Footed Hand-Thrown Porcelain Bowl by Marcia Bugg

Artist Bio: Marcia’s story is deeply intertwined with the history of the Folk School. Marcia became a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild in 1979, and while demonstrating her pottery at a fair, met Esther Manchester, previous Folk School Executive Director. Shortly after, Marcia began to teach and sell her pottery at the Folk School, and married Dana Hatheway in front of the fireplace in Keith House. Since that day in 1982, they’ve called the Folk School their home, with Marcia creating her pottery in a studio she shares with Dana’s woodworking space.

Item Description: Discover an early, nature-inspired pottery piece from artist Marcia Bugg’s personal collection, featuring her makers mark at the foot.

4-Leg Pedestal Side Table by Dana Hatheway

Artist Bio: Dana Hatheway is a self-employed custom woodworker who makes fine furniture. He holds a BA in industrial arts/woodworking from Berea College and has been a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild since 1984. Dana was the Folk School’s resident artist in woodworking for 15 years and established the Windsor chair program at the school in 1989. His philosophy is “learning by doing,” using both traditional and contemporary tools and methods.

Item Description: Walnut 4-leg pedestal side table made by Dana Hatheway, inspired by Sam Maloof.

Handwoven Rag Table Runner by JoEl Levy LoGiudice

Artist Bio: JoEl Levy LoGiudice has been a fiber instructor at Florida Community College in Jacksonville, Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee Tech University, The Clearing Folk School, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and Vanderbilt University’s Sarratt Student Center. She has taught weaving and fiber arts classes at the Folk School since 1987. In addition, JoEl has given numerous workshops throughout the southeast in beginning weaving, papermaking, basketry, surface design, and jewelry. Her textiles and mixed-media works have been exhibited nationally.

Item Description: Handwoven rag table runner created by JoEl Levy LoGiudice on a four-harness floor loom. Woven in the traditional rag weaving style, this beautiful piece brings timeless craftsmanship and cozy, homespun charm to any table.

Double Irish Chain Quilted Wall Hanging by Laurel Horton

Artist Bio: Laurel Horton has been making quilts since 1975. Although best known as a textile researcher, author, and editor, she is also recognized as an imaginative fabric artist and inspiring teacher. She has made some sixty large bedquilts and numerous wall quilts, but her recent work is producing decorative, one-of-a-kind potholders. These small creations allow her to do what she loves most—playing with fabrics, making a conscious decision with each piece she adds. She particularly enjoys experimenting with “string patchwork,” a simple, traditional technique that lends itself to almost infinite variation.

Item Description: Machine pieced and hand-quilted Double Irish Chain wall hanging made in 1983 by Laurel Horton. Quilt contains double casings, so it can be hung vertically or horizontally. Made with vibrant green and red fabrics, the design blends together to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Handwoven Ladies Vest by Dianne Totten

Artist Bio: One-of-a-kind handwoven garments have been Dianne Totten’s main focus since the 1970’s with a more recent emphasis on garments using “crimp” cloth, a technique she developed and teaches nationally/internationally for guilds and conferences. She has been published in Shuttle, Spin, and Dyepot Magazine, Handwoven, Weavers, Complex Weavers Journal and Vavmagasinet. Vavmagasinet chose her crimp jacket as “Best in Show” in its category at the Swedish National Convention Fashion Show. In 2016, Dianne was featured in Catherine Ellis’ book, Woven Shibori, Revised and Updated. Dianne is a regular in the Folk School weaving studio yearly, teaching all levels and methods of weaving. Her next class is Weaving – The Next Step November 9 – 15, 2025.

Item Description: Woven as a 20″ width on the loom in a technique called woven shibori, the length of yardage is then turned and the garment is made end to end. Made by Diane Totten, this beautiful garment is perfect to add to your collection.

Handknit Cable Sweater Vest by Charley Orlando, Donated from Pam Howard’s Collection

Artist Bio: Charley and his wife, Betsy, were from Belmont, New York, and were long-time instructors and supporters of the Folk School. Betsy was a renowned doll maker and a founding member of the a four person student-led group, Basketeers, who met taking a basket weaving class at the Folk School 30 years ago have returned each year to take a new class together. Charley taught blacksmithing and knitting. Charley started forging steel in 1978 and when he retired in 1988, he started teaching basic forging techniques around the country, including in Brasstown. Charley produced his first sweater in 1961 after college graduation. He specialized in knitting Fisherman Knit sweaters using wool exclusively. Read more about Charley’s legacy and how his love of blacksmithing has been passed down across generations of family: https://www.folkschool.org/2024/03/05/jackson-takes-a-blacksmithing-class/

Item Description: This sweater, size large and made of 100% wool, reflects not only the history of the Aran Isles but also the collaboration, dedication, and artistry of Charley and Betsy. This piece was donated from Pam Howard, the Folk School’s previous Resident Artist in Weaving’s collection. It was made especially for her and was very loved.

