Saturday, April 12
from 10 to 5

LRCC opens for its 20th season!

On Saturday, April 12, the Lost River Craft Cooperative will mark a milestone as it opens for its 20th season.

Created during the summer of 1988, the group first opened the gallery in the Lost River General Store building. After nearly a decade of growth, the cooperative moved down the road a few hundred yards and took up residence in a converted barn owned by Verdie Teets Muntzing in the spring of 1998.

That move could have spelled the end for the still-fledgling group, but the task of refitting the bank-style barn, led by the late Jim Leiss and the late Will Weatherholtz, both master woodworkers, may have created a greater determination to succeed.

“After all, the strength of a cooperative/member-owned group is that everyone is a part of the organization,” said Albert Hutchings of Washington, D.C., a glass artisan who is serving as the current president of the cooperative. “The last to join is as important as the first because we all share a common goal.”

Moving to the Harper Barn, as the historic structure is known, also provided space for the development of a museum for the valley, a special wish of Teets Muntzing when she offered the barn to the cooperative.

The Lost River Museum was created on the first floor of the barn, largely under the direction of Pete and Ginny Mondale and Bill and Nancy Powell, comprised of exhibits representing the history of farming and homesteading in the area. Raymond Daugherty, a member from Mathias, points to the museum as a singular achievement. "A source of my enjoyment [as a co-op member] is just the realization of what the co-op, especially Nancy and Bill, have done to preserve the culture and history of this area, which would have otherwise been lost.”

The upper floor of the barn houses the cooperative’s artisan gallery, where products range from fused glass, fine furniture, regional books, original paintings, pewter jewelry, and hand-dyed yarns. The handcrafted products are complemented by the sturdy craftsmanship of the barn. Artisans also work in cooperation with the museum, particularly fiber artists who demonstrate on two antique looms, to share the history of many of the crafts represented in the gallery.

The years since the move have brought more growth to the cooperative, which now includes nearly 100 members, a diverse group comprised of consigning artisans and “friends” who support the cooperative’s operations and programs.

Plans are under way this year to offer some classes, as well as continue a tradition of artisan demonstrations through the summer months. “It’s another big step for us to offer classes,” said Hutchings. “We have lots of changes and new ideas on our agenda for the 2008 season. It's exciting just to look forward see all the things we have ahead of us.”

May 22 and 23
9am to 2pm

Museum field trip for Moorefield and East Hardy students

The Lost River Museum will play host to 60 second graders from East Hardy Early Middle School on Thursday, May 22, and 110 from Moorefield Elementary School on Friday, May 23.

The children will move in small groups through a series of activities. Judy Moyer will lead the museum tour, Mary Dailey will sing and play traditional instruments, Mary Umstead will teach traditional storytellling, Kathy Welch will guide them in candle-making, and Tim Wheeler will lead traditional games.

The children will also walk to the Lost River General Store where they will be treated to ice cream.

The program merges instructional areas such as music, history, language arts, physical education and art with heritage and folklore instruction.

May 24 and 25

20th anniversary celebration!

For a party 20 years in the making, the Lost River Craft Cooperative is pulling out all the stops.

The artisan cooperative, which opened its doors in the summer of 1988, is hosting a range of craft demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, on the lawn around their gallery in the 150-year-old Harper Barn along WV 259 in Lost River.

Many of the artisans are friends of cooperative member Priscilla Blosser-Rainey of Timberville, Va., who is active in several heritage fiber craft organizations in the Shenandoah Valley.

“Fiber has traditionally been one of our strongest crafts,” said Nancy Powell, a member of the cooperative’s board of directors.

To represent the full range of fiber artistry, from raw fiber to finished product, Powell has made arrangements on Saturday with Sharon Music of Harmony Hill Farm near Wardensville to have some llamas on hand, and for Debbie White of Forevermore Farm of Mathias to bring some lambs. White is also planning a sheep-shearing demonstration.

Saturday’s animal displays will be complemented by spinners Lynn Eggleston of Lost River and Christina Parham of Timberville; weavers Mary Ann Gentry of Woodstock, Va., and Nancy Voas of Harrisonburg, Va.; and lace-makers Clyde and Judi DeWitt of Yellow Spring.

Blosser-Rainey will demonstrate spinning on the Tusing sisters’ “Great Wheel” spinning wheel, an important piece of the Lost River Museum collection. The museum, a sister organization to the craft cooperative, is located on the lower level of the Harper Barn.

