Demonstrations

Cherokee Artist and Mask Maker. Interview by Tonya Carroll "Hornet's Nest Mask" and "Geese Ascending" Photographed by Maggie Steber from "Building One Fire" by Smith and Strickland Cherokee Nation 2012 Other Photography by Ashley Evans and Katherine Bartel Video and Editing by Katherine Bartel A Production…

Max Woody

Max Woody chair shop.

Stabilization and Rehabilitation of the Historic Carson House Barn

Junior Appalachian Musicians

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit in Hayesville

Lula Bolick

Jim Vipperman

Bluegrass and old-time musician

Mount Airy, NC (Surry County)

Multi-instrumentalist and teacher Jim Vipperman grew up in a musically rich family and community in Surry County. "My dad played music, both of my grandfathers played, and my great-grandfather played. It is great to come from that family history, and I think it has helped me absorb the music." Jim plays fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, and banjo.

Gina and Michael Wheeler

Broom maker and chair maker

Barnardsville, NC (Buncombe County)

Gina Wheeler, a broom maker, grew up in Hendersonville in an artistic family. She apprenticed for several years with broom maker Alton Blankenship, learning directly from him the art that Blankenship learned from his father in Rutherford County. Blankenship spoke admiringly of his protégé's work. She often accompanied him and assisted him at his demonstration engagements until his passing in August, 2011.

Randy Vess

Farm machinery demonstrator

Old Fort, NC (McDowell County)

Randy Vess grew up in McDowell County, in a family that kept alive many traditional occupational skills that were common in the mountains in previous generations. Vess' grandfather and great-grandfather were both millers, running a water-powered mill. His mother's parents, who lived on the land where Vess lives today, didn't have their home electrified until the mid-1960s.