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Appalachian Features Magazine Phone: 828-668-1070 Email: dheldman@taasg.com Mail: P.O. Box 2242, Old Fort, NC 28762 48 East Main Street Old Fort, NC 28762 App Features Magazine - Production Team Publisher: Dru Heldman Editor: Bev Heldman Managing Editor: Donna Mayton Art & Direction: Dru Heldman Staff Photographer: Bev Heldman Accounting and Advertising Director: Donna Mayton

Contributing Writers:

Nanci Gregory - TAAS Members Photography Carol Sheppard - TAAS Member Glass & Jewelry Jennifer East - TAAS Member Weaving & Mixed Media Betty Heldman - TAAS Member Cross-stitch Beverly Heldman - TAAS Owner, Jewelry mixed media Donna Mayton - Executive Assistant Handcraft Marketing Columns: Walks and Hikes in the Appalachians TAAS Feature Artist of month Events and classes for Art & Crafts Appalachian B&B Review TAAS Value and dealer locations Heritage Recipes Explore Small towns in Appalachia Ask Oneida - Send in your questions about art and Oneida will answer

Unifiweb™ a Pinwilz™ Company

This Issue Feature Artisan Susan Stanton Native American Art – The story of the Turtle Stitch & Chatter TAAS Breaking through the Great Recession Upcoming Events

Cover Photo provide by Susan Stanton Feature Story by Dru Heldman

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Susan Stanton September Feature Artisan By: Dru Heldman

It is with great pleasure that we

present Susan Stanton as our feature

artist. Her work is unlike any other.

I’ve had the honor of getting to

know Susan over the last few months

that she has displayed here at TAAS.

The more I learn about her

techniques, the more I come to

appreciate her skill and the difficulty

she endures to get the perfect

photo. She told me how she waits for

the sun to be just right and sometime

sits for hours waiting for that artistic

lighting on the subject. The cover

piece is a real set-up no re-touching

and all with natural sun light. For

many artists the goal is to get their

paintings to look like photos with

realism and depth, to fool the on-

looker to think that it is a photo. With

Susan’s work I find myself captivated

that she does almost the opposite.

Her photos look like masterpiece

paintings. The richness of color, that

bathing of sunlight and the three

dimensionalism of real life. It’s no

wonder that Susan is such an

accomplished artist wth her works on

display in both public and private

collections around the world. Check

out Susan’s full bio on the website

www.taas.com and link over to her

website for even more views of her

work.

Susan also has a series of greeting

cards available and we can special

order any of her images in various

sizes printed on canvas.

If you can get into TAAS before the

end of the month you will see Susan

Stanton’s expanded collection of

paintings on the Fine Art Feature

Wall. Fall color photos perfect for

cozy cabin décor.

This cold winter scene depicts a worn pathway and railing disappearing into the frosty snow covered landscape.

This quintessential Blue Ridge Parkway image depicts a beautiful summer scene. As the morning light washes across the mountains, bright yellow flowers fill the foreground.

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Native American Art By Donna Mayton

The subject of Native American Art is vast and has

many origins. It would be an injustice to try to explain

just a piece of art without the background and the

lore, or the stories that go along with most native art

creations.

While writing these articles for Native American Art I

will try to educate, as well as entertain you with a

blending of true facts and Native lore, and

possibly without getting political, create an

understanding of Native ways and culture. Keep in

mind "Native America" encompasses many tribes,

each with their own interpretation of symbols and

stories and cultures as diverse as the areas they lived

and some still live in today.

Please start with an open mind and forget anything

and everything you ever saw in a John Wayne

movie. (Need I say more? - Remember, I don't want

to get political).

Another important fact; Ancient Native artifacts and

Native American Art today are still victims of "black

market arts" all over the world.

Pictured RIGHT is a Turtle Rattle

made by Buckhorn Crossing, Pam and Bryan Barnett

of Weaverville, NC, available at TAAS Gallery.

I thought it appropriate to start with Turtle.

Turtle has lots of symbolism in Native American lore.

Starting with "Turtle Island" which is what the continent

of North America (the United States and Canada) is

referred to in many Native stories.

