JUNE 30TH to JULY 2ND, 2023
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cedar Lakes, Ripley WV
Craft and cooking demonstrations
Craft activities for kids and adults
Live heritage music
Lots of delicious food to eat or take home
Quilt Contest
... and more!
Welcome to the 61st Mountain State Art & Craft Fair!
On behalf of the Board of Directors, volunteers, artisans, musicians and concessionaires, we are pleased and excited you are joining us at beautiful Cedar Lakes Conference Center.
The Mountain State Art & Craft Fair was introduced as part of West Virginia’s Centennial Celebration. It was intended to be a one-time event in 1963 to provide a marketplace for the state’s talented artisans. But it proved so popular that it grew into "The Original Granddaddy" of all art and craft events in West Virginia.
What makes this event different is that artisans go through a jurying process to ensure their work is among the finest available. And the MSACF keeps our heritage alive by featuring numerous free, hands-on crafting activities for children and adults.
Some other highlights you should experience are the delicious food offerings, the WV Marketplace Tent where you can pick up some great "WV Grown" products to take home, an always-fantastic quilt show, numerous musicians and story-tellers, and definitely don't forget the youth fishing derby. Poles and bait are available for the kids so bring them by for a chance to reel in a big one.
Stay safe, have fun and enjoy the Fair! We're glad you are here and hope to see you every day!
Jean Smith, President
Debra Gard, Vice President
Gard Smith
MSACF OFFICERS:
President – Jean Smith
VP Education and Entertainment – Debra Gard
Vice President, Physical Facilities – Jean Smith and Debra
Gard
Vice President, Publicity & Marketing – Buddy Davidson
Treasurer – Keri Kennedy
Secretary – Connie Tolley
Comptroller - Tony Crago
MSACF BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
WV DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Buddy Davidson & Lakyn Miller
WV DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Keri Kennedy
WVU EXTENSION SERVICE
Ben Goff
WV DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Tracie Spencer
WV DIVISION OF TOURISM
Christina Fowler
CEDAR LAKES CONFERENCE CENTER
Holli Vanater
WV ART & CRAFT GUILD
Byron Young, Helen Hemetek & Larry Weese
EXHIBITOR REPRESENTATIVE
Byron Young
TAMARACK
Tammy Coffman
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Jean Smith, Sarah McDowell, Debra Gard, Gloria Gregorich, Duane Legg and Anne Swadley
MSACF VOLUNTEERS:
Olin Reynolds, Betty Lee, Kelly Lee, Jessica Stanley
Jackson County Quilters Guild, Jackson County Community Educational Outreach Service (C.E.O.S.)
Congratulations to all of these individuals for bringing their special talents and sharing their passion for the Mountain State Art & Craft Fair.
• Rose Ann Cowger (Rose Ann’s Basket Works) is a 20-year-plus exhibitor who is devoted to preserving the art of heritage basket-making.
• Stacey Young Kasun (Uncle Bunk’s) has been a longtime vendor at the Marketplace Tent.
• Ed Smolder is a retired WVU Extension Agent for Jackson County. For over 10 years, he has been the resident MSACF sheep shearer.
• Chip Turner (Appalachian Glass) is a skilled glassblower and a fixture at the MSACF. His colorful demonstrations and items continue to wow visitors.
The Mountain State Art & Craft Fair board of directors/officers, State Agencies and Exhibitors extend their sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks for their continued support.
WV Department of History & Culture
Logan Outdoors
Jackson County Commission
Legacy Foods, Chef Duane Legg
Tamarack
Jackson County Quilters Guild & CEOS
Collision Specialists Inc.
Constellium Rolled Products
Mountaineer Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons - Dr.
Byron H. Black and Dr. William Black
Evergreen Florist of Ripley
Sidney L. Smith, Inc.
Jackson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
WV Department of Agriculture
WV Department of Natural Resources
WV State Farm Museum
Wood County Flywheelers
WV Antique Engine & Tractor Association
Steve Westfall
Cunningham Realty
WV Art & Craft Guild
The MSACFand Jackson County as a whole - suffered an unexpected and painful loss as news of the sudden death of Mike Ruben spread throughout the state Jan. 2, 2023.
