Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area Presents
2010 Listing by Subject
Traditional Arts Workshops are by registration only and must be pre-paid.
Call (423) 543-5808 for more information.
What is a traditional art?
We believe that the people who lived in this region had a special way of turning everyday objects into works of art, and that these art forms ought to be kept alive and remembered. We believe in the artistry of crafts, and craftsmanship in the arts. Whether it be quilts, baskets, music, finely-crafted arrow points or just a better understanding of days gone by, we hope you will find something to learn and keep with you forever.
A Traditional Art is a skill worth preserving!
BASKETRY
Workshop: Bluegrass Biscuit Basket / Ribboned Napkin Basket
Instructor: Candy Alexander
Saturday, April 10 9am – 3pm
Cost: $35 (Bluegrass) / $25 (Ribboned) Limit: 15 Minimum: 4
Craft your choice of two possible baskets, both of which are suitable for all levels of weavers. The 7” Bluegrass Biscuit Basket is completely woven in reed. It is made so a bandana can be used as a basket liner, tucked through the basket in the corners. Wrought iron scroll handles on the side complete the country look. The Ribboned Napkin Basket has an open weave bottom. The sides of this 8” square basket are plain weave, embellished with a row of dyed reed that also makes a bow on one side. Kits for each basket will be furnished by the instructor. Bring garden shears or kitchen shears, a kitchen towel, 12 clothespins or small spring clips, and a pencil.
Workshop: Pine Needle Baskets Instructor: Pam Etheredge
Saturday, February 27 9am – 2pm
Saturday, August 21 9am – 2pm
Cost: $35 Limit: 6 Minimum: 2
Craft a delicate basket out of coiled pine needles in the tradition of our region’s Native American artisans, who used common materials to make beautiful and functional works of art. Basket size will vary based on the maker, but will generally be around 3” in diameter. Bring a pair of scissors—all other materials provided.
Workshop: Cherokee Honeysuckle Basket
Instructors: Dale Cloer and Vicki Standingdeer
Saturday, June 12 1pm-4pm
Cost: $25 (includes supplies) Limit: none Minimum: 4
Make a traditional Cherokee-style basket using honeysuckle, naturally dyed with bloodroot, walnut, and pokeberry. Learn how to cook the vine, roll, bleach, dye, and make splints. Bring a pair of scissors; all other materials provided.
Materials: bring a pair of scissors.
Workshop: Pine Needle Baskets Instructor: Pam Etheredge
Saturday, August 21 9am – 2pm
Cost: $35 Limit: 6 Minimum: 2
Craft a delicate basket out of coiled pine needles in the tradition of our region’s Native American artisans, who used common materials to make beautiful and functional works of art. Basket size will vary based on the maker, but will generally be around 3” in diameter. Bring a pair of scissors—all other materials provided.
Materials: bring a pair of scissors
Workshop: Chair-side Catch-all Basket Instructor: Candy Alexander
Saturday, November 6 9am – 3pm
Cost: $30 Limit: 15 Minimum: 4
This basket shape is known as a half market. It has a wooden handle on one end. It is great for sitting by a chair, against a wall or on a step. It has a filled bottom, and variegated reed decorates the plain weave sides. Kits for each basket will be furnished by the instructor. Just bring garden shears or kitchen shears, a kitchen towel, 12 clothespins or small spring clips, and a pencil.
BLACKSMITHING
Workshop: 18th Century Blacksmithing Instructor: Mark Ramsey
Saturday, August 28 9am – 4pm
Cost: $85 (includes supplies) Limit: 6 Minimum: 4
Blacksmithing for beginners or the more experienced—let us know your level when you sign up!
Materials: None necessary, but a pair of work gloves and safety goggles suggested. Wear old clothes and closed toe shoes.
CHAIR BOTTOMING
Workshop: Beginning Chair Bottoming Instructor: Cathy Broyles
Saturday, January 30 9am – 4pm
Cost: $30 Limit: 10 Minimum: 5
A great way to repair an old favorite or brush up an antique! Find out how to weave the life back into your old cane furniture. Ask park staff for a supply list when you register.
Materials: chair to cane, bucket or dishpan suitable for hot water, scissors, butter knife, 2 old towels.