Turtle Lore from An Anishnabe (Anishinabe) Legend

The Anishnabe/Ojibwa Indians (The Eastern

Woodland Culture in the northeastern United States

spread north into central Canada)

At the time Europeans reached the shores of North

America, the Ojibwa Indians were the largest tribe on

the continent. They referred to themselves as

Anishnabe - a word that means the people.

Anishnabe territory extended from the eastern

seaboard, west to the headwaters of the Mackenzie

River. The Ojibwa lands were bounded in the north by

the sub-Arctic tundra and followed the Mississippi

south to the Carolina's. The Anishnabe people didn't

build tipis...they made wigwams from bent saplings

and covered the exterior with bark or hides. A small

wigwam could be built in a day. More time was spent

on constructing larger wigwams that could shelter a

dozen or more people through severe winter

weather. Those living south of the Great Lakes had

access to all those food sources, but the climate and

terrain further south also leant itself to agriculture.

Anishnabe grew small gardens of corn, and beans - a

skill that had migrated along the trade routes.

The Anishnabe Story of Turtle.

It was one of those days when Nanaboozhoo was

in a strange mood. He had just awakened from a

deep sleep that was disturbed by the noisy quarreling

and scolding of the blue jays. He was a bit cranky; his

sleep was disturbed and besides that, he was hungry.

His first thought was to go down to the village and

find something to eat.

Entering the village, he came across some men

cooking fish. They had their camp located close to Continued next page

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the water and Nanaboozhoo spied many fish

cooking over a fire. Now, being very hungry, he

asked for something to eat.

The men were happy to

give him some, but

cautioned him

that is was

hot.

Not

heeding their warning, he quickly grabbed the fish

and burned his hand. He ran to the lake to cool it off

in the water. Still unsteady from his deep sleep, he

tripped on a stone and fell on Mi-she-kae (turtle) who

was sunning on the beach. At that time, Mishekae

was not as we know her today. She had no shell and

was comprised of soft skin and bone. Turtle

complained loudly to Nanaboozhoo to watch where

he was going. Now, Nanaboozhoo felt ashamed of

his clumsiness and apologized to Mishekae. He

wondered, "what can I do to make it up to her?" He

wanted to do something to help his friend. "I'll have to

sit and think it over,"he thought, as he followed the

path back to his wigwam.

Sometime later, he returned to the beach and

called for Mishekae. Turtle poked her head through

the soft beach mud. Nanaboozhoo picked up two

large shells from the shore and placed one on top of

the other. He scooped up Mishekae and put her right

in the middle, between the shells. Nanaboozhoo took

a deep breath and began. "You will never be injured

like that again." he said slowly. "Whenever danger

threatens," he continued, "you can pull your legs and

head into the shell for protection". Nanaboozhoo sat

beside his friend on the beach and told Mishekae his

thoughts. "The shell itself is round like Mother Earth. It

was a round hump which resembles her hills and

mountains. It is divided into segments, like martyrizes

that are a part of her; each different and yet

connected by her." Mishekae seemed very pleased

with and listened intently. "You have four legs, each

representing the points of direction North, South, East

and West." he said. "When the legs are all drawn in,

all directions are lost. Your tail will show the many

lands where the Anishnabek have been and your

head will point in the direction to follow. "You will

have advantages over the Anishnabek," he went on.

"You will be able to live in the water as well as on

land and you will be in your own house at all times."

Mishekae approved of her new self and thanked

Nanaboozhoo for his wisdom. Moving now in a thick

shell, she pushed herself along the shore and

disappeared into the water.

So, ever since

that accident

long ago, Turtle

has been special

to the

Anishnabek. To this

day, she continues to

grace Mother Earth, still

proudly wearing those two

shells.

Rattle Facts &

Uses In Native American heritage, rattles are

among the most interesting instruments used during

ceremonies. It is an interesting fact that not all

American Indian tribes used drums historically, but

most do use rattles. Different tribes use rattles now as

they have for generations. They also play an

important role in the spiritual relationship with the

creator. They are also used in community gatherings.