A longtime supporter of the Fair and Jackson County, he worked as the MSACF publicity and advertising vice president, the director of the Ripley CVB, edited both of the county's newspapers, and was the "voice" of Ripley youth sports for 45 years.
A tree will be planted on the Cedar Lakes grounds in his memory immediately following opening ceremonies Friday.
Current and former exhibitors at the Fair will showcase their personal "Best of the Best" pieces for judging and a People's Choice Award. Sponsored by the WV Art & Craft Guild. (100)
This beautiful quilt (above), created by Jackson County native Michaelle Bosworth Weese, will be raffled during the 2023 MSACF. Visit the quilt exhibit in the Assembly Hall (100) and buy a ticket for $5. While you're there, you can also cast your vote for the "people's choice" award.
Will be open Friday & Saturday during the Fair from 10am – 2pm. Tours will be provided by the Old Hickory Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution from the West Augusta Society Children of the American Revolution. Also visit the covered bridge near the entrance to the grounds.
Miniature Golf
8am - 7pm each day. Tickets available at the Cedar Lakes office for $3 per person.
Make a memory with these wonderful hands-on activities. Young or old, you can create a make-and-take piece of art to show off to friends and family. There is no charge for any of these projects. The purpose is to create an appreciation for the traditional art and crafts of West Virginia. Registering with individual teachers will help ensure a spot for you. Craft supplies may be limited!
CALLIGRAPHY BOOKMARK – Lola Smith, Snips & Scripts (227)
Create your own piece of art using calligraphy to make a bookmark using an assortment of stamps, stencils, and markers. Fun for the entire family and makes great gifts for that special someone.
NEW ERA ONE ROOM SCHOOL KITE MAKING – Esther Carroll, Little Heritage Museum Project (318)
Childhood memories await as you learn about the history of kites and kitemaking. Design, build and fly your very own kite. A fun activity for kids of all ages.
PERIOD PAPER & DESIGN – John Bielek (317)
Paper marbling is the art or process of staining paper with paint or ink. Patterns are achieved by floating and manipulating paint on the surface of water, vegetable gum or the combination of both. You can make your own designed masterpiece to frame for you or for a friend. Sign up early for this class.
POTTERY THROWING – Jon Lilly, Preston County Pottery - Jackson Hall (803)
Learn about hand-thrown pottery and enjoy this relaxing craft that has been a part of societies around the globe for centuries.
STAINED GLASS MAKING – Stephanie Danz –Mountain Art Glass - Jackson Hall (803)
Folks can get a “taste of stained glass” by soldering a small piece together while learning about the history of the process and its uses.
BASKET MAKING - Elaine Sinclair Jackson Hall (803) – limited supplies - reservation necessary
This wonderful hands-on basket making class may encourage you to continue to learn more about how to make baskets. Sign up early for this class.
QUILT PIECING – Jeannine
Sandoro - Assembly Hall (100)
Try your hand at quilting by "piecing" a quilt square and learn about making your own quilts for friends and family.
