(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

 Loading ...

There is a gem of a find for shoppers in the region.  The Pocahontas County Artisans Coop has not only some beautiful pieces but they are marked at incredibly reasonable low prices.  I was with a motor coach tour awhile back and we stopped at the Co-op.  One lady was browsing and suddenly stopped at a table full of handmade cutting boards.  The boards were unique in that they were made of both black walnut and oak.  The patterns in it were swirly, deep and rich.  She said to me “I am going to buy this even though I don’t need a cutting board but I love the hours of work that must have gone into this.”

Another interesting artist at the Co-op is Brenda Harman.  She makes brooms from broomcorn she grows in her home garden on Droop Mountain.  I’d rather eat rocks than clean house but these brooms are absolutely gorgeous.  Plus I can justify buying them for actual sweeping (unless of course you know me).

Some other items at the Co-op include fishing lures, hats, necklaces, baskets, original photography, serving boards, soy candles, stained glass, sculpture, jewelry, quilting, blacksmithing and carving.  These artists are carrying on the traditions of Appalachia with handmade tools and equipment.  They represent the best of what there remains about living in the mountains.

Did I mention painting?  Well the building is full of paintings – oil, water color, acrylic, landscape, modern, portrait, pen and ink, pastels, and the list goes on and on.

They’ll also help you make an original art piece for holiday giving.  November 20, 21, 27 & 28 and December 4, 5, 11 & 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. they’ll have classes for basket weaving, Bonsai Gem trees, cutting boards, saw blade painting, candles, primitive signs, and Christmas wreaths.  For more information you can contact the Co-op at 304.456.9900.  See you there!