Historically, Native American rattles have been

essential to tribal ceremonies being symbolic to each

tribe that uses them. The symbols may include the

animal, plant and mineral kingdom. A turtle shell or

gourd container may represent the animal kingdom,

along with feathers or animal hide pieces. Small rocks

may also represent the mineral kingdom as they are

placed inside. The plant kingdom is usually

represented by seeds placed inside the rattle or the

handle of the rattle. The earthen paints that may be

used to decorate the rattle are also from the plant

kingdom. Other natural choices include shells, antlers

and bones.

A favorite of some of the North American tribes are

decorative rattles made with hand carved gourds or

turtle shells. Each tribe uses the different materials

from their areas for their own way of making the

rattles. They use different colors, symbols, beads,

patterns, feathers, hides, rocks, seeds and plants.

These materials are what the artist uses to create a

personal and unique rattle. When you learn which

tribes use which designs, you know with certainty the

tribe that made it. They are handcrafted works of art.

One thing that seems to be a common thread

between the tribes is that they use rattles along with

dancing. They also use them for medicine and

spirituality. Music and songs along with family stories

have always played an important part of Native

American teachings. Sharing generations of old

legends and early teachings through ceremonial

rituals has preserved traditional beliefs.

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TAASG Item #: 14343 Artist Item #: Small fused candle

holder gold swirl $ 15.00

Stitch & Chatter Betty Heldman

The Beginning - October 1999

This program started when Betty Heldman went into

the house of Jessie Graves in Pigeon Forge, TN and

saw all the lovely crocheted afghans that she had all

over her house. Betty suggested that the church, (

First Presbyterian, Sevierville, TN) could form a sewing

group if Jessie would help some of the women to

learn or rekindle their knowledge of crocheting. She

readily agreed. The name "Stitch & Chatter" came

from a Presbyterian church group in Yonkers, New

York which also had a sewing group.

Charter members of this group were: Willie Delozier,

Ethel Grady, Jessie Graves, Betty Heldman, Betty

Tygert and Juanita Willard. They met weekly and

agreed to give all their handmade afghans and

baby blankets to the local hospitals and nursing

homes.

In the summer of 2003 the location of our program

was changed from the church to the new Sevier

County Senior Center on Chapman Highway in

Sevierville. By doing so we added a few new

members including Ann Matuszak, Ruth Matthews

and Leoda Whaley, Vicki Stradley, Jean Dew, Betty

Walters. Barbara Storms, Geraldine Clark, Pauline

Miller, Anilee McGill, Sieta Neutenbaum, Kathryn

Lathan, Joan Renaud, June Ramundo, Barbara Roy,

Debra Roberts, Eva Reeves, Stephanie Curtis, Ruth

Fincham.

As of this date, we have given away 593 afghans, 310

baby blankets, 438 hats (baby/adult), 60

scarfs/shawls, 96 miscellaneous items including

wristlets, sweaters, wash cloths and pillows.

Donations of yarn are always appreciated.

Bed & Breakfast Enhanced by

Art & Crafts By Carol Sheppard

Southern Orchid Glass & Jewelry Designs

One-of-a-kind Art Glass and Wearable Art

Jewelry Art lovers are to Bed-and-Breakfasts in the same way

that dark chocolate is to a fine red wine. You don’t

have to incorporate dark chocolate to enjoy a

quality red wine, but it definitely enhances the

pleasure.

If you are someone for whom the purchase of a new

piece of art first creates a hum of excitement as you

contemplate where you will display your new

acquisition, followed by a repetitive zen-like state

each time you behold your new art piece, you are

probably the same type of person who can

appreciate that staying at a B&B is more than just an

accommodation…it’s an adventure.

B&B’s, unlike your standard motel or hotel, possess a

unique personality, each and every one being totally

different from the next one. Motels and hotels

typically strive for the uniformity and consistency that

is the hallmark and appeal for loyal clientele.

Although not a prerequisite for a Bed-and-Breakfast,

many are located within historic buildings or

residences and are therefore one-of-a-kind

properties. Renovations can maintain the historic

perspective or the property owner may have added

modern amenities for the comfort of their guests.