Powell explained that the great wheel is also called a wool wheel or walking wheel.  “It was called a great wheel because of its size, a wool wheel because wool was spun on it (as opposed to the smaller flax wheel) and a walking wheel because the spinner does not sit but walks toward and away from it,” she said. This particular wheel had belonged to Ora and Lynn Tusing, two Mennonite sisters who lived a traditional lifestyle on a remote homestead on Branch Mountain overlooking the Lost River Valley.

Saturday’s events will also include entertainment beginning at 10:30 a.m. by folk musician Mary Dailey of Green Sulphur Springs, followed by the valley’s Dave Gant and his bluegrass band Deer Springs at 3:30 p.m.

A late addition to the party will be artisanal coffee roaster Serina Roy of Frederick, Md., who will roast coffee on site with her portable roaster. Roy's demonstration will begin after 11 a.m. and continue through the afternoon on Saturday.

A children’s art tent is also planned from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m with a variety of activities available.

Saturday will be topped off with a celebration and program beginning at 4 p.m., which will include the announcement of the inaugural James E. Leiss Volunteer Award.

But the weekend’s activities don’t end there. On Sunday, Blosser-Rainey and the DeWitts will return, joined by joined by spinners Cheryl Gerhart of Mt. Solon, Va., Marianne Kennel of Harrisonburg, and Sue Ober and Nancy Sly, both of Broadway, Va.; and rug hooker Pat Koch of Woodstock. Children will also enjoy watching Sherri Huffer of Mt. Sidney, Va., spin yarn from the hair of a rabbit while it sits on her lap.

Also, many additional craft cooperative artisans will also be on hand throughout the weekend demonstrating jewelry design, stained glass, plein air painting, and more.

“Our 20 th anniversary is a special event,” said Powell. “We wanted to showcase our many talents, and we should have a nice range of demonstrations and activities available.”

The Lost River Craft Cooperative and the Lost River Museum are located on WV 259 in Lost River. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beginning Memorial Day through the end of September, the cooperative is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Tuesday and Wednesday.

Friday & Saturday
July 4 and 5

Albert Hutchings works on a stained glass panel during
a demonstration in July 2007. The glass artisan is planning
a demo for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend,
from noon to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, July 4-5.

Stained glass artisan plans demonstration
during holiday weekend

For most people, the Fourth of July conjures up a familiar image: fiery bursts of color in an ebony sky.

Albert Hutchings prefers a quieter, but just as brilliant display – sunlight shining through one of his colorful stained-glass windows. The glass artisan is inviting interested onlookers to watch as he assembles a lead came glass panel at the Lost River Craft Cooperative from noon until 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5.

The demonstration, free and open to the public, kicks off a month featuring glass, pottery and jewelry at the artisan cooperative.

Hutchings said his interest in glass begin 19 years ago when a co-worker gave him a stained-glass kit that involved drawing lines on a sheet of glass and coloring in the various sections. Quickly that project evolved into full-fledged classes, first in the copper-foil method, followed by lead came panels.

Copper-foil technique, often called Tiffany glass, involves wrapping the edges of cut glass pieces with copper foil, then soldering together along the length of the seams.

Lead panels, in contrast, use strips of flexible, grooved lead called “came,” to wrap and interconnect the individual glass pieces. As the panel comes together, joints between lead strips are soldered.

“The final finished products are similar but I tend to like the formations of the lines that are prominent in a leaded panel,” Hutchings explained.

The glass artisan said the inherent transformation that takes place in all glass art is what he finds interesting, noting that he is fascinated by “how the raw materials can be changed into something completely different and beautiful.”

The artisan, who splits time between Washington, D.C., and a second home in Lost River, said he wants to engage onlookers with the process in his stained glass demonstration, and looks forward to answering questions about the history of the craft, and its materials and techniques.

Additional events featuring glass, pottery and jewelry are planned for July at the cooperative.

Saturday, July 19

Pottery and jewelry demonstrations

A trio of potters and a pewterer will demonstrate their skills at the cooperative Saturday afternoon.

Potters will include Brad Allen from Lancaster, Pa., who said he was introduced to pottery, including wheel-thrown and slab, about five years ago. A fan of architectural and 3-dimensional designs, Allen is drawn to ornate shapes. He uses primarily electric-fired glazes, and occasionally gas and wood firings. Allen's demonstration will run from noon to 3 p.m.

Lin Hausknecht of Yellow Spring, W.Va., uses the potter's wheel to create traditional stoneware pieces, which are primarily geared toward kitchen use. Blues and grays are the dominant colors in her work, and many include hand-painted decoration. Her demonstration will begin at 1 p.m. and last until 3 p.m.

Shelley Sarrin, of Silver Spring, Md., also works with hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery. For her Lost River demo, Sarrin will use the wheel to demonstrate from noon to 3 p.m.

