Founded by Frances Goodrich in 1890, the Folk Art Center was created so that women could gather together and weave. Goodrich encouraged other women to keep traditions. From the group that met, the Southern Highland Guild was formed.

Libby and Jim Mijanovich, artists of Mija, work together, creating intricate pieces with fiber. Libby is the color queen and Jim has the skills for design. Their textile pieces are usually displayed as wall decorations. Below is an image of their Rhythm piece.

photo property of Mija

I personally like this piece because it is filled with crazy patterns, but it still flows. I think the black and white adds simplicity yet is still quite beautiful.

At Handmade in America, they encourage people to buy handmade crafts. Not only does it help the economy for artists, but it is also much more valuable and much more intricate than manufactured art. Handmade in America is a very neat non-profit organization that encourages local businesses and artists.

At the Center for Craft, Creativity, and Design, the exhibit was Lia Cook's. Cook uses pixelated photos on cloth. When viewed from up close, they appear blurry. However, when viewing from further away, the pictures stand out beautifully. Cook takes something that is considered imperfect, twistes it, and creates something new and beautiful. She took a risk creating these projects, a risk well worth taking. 

This piece stands out to me because not only is it pixelated but it also has a maze pattern hince the name In the Maze. Interestingly, this image appears clearer through a camera rather than in person.

The Oriole Mill is a rather fascinating place. Within ten minutes of arriving there, we had been told no less than four times that it was a privilege that we got to visit the mill and watch the machines work. It was so neat to watch the pieces of the large machines work together to create yarn, fabric, and string. I never knew creating fabric was such a intricate and complex process. I was impressed by all of the workers who put hard work into the custom made fabric.

Photo by Peak Definition

The River Arts District is a strip of different craft shops. Of the pottery, wood turning, and basket weaving, the pottery was my favorite. We had the opportunity to watch one of the ladies work on the wheel. I was impressed by her speed and skill and creating such beautiful pieces of pottery. The glaze shop was fascinating and the klin was, well, hot.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to go on this trip. I cannot wait to use what I have learned about handmade crafts for my interior design career.