The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 1, 2009

Open house in Daniels to showcase gifts of art this holiday season

By Courtney D. Clark

Five local Tamarack artisans are urging West Virginians to give the gift of art this year.

To celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, Elaine Bliss, Diana Pittis, Robby Moore, Doug Coleman and Nancy O’Farrell will host their second annual Art Open House Nov. 7 to showcase their hand-made pottery, textiles, etched glass, jewelry and fine art.

“We love our work,” said Bliss, a juried and resident artist at Tamarack. “When we collaborate on projects, like this open house, we have the fun of enjoying each other’s company while we share the load and celebrating some while doing it.

“We try to advocate for the arts,” she explained, “to pass the word to the community that beauty, creativity — the arts — inspire us all, and hopefully bring joy and celebration to those who admire and collect our work.”

The community-minded artisan says that in addition to trying to stay afloat in a difficult economy, they are working together to promote the arts.

“When the economy gets tough,” Bliss added, “sharing the good stuff helps us all to feel hopeful, inspired and part of an ongoing community.”

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., they will be set up throughout Diana’s Home & Studio in Grandview, celebrating the art while serving snacks and refreshments.

Juried artisan Robby Moore said the five artists became friends through the Tamarack Foundation and by doing work in Beckley.

“We have a shared goal of wanting to promote the arts,” Moore said. “One way to help the arts is of course purchasing things, but what we are really about is art appreciation and understanding.”

Pittis, another juried artisan, said the group likes to do whatever it can to showcase Tamarack.

“Tamarack Foundation is fantastically supportive of their artisans,” said Pittis.

According to the artist, the foundation helps finance trips to make events possible for those who could not otherwise participate.

“I want everyone to know that we’re very fortunate to have Tamarack in our community,” she continued. “We certainly give them exposure whenever we have the opportunity to do so, because they do so much for us.”

“It should be really exciting because of the variety of work and also the intimacy,” Pittis said. “Locals won’t be rushed to shop. They can hang out, talk and enjoy a community group gathering.”

“This is a great opportunity to meet somebody new. No one needs to feel obligated to buy anything, just come out and have a good time.”

Diana’s Home & Studio is located at 611 Grandview Road in Daniels.

— E-mail: cclark@register-herald.com

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