Joining the potters will be Don MIller of Charles Town, W.Va.. Miller, who has been working with pewter for more than 40 years, has recently turned from cups and bowls to hammered jewelry, accented with brass and copper. Miller will work from noon to 2 p.m.

Saturday, July 26

Glass painting demonstration

Carol Slovikosky of Martinsburg will demonstrate traditional glass painting at the cooperative from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Traditional glass painting, she explained, can be used to embellish stained glass panels, or used as decoration on transparent glass. Her paints are a special mixture that, when fired, result in a permanent bond with the glass surface.

For this demonstration, Slovikosky will work with painting techniques on transparent glass.

Saturday, Aug. 9

Chair and Seat Weaving Workshop

This class has been filled.
If you are interested in future classes on caning, please contact our class coordinator at mathiasharvey@aol.com.

Kellams will lead this small class in the steps necessary to cane a twig footstool. Dating back to Roman and Egyptian times, caning is the fine art of hand weaving a new chair seat, a technique that is still used in furniture making.

Students will discuss the differences of prewoven cane, strand cane, rattan reed, paper rush, natural rush, ash and oak splint, Danish cord and Oriental sea grass.

Traditional cane-weaving techniques, designs and patterns will be explored and covered.

Saturday, Aug. 9

Albert Mach II is bringing a wide array of
photographic equipment on Aug. 9 to the cooperative,
some of the pieces going back to the early 1900s.

Framing life at craft cooperative

Two methods of framing life through film – photography and documentary – can be experienced Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Lost River Craft Cooperative.

As part of the cooperative’s August focus on film, photography, music and books, photographer Albert Mach II of Arthur and filmmaker Ray Schmitt of Mathias are presenting free programs for the public.

Mach, who specializes in a variety of landscape photography, is displaying many representative pieces from his collection of vintage photographic equipment. The collection spans the early 1900s to the present, and Mach says he has been adding more to the collection this year.

He says he built the collection out of his deep appreciation for the technological developments of the medium. Items range from primitive box cameras to early flashbulbs to high-end digital SLRs. The display will be available beginning at 10 a.m.

Mach will also be available to answer questions about his photographic techniques.

Schmitt, an award-winning filmmaker, is offering two special previews of his latest film, “Dead Girl Walking,” at 1 and 3 p.m.

The 35-minute film shares the story of singer-songwriter Marcy Brenner of Ocracoke, N.C., who has battled breast since age 34 with remarkable fearlessness.

Schmitt says, “this film is for breast cancer survivors and their partners, for spiritual seekers, and for anyone whose life has been touched by a life-threatening illness.”

Saturday, Aug. 16

"Build a Birdhouse" -- children's class

Now that the end of the school year is fast approaching, are you wondering how to keep your creative child active this summer?

Toni Mathias Harvey might have a solution for you.

The artisan is coordinating children’s classes this summer at the Lost River Craft Cooperative in Lost River.

“Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes,” said Mathias Harvey, “and the classes can foster curiosity and encourage involvement, which may later be transformed into other projects.”

For older children, creativity will be blended with woodworking and environmental science in the Saturday, Aug. 16 session. “Build a Birdhouse” is designed for students who have completed sixth and seventh grades. A discussion about West Virginia birds will lead into the construction of a birdhouse using basic woodworking techniques. Then participants can paint and decorate the finished birdhouse to take home. A small materials fee is required.

“Extra effort has been put into children’s activities at the cooperative this year,” said Mathias Harvey. During the co-op’s 20 th anniversary celebration over Memorial Day weekend, a children’s art tent, led by member Regena Whetzel of Mathias, provided a creative outlet for kids, as did activities such as animal displays by Sharon Music of Wardensville and Debbie White of Mathias, and jewelry creation by Becky Karas of Ashburn, Va.

The cooperative and its sister organization, the Lost River Educational Foundation, have conducted a historical program for elementary students at East Hardy and Moorefield for many years, as well as providing instructors for Hardy County 4-H camps, but classes are a new effort, said Mathias Harvey.

“By offering classes at the cooperative,” she added, “children have an opportunity to understand the importance, value, and significance of creating something with our hands.”

Through September

"Perspectives - Artists Interpret the Historic Harper Barn"

ABOVE: Jan Heath's rendering of the Harper Barn in pastel. LEFT: Jonathan Heath's "Lost River Crop Circles," watercolor.

Fine artists at the Lost River Craft Cooperative have created a small exhibit based on scenes around the cooperative's home, the 150-year-old Harper Barn.

Using different media, technique, and most importantly, individual vision, each artist has created a vastly different conceptualization of the landscape around the barn.