Saturday, February 6 9am – 4pm
Saturday, February 13 9am – 4pm
Saturday, February 20 9am – 4pm
Saturday, February 27 9am – 4pm
Cost: $30 per class ($120) plus supplies (supplies vary based on individual needs)
Limit: 10
Minimum: 4
This 4-part class
delves into the beautiful and traditional 7-step chair caning method, a delicate
and complex weave that forms an octagonal pattern. This type of caning requires
a special type of chair with holes bored through the feet and back. Ask park
staff for a supply list when you register. The first session of the class will
involve measuring and sizing each chair to determine the type of cane needed.
CORNSHUCK DOLLS
Workshop: Cornhusk Dolls Instructor: Terri Asbury
Saturday, October 23 10am – 2pm
Cost: $25 Limit: 10 Minimum: 5
Kick off the fall season with this old-time tradition! Choose from a variety of styles including Native American dolls, Victorian dolls, or something of your own design. Bring a large bowl and a pair of scissors.
BRAIDING
Workshop: Kumihimo Braiding Instructor: Arlene Angelmaier
Saturday, March 27 9am – 12pm
Cost: $5 basic class, $15 class and take-home kit. Limit: 10 Minimum: 4
Begin with an introduction to Kumihimo, a traditional Japanese art of braiding. Intricate, sturdy Kumihimo braiding, traditionally used to fasten armor, and clothing, has found modern uses in jewelry and accessories. Learn basic terms and techniques, then create your own project on a quick-study, portable kit. Sign up for the basic class to see if you like it; take-home kits will be on sale for an additional $10. Additional fibers and accessories are also available for purchase.
Saturday, February 13 10am – 12pm
Cost: $10 (materials included) or $5 (bring your own) Limit: 10 Minimum: 4
Learn the basic skills and terms of knitting, including cast on, purl, knit, cast off, and yarn over. Start on a project such as a scarf, washcloth, or blanket. The $10 class price includes a pair of size 7 needles and practice yarn; additional supplies are available for purchase.
MUSIC
Saturday, March 6 1:30pm – 3pm
Saturday, June 19 1:30pm – 3pm
Saturday, September 18 1:30pm – 3pm
Cost: $30 (includes Walton’s whistle and book); $20 if you bring your own instrument
Limit: 12
Minimum: 1
Class includes the fundamentals of holding and sounding your pennywhistle, learning the first notes, and playing a song—or come and advance the skills you already possess. Music and other supplemental materials provided.
Workshop: Making a Native American Flute Instructor: Danny Bigay
Saturday, March 13 10am – 4pm
Cost: $100 (includes supplies) Limit: 10 Minimum: 4
Discover the art of making a traditionally tuned Cherokee-style flute using native river cane. Wear old clothes. All materials provided.
Workshop: Mandolin for Beginners
Limit: To be announced
Minimum: To be announced
Learn the basics of this popular and historic instrument. This class is intended primarily for students who already own a mandolin; however, a limited number of mandolins are available for students who do not. Please let us know if you will be bringing your own mandolin to this class when you sign up.
Northeast Tennessee Autoharp Community & Old Time Group
Instructor/Organizer: Cathy Ciolac
January – May
September – November
4th Sunday of the month.
1:00 – 2:00 Beginners Autoharp and Mountain Dulcimer
2:00 – 4:00 Open Jam
Cost: none
(old time banjo, fiddle, guitar, and toe tappers welcome, but no tap shoes please)
Start on the basics of Autoharp and Dulcimer, then stick around for the open jam to show off what you’ve learned! Old-time musicians of all instruments and skill levels are welcome to play. This group meets in the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center on the 4th Sunday of the month, January through May and September through November.
Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums
Coordinator: John Large
Saturdays
10am – 12pm
The Fife and Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications, and parades. This group is open to anyone ages 12 & up. Musical experience is welcome but not necessary; just come with a willingness to learn. Meet our volunteer coordinator John Large at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming!
NATIVE AMERICAN ARTS & CRAFTS
Workshop: Making a Native American Flute Instructor: Danny Bigay
Saturday, March 13 10am – 4pm
Cost: $100 (includes supplies) Limit: 10 Minimum: 4
Discover the art of making a traditionally tuned Cherokee-style flute using native river cane. Wear old clothes. All materials provided.