Probably the

most enticing

thing about Bed-

and-Breakfasts,

and what

ultimately

creates the

atmosphere that

appeals to those

seeking a brief

adventure

instead of just a

stay, is the

décor. Each

room is different,

often

incorporating a

theme, or a specific object, color or focus. Many

Bed-and-Breakfasts have incorporated the work of

local artists into their properties, sometimes promoting

sales of specific pieces on display. Bed-and-

Breakfast owners are often able to steer their guests

to the best galleries for collecting local art. While

relaxing and enjoying the hospitality of the Bed-and-

Breakfast owners, you may browse and study the art

on display, even asking questions about the artists,

with whom the Bed-and-Breakfast owners often have

a relationship. I have even had the opportunity to

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personally meet some artists after expressing an interest in the artwork displayed on the premises of the Bed-and-

Breakfasts where I was staying. During one such meeting, I was delighted to not only engage in a long

conversation with a watercolor artist about her work, but was offered the chance to browse through her studio so

that I could select from among pieces that she had not yet placed for public viewing. In this way, I acquired a

unique piece of artwork that I value and enjoy to this day. My purchase was made more special for me by the

memory of the time I spent with the artist.

Because Bed-and-Breakfasts are generally owner-operated, the personalities and interests of the owners provide

the impetus behind their selection of art for their properties. Some Bed-and-Breakfasts tie their artwork to the

unique features of the local area. For instance, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, artwork depicting local scenery is

often utilized to decorate the common areas of Bed-and-Breakfasts, with the individual rooms theme-based on

flowers or other indigenous plants and trees. In the same way that Bed-and-Breakfast hosts work one-on-one with

guests to recommend restaurants and sight-seeing options, through exposure to these art pieces, a guest might

discover a place they had not considered in their research of an area.

Make your next visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains more than just a couple of days of R&R. By staying in a local Bed-

and-Breakfast and connecting with a local gallery such as TAASG in Old Fort, North Carolina, you can create

memories that will last well beyond the two or three days you spend in the area.

Events Every Saturday in July 12-Noon - 3:00 PM Crochet with Marie - Crochet and Knitting group meets in TAAS Gallery. Free to learn Date Time Event Details

Every Saturday in July 12-Noon - 3:00 PM Crochet with Marie Crochet and Knitting group

meets in TAAS Gallery. Free to learn September Regular Business Hours TAAS Feature Artist Susan Stanton Expanded display of photography by Susan Stanton. October Feature Artist Rust Pottery Expanded display of Rust Pottery October 2-4 Fri-Sun Oktoberfest Old Fort’s largest annual festival 1

st weekend

in October

TAAS Breaking through the Great Recession - we can all end the rut

It’s being called the “Great Recession” not to be

confused with the great depression in the 1920’s but

what ever you call it, it has been tough on everyone.

Everyone knows someone that has been laid-off from

work, had their pay cut or suffered some losses in the

stock market. We at TAAS have not been immune to

this rare economic situation. I wouldn’t proclaim an

early victory as there is still time for things to get

worse- but I am blown away by the facts. While the

gallery has had a challenging past 12 months with

slower sales, we have had an increase in the number

of sales transactions each month. The sale amounts

have been lower per sale but the increase has been

constant throughout the recession. Here recently in

the last month and a half we’ve seen even more

better news. Our sales are up over last year and up

over two years ago. People are in much better spirits

and optimism is on the rise.

I hope and I pray that this is a trend and not a fluke.

We need better sales for all of our members. Without

sales the artisan loose motivation and without

motivation they stop being creative and with out

creativity everyone get stuck in a rut. People in ruts

are not friendly and pass-on ill feelings to others. It just

not a positive environment. So lets make our place

here on earth the best it can be. Support your local

creative people by showing them that you

appreciate the value of what they do and the fact

that they are capable of creating something with

their hands. Buy a handcraft and end the rut.