Friday, June 30 - WV AGRICULTURE DAY
10am – Jo Ann Dadisman & Linda Durrett - Storytellers Guild (212)
11am – Tish Westman (212)
11am – Melinda Chambers, Author, reading (329)
11am – Sheepshearing Demonstration (Near 216)
12noon – Jo Ann Dadisman & Linda Durrett - WV Storytellers Guild (212)
12noon – Sheepshearing Demonstration (Near 216)
1pm – Opening Ceremonies & Hall of Fame awards ceremony (212)
Mike Ruben tree dedication ceremony immediately following Opening Ceremonies (End of the bridge across the pond near Veteran’s Memorial)
1pm – Sheepshearing Demonstration (Near 216)
2pm – Jo Ann Dadisman & Linda Durrett - WV Storytellers Guild (212)
3pm – Michael & Carrie Kline, Talking along the Lines (212)
4pm – Buck McCumbers & Family (212)
5pm - Michael & Carrie Kline, Talking Along the Lines (212)
Saturday, July 1 YOUTH DAY
10am – Teri Lott & Mike Perry - WV Storytellers Guild (212)
11am – Tish Westman (212)
11am – Melinda Chambers, Author, reading (329)
11am – 2pm – Youth fishing derby (321)
11am – Sheepshearing Demonstration (Near 216)
12noon – Teri Lott & Mike Perry - WV Storytellers Guild (212)
12noon – Sheepshearing Demonstrations (Near 216)
1pm – Appalachian Lassies Scottish Dance Performance with audience participation (Interactive) (212)
1pm – Sheepshearing Demonstrations (Near 216)
2pm-4pm – Prince & Princess Fair’y Tale Meet & Greet, Story Time, Songs, Games & Party (100)
2pm – Teri Lott & Mike Perry - WV Storytellers Guild (212)
3pm – Irish Dance Performance with audience participation (Interactive) (212)
4pm – Breanna Megan (212)
Sunday, July 2 HONORING AND CELEBRATING THOSE WHO PROTECT AND SERVE DAY
10am – Mikalena Zuckett & Melinda (Zelda) Grisco - WV Storytellers Guild (212)
11am – Bobby Taylor, Kim Johnson, Cody Jordan (212)
11am – Melinda Chambers, Author, reading (329)
12noon – Mikalena Zuckett & Melinda (Zelda) Grisco - WV Storytellers Guild (212)
1pm – 3pm - Fiddle Competition (212)
3pm – Mikalena Zuckett & Melinda (Zelda) Grisco - WV Storytellers Guild (212)
4pm – Robert Shaffer & Johnny Staats (212)
Every day of the Fair
Traditional corn meal grinding, rope making, make pine cone birdfeeders – Dean & Patty Hardman (619)
Wood County Flywheelers antique engines display (702)
Antique Sawmill – WV Forestry Association (249)
Friday, June 30
11am – WVU Extension, Brandy Brabham (Drying & Preserving fresh herbs)
12noon – WVDA – Beekeeping, Shandra King
1pm – WVU Extension, Brandy Brabham (Drying & Preserving fresh herbs)
3pm - WVDA – Beekeeping, Shanda King
Saturday, July 1
11am – WVDA Beekeeping Shandra King
12noon – Debbie Florence, WV Department of Environmental Protection, Recycling & Upcycling Arts & Crafts (Get creative ideas on how to make something new and useful from something old)
1pm – WVDA Beekeeping Shanda King
2pm – Debbie Florence, WV Department of Environmental Protection, Recycling & Upcycling Arts & Crafts (Get creative ideas on how to make some thing new and useful from something old)
PUTNAM PRINCESS PARTIES (100) - PPP has brought smiles to thousands of little ones by appearing at special events, schools and parties as real life princesses. Putnam Princess Parties has brought smiles to thousands of little ones by appearing at special events, schools and parties as real life princesses. Join them for a "Fair'y Tale" meet and greet Saturday from 2-4pm.
Tish Westman (212) Co-Owner of Westman Instruments with husband, Greg and currently a Resident Woodworker at Tamarack in Beckley.
Baskets / Brooms
Candles
Ceramics/Pottery
Ceramics/Pottery
Clothing & Accessories
Clothing & Accessories
Concession
Decorative Painting
Furniture
Glass
Glass
Heritage
Heritage
Heritage
Heritage - Glass
Interactive
Interactive
Interactive
Interactive Interactive
Interactive
Interactive/Kites
Jewelry
Jewelry
Jewelry
Jewelry
Jewelry
Jewelry
Jewelry
Jewelry
Leather Market Place
Market Place
Market Place
Market Place
Market Place/Nursery
Metal Metal Metal
Misc. - Soap
Metal
- Books Misc. Paper Cut Silhouettes
Misc. Floral & Succulent Wreaths
Miscellaneous
Other - WV History
Painting
Painting
Painting
Photography
Pottery / Other: Shadowboxes
Textile/Fiber
Textile/Fiber
Toys
Toys
Rose Ann's Woven Goods
Little Creek Candles
Summer Hollow Pottery
Clay Creations
Darene's Creative Wearables
Fit to be Tied
The Jerky Hut
Antique Rooftop Slate
Twin Oaks Hammocks
Nimbus Arts
PATCH
WV State Farm Museum
WV Forestry Antique Sawmill Exhibit
Mountaineer Woodturners
Appalachian Glass
J's Crafts Galore, LLC
Snips & Scripts
Period Papers & Designs
Preston County Pottery
Elaine's Baskets & Handmade Items
Mountain Art Glass
New Era One Room School Kite Making
Ken's Clay Jewelry Creations
Why Knot
Girl's Best Friend
Magpie LLC
Wireworks Creations Inc.