Workshop: Cherokee-Style Stone Pipe Instructor: Steve Ricker
Saturday, March 20 10am – 4pm
Cost: $45 (includes supplies) Limit: 10 Minimum: 5
Cherokee pipes were functional works of art, and held important meaning in Cherokee life. Learn to carve a traditional Cherokee-style pipe with native steatite. This class will take place in the fort area, so dress for outdoor weather.
Workshop: Eastern Woodland Moccasins Instructor: Steve Ricker
Saturday, May 22 10am – 4pm
Cost: $85 (includes supplies) Limit: 7 Minimum: 5
Make a well-fitted set of center-seam Eastern Woodland-style leather moccasins using traditional techniques. This class will take place in the fort area, so dress for outdoor weather.
Workshop: Cherokee Honeysuckle Basket
Instructors: Dale Cloer and Vicki Standingdeer
Saturday, June 12 1pm-4pm
Cost: $25 (includes supplies) Limit: none Minimum: 4
Make a traditional Cherokee-style basket using honeysuckle, naturally dyed with bloodroot, walnut, and pokeberry. Learn how to cook the vine, roll, bleach, dye, and make splints. Bring a pair of scissors; all other materials provided.
NATURAL DYEING
Workshop: Natural Dyeing Instructor: Carolyn DeWitt
Saturday, August 28 10am – 4pm
Cost: $25 Limit: 10 Minimum: 2
Make beautiful color with all the bounty of nature. Learn to dye thread as colonial settlers might have during the 18th century. Create stunning colors with the herbs and flowers of the field.
PAINTING
Workshop: Step-By-Step Oil Paint Instructor: Kay Braswell
Saturday, January 9 9am – 4pm
Wednesday, January 20 9am – 4pm
Wednesday, April 14 9am – 4pm
Wednesday, April 28 9am – 4pm
Saturday, May 1 9am – 4pm
Wednesday, May 19 9am – 4pm
Friday, June 11 9am – 4pm
Saturday, June 19 9am – 4pm
Saturday, July 10 9am – 4pm
Saturday, July 24 9am – 4pm
Saturday, August 14 9am – 4pm
Friday, August 27 9am – 4pm
Saturday, September 18 9am – 4pm
Saturday, October 9 9am – 4pm
Wednesday, October 20 9am – 4pm
Wednesday, November 3 9am – 4pm
Saturday, November 20 9am – 4pm
Saturday, December 4 9am – 4pm
Wednesday, December 15 9am – 4pm
Cost: $50 (includes supplies) Limit: 15 Minimum: 6
Discover oil on canvas through wet-on-wet painting techniques. Beginners are welcome—learn Bob Ross techniques for painting—or come to improve the skills you already possess.
Saturday, January 16 10am – 1pm
Saturday, January 30 10am – 1pm
Saturday, February 6 10am – 1pm
Sunday, March 7 1pm – 4pm
Sunday, March 14 1pm – 4pm
Sunday, April 11 1pm – 4pm
Saturday, April 17 10am – 1pm
Cost: $12 (plus supplies) or $20 (includes supplies) Limit: open Minimum: 5
Learn and practice watercolor techniques and style. Dress to take a short walk outdoors for photos and observations, weather permitting.
Workshop: Historical Pigments and Paints Instructor: Stephanie Smith
Saturday, March 20 10am - 12pm
Cost: $5 Limit: 10 Minimum: 3
An overview of the powdered pigments and bonding materials used from medieval
times through the 18th century. Learn to prepare traditional watercolors and
egg tempura paints. Class will be hands-on; be prepared for handling materials that may stain clothes.
PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGY
Workshop: River Cane Blowgun Instructor: Doug Meyer
Saturday, April 17 9am – 4:30pm
Cost: $50 (materials included) Limit: 15 Minimum: 6
Before the advent of modern firearms, people in our region hunted small game with this versatile tool. Hollow out and straighten a length of cane for a traditional-style blowgun, then craft your own make cotton, thistle, and feather-fletched darts to match. Please bring a knife, work gloves, and a lunch.
Workshop: Primitive Trapping and Fishing Instructor: Steve Ricker
Saturday, April 24 10am – 4pm
Cost: $35 Limit: 10 Minimum: 5
Learn traditional methods of hunting, trapping, and fishing, using ordinary materials to survive in the wild. This class will take place outdoors, so dress for outdoor weather.
