LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – Taste of Our Towns (TOOT), the region’s beloved celebration of food, community, and creativity, returns to downtown Lewisburg on Saturday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – and this year, the artistry will be as hands-on as the flavors are mouthwatering. Admission if free.
Visitors can expect more than just beautiful displays: a dynamic lineup of local artists and craftspeople will be vending their work and offering live demonstrations throughout the day, showcasing the skill, tradition, and innovation behind each handmade piece.
Featured Artists and Demonstrators Include:
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Jeanne Brenneman (Watercolors) and John Telisko (Oil Painting) – Representing Greenbrier Artists with fine art rooted in local landscapes and emotion.
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WVWA Woodturners – Watch bowls and pens emerge from spinning blocks of wood in mesmerizing fashion.
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Luke Davis – Leather tooling demonstrations that reveal the rugged beauty of hand-carved designs.
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Kathy Talley – Basket weaving with natural materials and timeless technique.
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Debbie Rapp – Needle felting that transforms wool into whimsical, textured creations.
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Tommye Rafes – Handmade soap cutting, where scent meets sculptural form.
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Brenda Harman – Broom making, reviving an Appalachian tradition with flair.
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Connie Gottshall – Jewelry making that blends sparkle with craftsmanship.
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Thersa Filzen – Fused glass artistry, layering color and light into stunning pieces.
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Peggy Owens – Mosaic glass works that shimmer with story and texture.
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FAN (Fiber Arts Network) – Loom weaving, tatting, and lace making—delicate threads of heritage in motion.
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Bennett Life – Live forge and knife making, where fire and steel meet artistry.
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Nevada Tribble – Sewing with a bike-powered machine—sustainability meets ingenuity.
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Sean O’Connell – Wheel-thrown clay demonstrations that turn earth into elegant form.
From the rhythmic clack of looms to the hiss of the forge, TOOT 2025 invites you to experience the heartbeat of Appalachian creativity. Whether you’re shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts or simply curious to see artistry in motion, this year’s artist village promises inspiration at every turn.
2025 TOOT Sponsors include Greenbrier Valley Pediatric Dentistry (Kids’ Zone) and the American Beer Company (Beer & Cider Garden). Sponsorships are still available. Contact Development Director Sally Bray at TOOT@carnegiehallwv.org for more information.
For more information, please visit www.carnegiehallwv.org or call (304) 645-7917.
Carnegie Hall WV is a nonprofit organization supported by individual contributions, grants, and fundraising efforts such as TOOT and The Carnegie Hall Gala. The Hall is located at 611 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV. For more information, please call 304.645.7917 or visit www.carnegiehallwv.org.