Remnants by Claudia Lee

Artist Bio: Claudia Lee is a studio artist, designer, consultant, author, and instructor working in handmade paper. She is a two-time recipient of a Master Artist Apprenticeship grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission and Tennessee Craft. In 2011, she was chosen to design and create the annual Governor’s Arts Award. Claudia’s work has been published in more than thirty books, magazines, and journals. She lives and works at Liberty Paper, a working and teaching studio in Liberty, TN. She is the recipient of the Tennessee Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship Award for 2019.

Item Description: This piece by Claudia Lee was designed to provoke feelings of age, history and lost stories. It is made up of pieces of artist-made papers that have been rusted, brushed with wax and dyed in indigo and black walnut dye, layered with cord to create a grid, and using hot wax to write fading letters and words.

Spring at Towerhouse by Suzanne DesLauriers

Artist Bio: Suzanne DesLauriers has been a working artist for over thirty years. She was the 1996 Western North Carolina Creative Teacher of the Year and the 1999-2000 North Carolina Secondary Art Teacher of the Year. Suzy is a signature member of the Southern Appalachian Artists Guild as well as a member of the Southern Watercolor Society and the Southeastern Pastel Society. She has taught and exhibited her work in the Carolinas, Maine, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. She believes in unlocking the artist within each of us.

Item Description: Bursting with the colors of spring, this original watercolor painting by long-time Folk School instructor Suzy DesLauriers captures the beauty of the south campus and Tower House in bloom. Selected as the cover art for the 2014 Folk School catalog, it reflects both the spirit of the season and the heart of the school. Alongside the cover appeared this inspiring reminder: “Within each of us lies the heart of an artist waiting for an awakening into a new vision.”

Cozy as a Mushroom Cuddle Blanket by Martha Owen and Beth Johnson

Artist Bio: Martha Owen is the Creative Program Advisor in Spinning, Knitting and Crochet, Felt making, Dyeing, and Surface Design. Her adventure in spinning began at this very school in 1978. Since then, her extended family has included sheep (mostly Corriedale, Shetland,Romney) and Angora rabbits (French). A banjo player known to tell a story or two, Martha’s interest in sheep and wool, music, and dance has carried her quite literally and joyfully to Shetland and around the world. She reads historical fiction for sheep references and rewinds movies to see the shape of a hat or to draw a color repeat. She is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and was co-owner of Yarn Circle in Murphy, NC, until deciding to close in 2016. Find her on Facebook and Instagram at @marthaowenwoolens.

Beth Johnson learned to weave from students of Norman Kennedy and later attended many workshops with him. A lifelong fascination with Asian art led to an interest in Japanese folk textiles and she has had two extensive stays in Japan where she learned sakiori (rag weaving) and worked in a kasuri (ikat) workshop. She has an MFA in textiles from Georgia State University and has taught at the university level and for crafts schools and for weaving guilds and conferences. Recent explorations have been in European ikat traditions and sashiko-ori (weaving sashiko patterns). She maintains a studio in Black Mountain, NC where she weaves, writes and teaches.

Item Description: This wee cuddle blanket is handwoven from mushroom dyed and natural sheep’s colored yarns. The wools for the yarns came from the sheep that grow in Martha Owen’s pasture. They were mill spun at a small artisan mill, then dyed with mushroom dyes in a class with Susan Hopkins some years ago. The blanket was woven by Beth Johnson, long-time friend and teacher of the Folk School, and captures the warm, rich tones of fall, perfect for cozying up during the season.

Cozy in Blue Shawl Collar Cabled Cardigan with Scarf by Carla Owen

Artist Bio: Carla Owen was Martha’s sister in law, meeting her brother Porter Owen at the Folk School. Porter, an engineer and land surveyor, had a desire to know everything. He came to the Folk School to learn chair caning, blacksmithing and more. He also liked to eat! Carla was in charge of the Folk School kitchen at the time. Her connection with the school goes back many years and shows her many interests; cooking, bread baking, gardening, natural dyeing, knitting design, weaving, dancing, photography, painting and more. Martha Owen donated this item from Carla’s collection, and they shared many interests in common.

Item Description: This individually designed cardigan started in the dye pots, with its many colors blended on a drum carder, spun and plied, and knitted to shape. This cardigan was donated by Martha Owen and was originally part of Carla Owen’s collection. This piece memorializes and remembers her interests and skill – a warm hug from a true artist. It is accompanied by a silk cut velvet scarf that was also naturally dyed. Made with wool, kid mohair, angora, and natural dyes.

Doe and Fawn Carvings with Stand by Helen Gibson

Artist Bio: Helen Gibson is a Brasstown Carver in the famed local tradition and was the Folk School’s Resident Woodcarver for several years. She studied with Jack Hall and is one of the few instructors who still carves and teaches the Brasstown Nativity figures she illustrates in her books, “Carving the Nativity” and “The Animals of the Nativity.” These, along with her books on carving Moses and St. Francis of Assisi, depict her highly detailed style of carving in the round. Helen teaches workshops throughout the Southeast.