Workshop: Flint Knapping
Instructor: Bob Estep, Chris Edens, Clark Sams
Saturday & Sunday, May 1 & 2 10am – 4pm
Cost: $60 (includes supplies) Limit: 10 Minimum: 4
Make stone tools such as the arrow point using only traditional techniques (adults only). Please be sure to register no later than 1 week prior to the class.
Workshop: Atlatl and Spear
Instructors: Bob Estep, Clark Sams, Chris Edens
Saturday & Sunday, June 19 & 20 10am – 4pm
Cost: $60 (includes supplies) Limit: 10 Minimum: 4
Make a spear and a spear-thrower, a hunting tool used by primitive cultures worldwide. Adults only please. Please be sure to register no later than 1 week prior to the class. Materials are provided to make an atlatl and two darts. If you have wood carving tools, bring ‘em along.
Saturday, October 2 10am – 4pm
Cost: $65 Limit: 15 Minimum: 4
Discover the traditional art of Quillwork—creating embroidered patterns out of porcupine quills, often used by Native Americans to decorate clothing and accessories. Find out how to obtain, sort, pluck, and dye porcupine quills. Learn three different quillwork techniques: sawtooth, bi-color sawtooth, and single thread line. We will practice these techniques on a piece of brain-tanned buckskin that can be turned into a bracelet or attached to a larger item. Bring scissors, tweezers, and a chair.
Workshop: Primitive Pottery I – Handbuilding
Instructors: Bob Estep, Chris Edens, Clark Sams
Saturday, October 9 10am – 4pm
Cost: $40 (includes supplies) Limit: 10 Minimum: 4
This two-part class begins with learning primitive techniques to create functional pottery from clay. These pieces will be pit-fired in Part II of the class on November 6. Please be sure to register no later than 1 week prior to the class.
Workshop: Primitive Pottery II – Pit Firing
Saturday, November 6 10am – 4pm
Cost: none if attended Oct. 16 class, $15 otherwise Limit: 10 Minimum: 4
Fire your pottery in an earthen pit with natural materials. This is the second part of a two-part primitive pottery class beginning on October 16. You do not have to take the first class to attend this session; you may bring unfired pottery of your own and experiment with these primitive pit-firing techniques. Please be sure to register no later than 1 week prior to the class.
QUILTING
Quilting with the Sycamore Stitchers
The Sycamore Stitchers meet throughout the year at the park. Call Pat Dobes at (423) 542-9400 for information on joining this group.
RAG RUGS
Saturday, February 20 10am – 3pm
Cost: $25 Limit: 15 Minimum: 5
Take something old and make something beautiful! Make a rug, table runner, placemat, or basket out of the fabric of your choice. Just bring some size Q (big) crochet hooks and two or three yards of any material, old or new. Basic crochet skills recommended.
2nd Tuesday of the month
1st Tuesday in November
9:30am – 1pm
Cost: none
This gathering of spinners and fiber artists is open to anyone interested in the art of spinning thread. Join us at 9:30am on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (exception: November meeting will take place on the 1st Tuesday in November).
STAINED GLASS
Saturday, May 22 10am – 4pm
Cost: $40 (includes materials) Limit: 6 Minimum: 4
Discover and utilize the basic steps of stained glass art—cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering glass—to make your very own stained glass sun catcher.
STORYTELLING
Workshop: Focusing on Storytelling Essentials Instructor: Larry Kelley
Saturday, January 23 10am – 12pm
Cost: $5 Limit: 30 Minimum: 8
Focus on the challenges, rewards, and methods of being a storyteller. Participants will be encouraged to share their perspectives as we discuss storytelling essentials and techniques. This workshop is recommended for anyone interested in discovering effective methods for sharing stories.
All workshop students must register and pay in advance
To register for a Traditional Arts Workshop, contact the park office at (423) 543-5808. Before sending your check, call the park to ensure that there are still spots available in the workshop of your interest.
Our office hours are Monday-Saturday 8:00 am—4:30 pm
and Sunday 1:00 pm— 4:30 pm.
We are closed all state holidays.
For more information or to register for workshops, contact
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area
1651 West Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 543-5808
www.sycamoreshoalstn.org
www.tnstateparks.com/SycamoreShoals/