Bead Gurl
Chavanne's Jewelry
Clay Hope Jewelry
Britts
Wood
Wood
Wood / Musical Instruments
Wood Carving
Seth's Custom Creations
Vanco's Log Dollhouses and Barns
Ed's Dominoes
Beards & Boards
The Twisted Sister
Pattern of Integrity
C III's Woodworks
LA Rustic Designs
Stoney Knob Woodworks & Custom Creations, LLC
The Woodcarvers Cabin & Lawrence Guitars
Christina's Carvings
Stuffed – Good Food – Jason Lynch (216)
Pizza nachos, pepperoni rolls, buffalo chicken sub, ham & cheese sub, pizza sub, Italian sub, meatloaf sub, chicken bacon ranch sub, bottled water, soda, two stuffed donuts with assorted fruits and sauces.
CS Concessions – Teddy Gross (127)
Funnel cakes, elephant ears, nachos & cheese, drinks
Greenbrier Dairy – Trey Yates (128)
Cup rolled ice-cream, rolled ice cream taco, soda and tea
Staci’s Sales, LLC – Mary Gambill (130)
Cotton candy, candy apples, caramel apples, gourmet apples, popcorn, flavored popcorn, drinks
JAWS BBQ – Gary Connell (129)
Pulled pork BBQ sandwich, pulled pork nachos, jaws hog hides, BBQ pork bowl, Unk’s lemon shake-ups, soda and water
Sign up in the Assembly Hall (100) for a chance to win two consecutive nights at a four-person cabin at Blackwater Falls State Park. Sponsored by the WV Division of Tourism.
MAD Sandwiches – Stormy Cavender (126)
Pulled pork sandwich, loaded pulled pork nachos, taco in a bag, hot dogs, chips, soft drinks
SnoBiz of Ripley – Chad Lanham & April Dickenson (125)
Shaved ice, bottled water
Rex’s Calzones – Rex Skidmore (214)
Pepperoni & cheese calzone, pepperoni & cheese with peppers & sausage, bottled water, soft drinks
The Jerky Hut – Tim Jones (146)
Beef jerky, snack sticks, bottled water, soft drinks
Legacy Foods, Chef Duane Legg (327) Craft House
Sausage gravy & biscuits, breads, pies, Danishes, pepperoni rolls
Angie’s What’s Poppin’ (330) Craft House
Flavored popcorn
Children's Author Melinda Spiker Chambers (329)
A multi-award-winning author and a retired educator with degrees from West Virginia University and Ohio State University, Chambers will read stories at 11am daily..
MOUNTAINEER WOODTURNERS (326)
Stop, shop, and watch these talented woodturners demonstrate this beautiful craft as they turn simple wood into gorgeous works of art!
APPALACHIAN GLASS – Chip Turner (213)
Take time to visit with Chip and watch as he creates beautiful pieces of glass art.
WV STATE FARM MUSEUM – TIMOTHY KIDWELL (145)
Antique tractors and engines along with other pieces of the past to explore and talk about. You don’t want to miss visiting this booth for a blast from the past!
TRADITIONAL CORNMEAL GRINDING – Dean & Patty Hardman & Gerry Chapman (619)
Take a turn at grinding cornmeal on an antique corn grinder, see demonstrations of an 1890 Myers rope making machine. Kids can make their very own rope bracelet and/or make a unique bird feeder with cornmeal, pinecones, and peanut butter.
WV ANTIQUE TRACTOR ASSOCIATION – SATURDAY ONLY! (130)
Take your time and browse through the antique tractor and engine displays while having all your questions answered on some of these beautiful machines and their uses in the past.
