The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

July 15, 2011

Art, music to be showcased this weekend at Tamarack

By Nick Brockman Register-Herald Reporter

BECKLEY — Tamarack will host three featured artisans this weekend, along with free musical entertainment Sunday.

West Virginia artisans Delbert Pitchford, Anne Beardslee and V.E. Lilly will be on site displaying their respective skills from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Sunday. Shayar, a roots and reggae musician, will also offer a free musical performance at 2 p.m. Sunday.

This weekend’s artists are part of a continued series that aims to introduce individuals to West Virginia art.

“Every weekend, we invite certain artists to come, and they’re present,” said Cindy Whitlock, Tamarack marketing director. “You can watch them work, you can talk to them, ask them questions, that kind of thing.”

Each of the artists maintains a unique craft.

For example, Pitchford turns wood into nature’s sculpture, Whitlock said.

“He does wood turning,” she said. “He’s a wood turner, and he makes things out of cattails and wood.”

Pitchford’s works can be used for centerpieces, decoration for a rustic cabin or as a way to bring a piece of nature into the office, Whitlock said.

“It looks like something you might see walking through the woods here in West Virginia,” she said of Pitchford’s work.

Meanwhile, Beardslee uses pine needles to craft useful artworks like baskets.

“It’s very intricate, involved,” Whitlock said. “She has the ultimate patience. They’re very dense when they’re made, tightly woven — candy dishes, business card holders, usually small pieces, vessels.”

Finally, V.E. Lilly will be on hand to display his metalwork.

“He makes rings out of sterling silver coins like quarters and 50-cent pieces and dimes,” Whitlock said. “I’m wearing one now. You can see the edges from the quarter. You can see the word ‘liberty,’ and the one I chose has my birth year on it. You can choose type of coin, you can choose the size of the ring or you can pick a year that might mean something to you.”

Whitlock said Sen. Robert C. Byrd wore three such rings commemorating his anniversary, his election to the Senate and his wife’s birthday.

Each of the artists will be on hand displaying their skills, and their works will be available for purchase, Whitlock said.

In addition to the three featured artisans, Whitlock said Tamarack’s studios will be open. On site, there is currently a potter, glass blower, textile artist and two wood workers.

Shayar will conclude the weekend’s featured entertainment Sunday, Whitlock added.

For more information, call 304-256-6843 or visit www.tamarackwv.com.

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