Item Description: Hand-carved by renowned Brasstown Carver Helen Gibson, this tender pair of a doe and fawn carved from butternut rests gracefully on a wooden base of Cyprus knee with driftwood. A beautiful tribute to the quiet beauty of nature, Helen’s carving captures this gentle bond with warmth and skill. These patterns are traditional Brasstown Carving patterns that Helen has carved for years. She used to carve them with Jack Hall.

Mountain Pendant Necklace by Barbara Joiner

Artist Bio: Barbara Joiner has taught clay and jewelry classes for over 40 years. She studied clay at the University of Illinois, silversmithing at Indiana University, and she has an MFA degree from Southern Illinois University. Barbara’s work is in many collections, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, and has won numerous awards throughout the U.S. She is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and is the Folk School’s Resident Artist in Jewelry & Metals.

Item Description: Mountain pendant necklace with a silver chain, handcrafted by Barbara Joiner. This iconic design served as the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s logo—a timeless symbol of the region’s artistic heritage and natural beauty.

I Sing Behind the Plow Book by Dea Sasso

Artist Bio: Dea is a professional hand bookbinder, sole proprietor of Light of Day Bindery since 1988, and custom leather designer since 1970. She works on private collections; repairs and restores old books; and designs and creates new books, editions, and miniatures. She has been teaching in art institutes and privately since 1991. Dea has an MSPH and has studied and worked for numerous nationally known hand binders and conservators. She is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and has worked at the Folk School since 1991.

Item Description: “I Am a Tiller of the Soils” — a stunning handmade codex book celebrating the Folk School’s core values. Created by artist Dea Sasso, it guides you through the mountains as it follows the 1866 song by Mads Hansen. Crafted from watercolor paper, richly painted with watercolors and 22-karat gold, and bound in leather with archival materials, this piece is a visual journey through art, song, and landscape.

Three-Slat Dining Chair by Tom Donahey

Artist Bio: Tom Donahey has taken a path from submarine nuclear power plant operator to full-time chairmaker, now enjoying life as a mountain homesteader, general builder, teacher, and “do-it-yourselfer.” His woodshop is located here in Brasstown. At Tom’s hands, a log becomes comfortable, contemporary ladderback chairs. Since 1993, he has been a Southern Highland Craft Guild member.

Item Description: “Three Slat Dining Chair” — handcrafted from sturdy red oak and finished with linseed oil for a warm, natural glow. The seat is woven with classic fiber rush, adding comfort and timeless charm. A beautiful blend of craftsmanship and everyday function.

Shovel and Hand Cultivator Garden Tools from Tim Ryan

Artist Bio: Tim Ryan—a beloved Brasstown legend—was an auctioneer, blacksmith, landscape artist, medicine showman, welcomer of Work Study students, and storyteller. He served on the ABANA board and was active in local chapters, helped make the auction a lively success, and shared his artistry as the Folk School’s Resident Artist in Nature Studies. In his earlier years, he also participated in dance and music.

Item Description: Tim had a special fondness for shovels—he believed they were the most important tool anyone could own. Whenever he spotted one at a garage sale, thrift shop, or even by the side of the road, he couldn’t resist adding it to his growing collection. This particular shovel, one of nearly fifty from his garden shed, bears Tim’s signature touch of green paint on the handle. With its extra-long handle, it was likely used for reaching deep into post holes. Paired here with one of Tim’s more unusual finds—an old hand cultivator— this set offers a glimpse into his well-loved collection and lifelong appreciation for good, honest tools.

Caramel Apple Pie and Shaker Lemon Pie by Nanette Davidson

Artist Bio: Nanette Davidson founded the folk school culinary program, wrote The Folk School Cookbook, and acted as Resident Artist for cooking for twenty years. She has studied Shaker cooking and textiles and is a repeat visitor to the Shaker historic sites in New England and Kentucky. She regularly bakes sourdough breads in her woodfired oven or friends and local markets.

Item Description: Nanette will be auctioning off two of her classic pie recipes, her lattice-topped Caramel Apple Pie from local apples and Shaker Lemon Pie. Baked the day of the auction, they’ll be sure to be a fantastic seasonal treat to end your Saturday. Nanette taught Shaker cookery for about fifteen years during the Folk School’s Shaker themed weeks, researched so many amazing recipes, and her lemon pie is always a crowd pleaser. Pies are made with an all butter crust, organic flour and sugar, local apples, and heirloom recipes. Enjoy a copy of the recipe with your dessert, along with a Folk School Cookbook.

Saturday, November 9, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Forging for the Future Live Auction

Join us for a live auction whose proceeds support the Folk School. Bid on handcrafted ironwork and other fine craft items donated by instructors, students, staff and centennial artists. Your contributions help us uphold the legacy of the Folk School and its cherished programs.

We will have a preview from 12 to 2 p.m., with the auction running from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Keith House Community Room.