Artisans at Work in the Harrisonburg Area

Excerpted from Rockingham Discovery Fall-Winter 2005-2006
by Jenny Brockwell

The Shenandoah Valley is home to some really impressive art. Now you could travel to New York City or Paris to view great art, but why travel so far and pay an expensive admission fee to see an image you've already seen a dozen times on postcards, posters, and coffee mugs? Instead, take a short road trip down to Dayton, Virginia and meet glass artisans, John and Jane Braithwaite, and to nearby New Market, to meet potter Joan Cordner.

Braithwaite Studios, the Dayton, Virginia, gallery and home to John and Jane Braithwaite, showcases the couple's artistic talents and years of experience, with hand-carved hardwood designs and intricately etched carved glass.

Their award-winning designs feature both functional furniture and stuning sculpture, ranging from small table-top pieces to large glass and wood walls. It is an unusual and winning combination of elements that will most assuredly enhance your home or office décor.

Art Studio Pottery, in the New Market area, near Endless Caverns, is just what it says—an art studio for resident potter, Joan Cordner, and a gallery and shop, displaying works by Joan and other independent American potters.

You'll feel refreshed and renewed as you slow down to enjoy both the rustic mountain log cabin setting and the amazing functional and art pottery works, in stoneware, porcelain, earthenware, salt-glazed and Raku.

The Cordners encourage you to hold and touch their pottery—and then take it home to add beauty to your surroundings.

Article text ©2006, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.

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