and ornaments. Designs are taken from regional culture such as Shaker Tree of Life and horse motifs, and the natural world. Each piece is accompanied by a description or poem. Ken is a self-taught pewter spinner as well and creates lead-free pewter cups by spinning a pewter disc on a lathe. Ken, his wife Sally, and son Guy, with the help of their assistants, produce and sell their work throughout the country.
- Jewelry, ornaments, napkin ring holders
- Pewter cups – name engraving available
- Sign up for jewelry-making workshops
Weaver’s Bottom Craft Studio
As a weaving student at Berea College, Neil Colmer received a degree in Spanish and won the Sara Fuller Prize Loom, a high honor. The college promptly employed him as a weaver with Fireside Industries. He then left Berea College to set up the craft program for Fort Boonesborough State Park. A serious weaver for over four decades, he has woven cloth in wool, linen, and even mylar, but he prefers to work with cotton. Mary is renowned for her cornshuck dolls. She creates scenes and characters using natural products.
- Traditional style weaving: coverlets, rugs, towels…
- Three kinds of chair seats
- Cornshuck dolls, elf houses
- Custom orders welcome
The Weston Glass Studio
As a child, Michelle Weston spent hours studying tidal waters and sea creatures. Today she coaxes 2,000-degree glass into inspired forms like her signature starfish. Born in New Zealand, Michelle and her parents immigrated to the United States in her youth. She received a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. Michelle’s goal is to provide high quality, handcrafted glass gift-ware at affordable prices. Each unique creation bears her signature and the date.
- Handcrafted glass gift-ware at affordable prices
- Glass ornaments, vases, starfish, pumpkins & more
- Blow your own ornament workshop – call for appointment.
Gilliam Gallery and Studio
A multi-talented artist, Diane Gilliam is a painter, stained glass artist and photographer. Her stained glass overlays combine her love of art glass and relief sculpture.
- Stained glass, fused glass, lamp worked beads
- Photographs, jewelry, woodworking
- Paintings, prints, cards, and bottle art
- Stained glass workshops – call for apt.