Learning About Photography and Vintage Cameras

Photographer Albert C. Mach II, of Albert Mach Fine Art and Custom Framing, based in Arthur, W.Va., shared his passion for photography with visitors over the July 4th weekend at The Lost River Artisans Coopertive. Mach displayed portions of his large collection of vintage cameras and photography equipment. Some of the vintage cameras date back to the late 1800s.In addition to the photographic equipment collection, Mach also displayed many examples of his fine art GiClees of landscapes, cityscapes, barns and West Virginia countryside.
Mach, who has been a member of the Lost River Artisans Cooperative since 2007 answered questions about digital photography, printing methods, and custom framing to all and many interested visitors.

Last Weekend's Two Day Class with Water Color

Seven students with various levels of previous knowledge and skills of water color took Lynn Ferris' two day intense workshop offered by The Lost River Artisans Coop. Ferris is not only an award winning artist but an extremely skilled instructor. All seven students enthusiastically learned new techniques and how to put them to use. Comments were "Great class!", "Great group!", "Great instructor". The top water color close up pictured here is by a student during the class.
For more photos and details of the actual class [click here]

The First Classes of Our 2009 Class Season

Debbi Zvanut kicked off our 2009 season of classes at The Lost River Artisans Co-op with a morning class teaching students how to make a market basket.

Then in the afternoon class she instructed the students how to make a melon basket.

Photograph of a finished melon basket made by a student in yesterday's afternoon class.

To see our complete line up of 2009 Classes [click here].

A Day of Celebration in Lost River, WV ~ Lost River Artisans Cooperative 21st Birthday Memorial Weekend Kick Off Party ~ Annually Not To Be Missed !

FIBER ART DEMONSTRATIONS


CHILDREN'S ART TENT


SHEEP SHEARING....Before and After. A true sign of Winter to Summer.



SHEEP SHEARING....During.


SHEEP SHEARING...Taking a Closer Look.


LIVE MUSIC with Dave Gant and The Deer Springs Band


WILLIAM (BILL) POWELL was this year's winner of The Jim Leiss Volunteer Service Award. Presenting the award are Albert Hutchings and Nancy Powell. "If you ask Bill to do it....it gets done!" Congratulations and Thank You Bill.


.....AND WE SAVED THE BEST PART FOR LAST.....FREE BIRTHDAY CAKE !!!
What a Day! Don't miss it all again next Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday).

2009 Summer Art Classes Announced

The Lost River Artisans Coop has an exciting line-up of summer art classes. Beginning May 30th we are offering two separate basket weaving classes. One will be in the morning and the other in the afternoon. To see our complete 2009 class schedule [click here] or stop by the store.

Medium Market Basket Weaving Date: May 30th, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Explore and learn basic basket weaving skills while creating a 6.5" x 4" medium market basket. Students will weave the basket on a swing handle and decorate with colored reeds of their choice and different sizes of decorative stripes. Basic weaving skills, twining, splicing reeds together, and finishing the basket with a flat oval rim will all be covered in this class. Instructor: Debbi Zvanut, Guest Basket Maker Cost: $38.00 Includes: All reed & basket materials (extra kit may be ordered for an additional $12) Medium Melon Basket Weaving Date: May 30, 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm Handwoven ribbed baskets are regionally known as melon, egg, buttocks, fanny or gizzard baskets. Our students will create a traditional ribbed melon basket. Weaving skills include securing two hoops together, learning to make a God's Eye, cutting and adding ribs, designing with natural and dyed flat reed and using sea grass as an accent. Instructor: Debbi Zvanut, Guest Basket Maker Cost: $38.00 Includes: All reed and basket materials (extra kit may be ordered for an additional $15) Students need to bring 10 clothespins, garden shears, towel and measuring tape

Congratulations Bob !!

Bob Alcock was juried into Tamarack for his child's rocker design. For adult rockers, Bob has a unique adjustable chair that measures every bend and exact length of your body ~ so each rocker designed gives you the perfect comfort and fit. His rockers are truly heirloom pieces. Bob is a local Lost River artisan. Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia is the nation’s first showcase of WV handcrafts, fine art and regional cuisine and is located in Beckley, WV. With this honor, Bob joins several Cooperative members that have been selected for Tamarack. Congratulations Bob!

Finally, Opening Day....And Perfect Spring Weather!

After endless hours of volunteer time and eff0rt ~ our opening was a successful day of welcoming back good friends and Spring!