On the edge of reality is Berkeley Spring's Jonathan Heath. Heath is well known for his boisterous and fun creations. For this show, Heath has used the antique tractor in front of the barn as a starting point, and created an alternate world-view for the Lost River area in his unique watercolor.

In contrast, Heath's wife Jan has taken a more realistic approach. Using pastel, Jan Heath has created an earthy, textural rendering of the structure and environs, with a dark, powerful edge. In her piece, the barn has added weight and stature, filing the composition's space.

Also exhibiting are Brooke Baumann, Ann Burdell, Kristen Colebank, and Judi DeWitt. For more on the exhibit, see the Artisans Blog link in the left navigation bar.

Sept. 27-28

A selection of watercolor landscapes by Mathias-based artist
Afra Collier are displayed on a clothesline at the
2007 Clothesline Art Show at the Lost River
Craft Cooperative. Seated in the backround
is Collier, joined by her husband Carroll.

Heritage art and craft on display at Lost River

The Lost River Craft Cooperative in Lost River, W.Va, will host a range of heritage artists during the 55th annual Hardy County Heritage Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 and 28.

Also featured during the weekend is the Clothesline Art Show, a relaxed and informal display of art on the lawn around the craft cooperative.

One of the artisan demonstrations will include the work of Andy Jackson of Harrisonburg, Va.. Jackson will discuss how the interplay of hot water and wood helps him create elegant and functional Shaker boxes. Jackson will demonstrate on Saturday only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jackson said he finally was able to pursue his lifelong interest in woodworking after retiring from Lockheed Martin in 1995. Shortly after, he began concentrating on Shaker box construction after taking a class at the Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill, Ky., taught by John Wilson of Charlotte, Mich.

The intricate construction of the boxes suits Jackson’s background as a mechanical engineer. His creations include sets of five nested boxes in cherry, desk sets, sewing box sets, divided carriers, serving trays, and larger boxes made of cherry, walnut and birdseye maple. Jackson is also engaged in furniture construction and woodturning.

Another local resident displaying his creations is Reggie Rohrbaugh of Fulks Run, Va., who carves intricate designs in stone and bone that are reminiscent of Native American motifs. Pieces range from pipes to pendants and earrings.

Teresa and Darren Delawder of Broadway, Va., will feature the creations of their home-based enterprise, Lost River Rags & CandleLights. The husband and wife team make a variety of goats-milk and shea-butter soaps, as well as soy-wax candles.

Coordinating the clothesline art show will be Afra Collier of Mathias, who has been guiding the show for many years. Collier is proficient in several art media, but now concentrates mostly on watercolor landscapes.

Rohrbaugh, the Delawders and Collier will be present for Saturday and Sunday. Joining them for both days will be jewelry-maker Connie Hall of Mount Storm, weaver Debbie White of Mathias, and Julie Flanagan and Clyde and Judi DeWitt, all of Yellow Spring. Flanagan hooks rugs, and the DeWitts will demonstrate making torchon lace.

Saturday-only demonstrators include painter Kathy Rudich of Lost River, potter Brad Allen of Lancaster, Pa., rug-hooker and quilter Barbara Wilfong of High View, fiber designer and quilter Regena Whetzel of Mathias, and basketweaver Brenda Fairweather of Harrisonburg.

On Sunday afternoon, chip carver Joe Bourgeois of Wardensville, a new member of the cooperative, will join the demonstrators at the Harper Barn.

And, to keep all this creative energy flowing, artisan coffee roaster Serina Roy of Frederick, Md., will set up her portable coffee roaster at the cooperative for the weekend and provide fresh coffee for participants and visitors.

The Lost River Craft Cooperative is located in Lost River on WV 259. Through the end of October, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Beginning Nov. 1 through Dec. 14, the cooperative will be open on weekends only.

Saturday, Oct. 11

Dried Herb & Flower Wreath Workshop.

Bring the beauty of nature inside!

Join floral designer Kathy Kellams on the banks of the South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River at Woodlot Design Studios in Moorefield, W.Va. Learn about growing techniques, which herbs and flowers are most fragrant and best for drying, and floral preserving and drying methods.

The class concludes with participants creating a beautiful wreath using natural materials.

Cost: $30, Limited to 6 to 10 students.

Class will last from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Bring a bag lunch. Coffee, tea and dessert will be provided.

Saturday, Oct. 25

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the membership of the Lost River Craft Cooperative will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Lost River United Methodist Church.

The potluck meal will be begin at 1 p.m., with the meeting following.

Sunday, Dec. 14

Cooperative closes for the winter