LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) – Carnegie Hall invites community members to explore the timeless art of broom‑making in Traditional Hand Made Whisk Brooms, a hands‑on Appalachian Heritage workshop led by Brenda Harman of Hillsboro, WV, on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to ages 16 and older and limited to just eight participants, this intimate class offers a rare opportunity to learn a historic craft still cherished throughout the region.
In this beginner‑friendly workshop, students will create a functional and beautifully crafted whisk broom using traditional broomcorn and time‑honored techniques. Participants will be guided step‑by‑step through plaiting, binding, and shaping their whisk, with the option to personalize their finished piece using colored accent threads. All materials and tools needed to complete the project will be provided by the instructor.
The cost for the workshop is $55 for members and $65 for nonmembers, with automatic scholarships available that reduce the student rate to just $35.
Brenda Harman is a Pocahontas County–based artisan known for her hand‑tied Appalachian brooms, each crafted as a functional, one‑of‑a‑kind work of art. Practical yet whimsical in her approach, Harman draws on decades of experience in braiding, weaving, and knot‑tying, skills she first developed during her earlier career as a horse trainer. Her journey into broom‑making began in 1993, when she crafted her first broom from broomcorn grown in her own garden. Since then, she has refined her craft through study at the John C. Campbell Folk School and through years of dedicated practice. Her brooms have been juried into the Appalachian Highland Arts and Craft Center and selected for Tamarack’s Best of West Virginia, reflecting both her artistry and her deep connection to regional tradition.
To register or for more information call (304) 645-7917, visit www.carnegiehallwv.org, or stop by 611 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV. Carnegie Hall encourages early registration for this special Appalachian Heritage offering, perfect for anyone interested in traditional crafts, functional art, or learning a skill passed down through generations.
Carnegie Hall WV is a nonprofit organization supported by individual contributions, grants, and fundraising efforts such as TOOT and The Carnegie Hall Gala.