SHEEPSHEARING DEMONSTRATIONS – FRIDAY AND SATURDAY – Ed Smolder (215)
This fun and educational demonstration will provide you with an enjoyable experience about the care and use of sheep wool
FISHING DERBY - WV Department of natural Resource (321)
Bring the kids down for a free fishing derby Saturday at 11. Poles and bait will be provided to the first 25 kids to register. Bring your own patience and luck!
MOUNTAINEER SAFARI
Petting Zoo (621)
Farm animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, goats and sheep will be part of the attraction. Talks will involve how we get food, fiber, milk and other animal products.
SAWMILL DEMONSTRATIONWV Forestry Association (249)
The demonstration will be operating all three days and will show how trees are turned into lumber.
FRESH APPLE BUTTER FOR SALE (618)
The MSACF Scholarship and Grant Fund was officially organized on July 6, 1992. Prior to that date, it was operated as a committee of the MSACF Board. The purpose of the fund is to encourage an appreciation of visual arts, heritage, music, and dance in West Virginia. Qualified persons and events may apply for funding to pursue knowledge and education in heritage arts. West Virginia residents interested in applying should email msacf@outlook.com or visit www.msacf.com for details.
Visit the Marketplace Tent (601-608) and pick up all your "WV Grown" food products to share with your family and friends.
Sunday, 10am, 12pm, 3pm
Specializing in somewhat original stories that capture the imagination as they wind somewhere between true and believable. Melinda has authored several parent and children’s books, and relies upon their story lines.
Friday, 10am, 12pm, 2pm
Linda has deep roots and family ties to the state of West Virginia. Trained in journalism and art, Linda weaves family recollections and history throughout her storytelling.
Friday, 10am, 12pm, 2pm
A retired educator, Dadisman has been sharing stories about her beloved mountains for more than 40 years, along with folktales from around the world.
Saturday, 10am, 12pm, 2pm
Besides sharing stories wherever there are listeners, Lott has written and self-published three books.
Sunday, 10am, 12pm, 3pm
Zuckett tells folk tales, traditional tales, historical tales, and Jack Tales. She's a lifelong West Virginian aand works as an elementary school counselor. She's the president of the West Virginia Storytelling Guild.
Saturday, 10am, 12pm, 2pm Mike can be found emceeing and telling original tales at fairs, festivals, libraries and schools throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding tri-state region.
Mike Perry
Jo Ann Dadisman
Teri Lott
Mikalena Zuckett
Linda Durrett
Melinda Grisco
Kim Johnson
Sunday, 11am
A Clendenin resident, Johnson is a renowned musician who has performed at numerous events, including Vandlaia, Clifftop and the WV Folk Festival.
Cody Jordan
Sunday, 11am
This Charleston resident plays multiple instruments and counts old-time bluegrass artists among his influences.
Appalachian Lassies
Saturday, 1pm, 3pm
The young ladies of the "Lassies" bring traditional Scottish-Irish dancing to the masses.
Friday, 3pm, 5pm
The Klines weave West Virginia folklore with spine tingling harmonies on voice and guitar. They present their music as entertainment and social history with engaging ease and hard-hitting passion.
Friday, 4pm
Buck is a longtime veteran of the WV bluegrass scene. The Company includes vocalist Connie Hardman, bassist Jerry Hardway, dobro player Dwayne McCumbers, banjoist Randy Brady and Eric Chidester, who plays a little bit of everything.
Sunday, 2-4 pm
Fiddlers from throughout West Virginia will battle for cash prizes in youth and adult categories in the first-ever MSACF Fiddle Contest. Registration is 1-2 pm, youth contest from 2-3 pm approximately, and adult contest starting at 3 pm. Each contestant will play two songs and, of course, no electric instrument allowed!
Sunday, 4pm
Grand Ole Opry tested and approved by fans at numerous events, this duo is a guaranteed crowdpleaser.
Sunday, 11am
The St. Albans resident is a fourth generation fiddler and the 1977 WV State Fiddle Champion. He judges numerous bluegrass competitions throughout the country.
Saturday, 4pm
Breanna hails from Lost Creek and has released two albums as a Christian singer-songwriter, “Near” and “The Rescue.” A third album is curently in production.
Bobby Taylor Johnny Staats and Robert Shafer Breanna Megan