Museum offers early holiday shopping

By Tammie Goins

Correspondent

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Sue Campbell's cornhusk dolls have reached into the inner circles of Washington, D.C., politics.

The Seymour, Tenn., artist's dolls not only have won numerous awards, they've even been given as Christmas gifts by former Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper.

Ms. Campbell's creations, along with those of 23 other regional artists, will be available on Friday and Saturday at the Appalachian Artisans Holiday Open House at the Museum Center at Five Points.

"It should be a great chance to buy unique gifts for people on (patrons') shopping lists," said Tracy O'Connell, manager of the Museum Store inside the center.

Nationally known potter Michael Lalone from Brasstown, N.C., and several jewelry artists, including Nancy Zierenberg of Cleveland, will be featured at the open house.

Handmade bags, clutches and purses from Cleveland artisans Jane Easterly and Kathryn Tomisek, each made from recycled materials, also will be showcased. The artists use designer fabric, leather and vinyl samples for at least 90 percent of each purse, bag or other small accessory.

Local books will be for sale, including "Gratitude and Grace: The Writings of Michael Mayne," by the Rev. Joel Huffstetler.

His book is an introduction to and overview of the five books written by Michael Mayne, dean of Westminster Abbey in England from 1986-1996, who was also a bestselling author and popular preacher and lecturer.

Other artwork represented at the open house includes painting, glasswork, woven and hand-dyed scarves and clothing, photography, handmade writing pens and wood-turned bowls.

Tammie Goins is based in Bradley County. Contact her at tgoins@westwoodlife.org.

IF YOU GO

What: Appalachian Artisans' Holiday Open House

Where: Museum Center at Five Points, 200 Inman St. E., Cleveland

When: Noon-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

Admission: Free; items priced as marked.

For more information: 339-5745 or www.MuseumCenter.org