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Feature Artisans See the complete artisan listing on-line

These Features Artisans all have on-line bios and product listings on the taasg.com

website. Visit www.taasg.com and click on shop. Buy from up to 70 different artisans with one shipment UPS/Fed-EX & USPS

• Butterfly Blends Soy Candles,

Soy melting Tarts & Pillar

Candles Old Fort, NC

• Dana Abee Reynolds of

Abee Artistry Jewelry

Designer, Artist Little

Switzerland, NC

• Debbie Acrivos of Sassy

Bags Sewn Crafts Old Fort,

NC

• Katrina Bass of Appalachia

Blue Jewelry - crochet wire

bead weaving peyote, spiral

Old Fort, NC

• Donna Clark of Nature Maid

Soap & Lotion Homemade

Soap and Lotion Marion, NC

• Kevin Clark of K & D Fine

Handcrafted and T... Fine

Handcrafted Turned Wood

Marion, NC

• Lisa Davis Jewelry Design,

Charlotte, NC

• Jerry Depew of Spoonin' It

With Jerry Handcrafted

hardwood spoons,

sculptures & collages Kings

Mountain, NC

• Jennifer East of SouthWest

by East MIved media,

collage, loom and off-loom

weaving, felting, original

Marion, NC

• Lee Entrekin of Dreamwind

Handmade Native

American Style Flutes, Made

in a full range of keys ... Old

Fort, NC

• Denise Geiger Painting - Oil

& Pastels Black Mountain,

NC

• Lana Gentile Acrylic

Paintings - Landscapes,

seascapes, wildlife, and

architecture. Old Fort, NC

• Cecilia Gilliam Photos on

Canvas Old Fort, NC

• Cecilia Gilliam of Clever-

Craft Gifts Rustic florals and

accents, hand painted

flowers, birds, butterflies...

Old Fort, NC

• Nanci Gregory Photography

Claremont, NC

• Pat Harris of Pine Needle

Creations Swannanoa, NC

• Betty Heldman Crocheting

afghans and baby blankets

Sevierville, TN

• Bev Heldman of PINWILZ

Wire creations, Jewelry,

wood burning. Old Fort, NC

• Faye Huskey of Front Row

Beads Jewelry • Barbara Klein of Honeybee

Handmade Jewelry,

Candler, NC

• Casey Kristofferson of Little

Flower People, handpainted

clothes, Old Fort, NC

• Michael & Debbie Maine of

MDM Designs Wood

Turnings, Wood Crafts &

Native American Artifacts

Recreations Taylorsville, NC

• Martha Nelson Wheel

formed and hand-built

Stoneware Pottery

Ridgecrest, NC

• Kerri Newman of Blue Ridge

Studios, Lampwork glass,

Lenoir, NC

• Karen K. Paquette of

Abstract Garden Fine Art,

Abstract, Mixed media Black

Mountain, NC

• Eileen Ross, Multi-media

paintings, Black Mountain,

NC

• Debbie Rust of Rust Pottery

Pottery Gastonia, NC

• Carol Sheppard of Southern

Orchid Glass & Jewelry, Kiln-

formed Art Glass, Mosaics,

and Wearable Art Jewelry

Dahlonega, GA

• Penny Skoog Japanese

Temari Balls and Polymer

Clay Designs and Jewelry

Maggie Valley, NC

• Susan Stanton Photography

Horse Shoe, NC

• Jenean Stone Photography

Black Mountain, NC

• Anne Stone Locker Hooking,

Pottery Montreat, NC

• Bob Stuart of Old Man

Carvings Hand Carved

Woodland Spirits Cypress

Knees, Bottle Stoppers and

Hiking Sticks Greensboro, NC

• Helen Sullivan, painting and

sculpture, Old Fort, NC

• Darryl Totherow Native

American walking sticks,

Dream catchers Newton,

NC

Ask Oneida - Send in your questions about art and Oneida will answer.

Have a question about handcrafts or something handcrafts related? Give Oneida a try. We’ll publish the answers in the Appalachian Features Magazine.

Write to:

Ask Oneida at TAAS Gallery P.O. Box 2242 Old Fort, NC 28762