Inspired by Arthurdale’s history of handicraft and subsistence folkways, the Makerspace gives festival goers a chance to learn some new hands-on skills. We have a full lineup of West Virginia artisans teaching mini-workshops or giving hands-on demos throughout the day. Don’t forget to check out our Quilt Show in Center Hall as well!
Thanks to our generous sponsors, The West Virginia Creative Network and The Center for Rural Strategies for making the Makerspace possible!
Makerspace (in Outdoor Event Space)
Featured Mini-Workshops:
11:30am-12:30pm | Plant Walk
Have you ever been curious about what’s growing in your backyard? Join plant-enthusiasts Mike and TJ King as they take you on a walk on Arthurdale Heritage’s new walking trail (about a 0.25 mile loop). Along the way, you will identify the different plants growing along the pathway and learn a little about their growing habits and their culinary and medicinal uses.
Meet at the Makerspace Workstation at 11:30am to begin the plant-walk. The path is mowed and is mostly flat. WARNING: there is some poison ivy, so close-toed shoes are recommended!
1:00pm-2:00pm | Printmaking Mini-Workshop
Try your hand at linoleum relief printmaking with artist Meish Claus!
You will learn a little about the tools and process of making linocut blocks and have the option of making your own print on a poster or tote bag.
Michelle ‘Meish’ Claus (she/they) is a multi-media, queer, Midwest born artist currently living in Charleston, West Virginia. She is a Tamarack Juried Artisan, an avid hiker, kayaker, and forager of medicinal plants and fungi who is inspired by the beauty of each season and the colorful patterns of the forest. She recognizes the importance of shape and texture when identifying trees by their bark in the winter months, and particularly when locating edible mushrooms. This attention to detail translates in her artwork, which features vibrant though often overlooked natural remains and imaginative animals. Meish uses acrylic blended with water to create most of her paintings at her home studio. She often experiments with other mediums and techniques including limestone carving, and linoleum relief printing.
2:30pm-3:30pm | Aluminum Flowers
Join Pittsburgh-based multi-media artisan Diane Scheuermann and learn how to make fun, aluminum flowers! This is a clever way to repurpose aluminum cans, reduce waste, and brighten up your space. When attached to wooden skewer, they can be planted indoors or out.
Meet in the Makerspace at 2:30pm to get started. First come first serve in terms of materials!
Check out our other Makerspace Artisans!
These fine folks will be set up at their booths throughout the day. Stop by to learn something new, watch them demo their crafts, and even try your hands at some of them.
Crankie Station
A crankie is a hand-cranked panoramic scroll that depicts a story. These scrolls can be drawn, painted, sewn on fabric, and made out of just about anything! Ballad-singers and storytellers often use crankies to provide a visual to their music and stories. It’s like a TV but better!
Stop by the Crankie Station to add your own artistic flair to our big, Arthurdale-themed crankie! We will have plenty of pencils, pens, and markers.
Drawing prompts for the Arthurdale Crankie:
- What do you see around Arthurdale?
- Can you incorporate what you know of Arthurdale’s history?
- What is your favorite thing about Arthurdale?
Limber-Jacks by Jacob Lambert
Limber-jacks (AKA Dancin Dans, Jig Dolls, Buskers Puppets, Marionette de Planchette, etc.…) are a traditional folk puppet/percussion instrument that dances along to music. For the past 150 years, they have been commonly found in the British Isles and North America to accompany busking and other street performance.
Usually made of wood, they can be found in many shapes in sizes, vary in complexity, and differ modes of operation/movement. However, jig dolls are most commonly wooden, humanoid puppets which are operated by a single person with a wooden dowel inserted in its back and a long, flexible plank for the doll to clog/dance on.
Jacob Lambert is an arts advocate, festival organizer, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator from Huntington, West Virginia currently based in Morgantown, WV. He is currently the president of PattyFest Inc. which organizes/sponsors multiple music festivals in N. Central WV every year including PattyFest Old-time music festival, Gardner Winter Music Festival, The Rich Family Memorial Fiddle Contest, and the Morgantown Friends of Old-time square dances. When not playing/teaching music, Jacob likes to spend time in his wood shop building folk-instruments and creating various folk-crafts including Jig dolls, Wind chimes, crankie boxes, washboards, and much more!k for the doll to clog/dance on.
Arthurdale Herbalist Gathering
The Arthurdale Herbalist Gathering is a quarterly gathering of herbalists or folks who are interested in herbalism, home remedies, gardening, or mutual aid. The aim of these gatherings is to grow our collective knowledge in these subjects, share plants, skills, and resources, and most of all find community.
Stop by the Arthurdale Herbalist Gathering booth and ask them about their experiences with herbalism and learn a little about medicinal plants and preparations!
Historic Demonstrations
We love showcasing historic trades as we celebrate those who continue to learn and preserve these skills. While you’re having fun at the New Deal Festival, watch a demonstration or two and learn something new!
Blacksmithing
The Appalachian Blacksmith Association is back at the New Deal Festival for a Hammer-In at the Arthurdale Forge. The group features blacksmith craftsmen from across West Virginia. The Appalachian Blacksmith Association is a regional affiliate of the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America.
Weaving & Spinning
There will be weaving, spinning, and fiber arts demos in the Loom Room during the New Deal Festival. Don’t miss the opportunity to see a spinnings wheel and looms in action and to chat with West Virginia fiber artists about their work.
