The Bluegrass Painter

Williams Fine Violins and Luthier Studios

Another friend made at the World of Bluegrass was Dustin Art Williams of Williams Fine Violins and Luthier Studios.   Dustin's shop is located in the historic "Music Row" neighborhood in Nashville.  We haven't been to Dustin's shop, but hope to make a visit on our next trip back to Music City. 

Summer Jam

This is probably the last one for today...Summer Jam.

Now We're Cooking...Yellow Breeches

We got another one up today for you to look at.  Check out Yellow Breeches, an angler's paradise in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

Website Update

Petunia updated the website today with some work that I did over the summer of Garrett County scenes.  She's got more to add and we'll post as they go up.  Clean Gate and Race Brace were inspired by a visit to the Adventure Sports Center International - a man made whitewater course at the top of Marsh Mountain...something to see.  Friend's Store is an old trading post that was recently renovated in the Sang Run area of the county.  Thanks to Becky Korns, President of the Friend Family Association for providing us with some background on the store.

Race Brace

Clean Gate

Friend's Store

Hats Off and Thanks to OnBoard Research!

Musician out there will recognize OnBoard Research Corporation's INTELLITOUCH TUNER as probably the most popular electronic tuner seen at jams and gigs everywhere. I used it, too...until it quit working...started acting weird...nothing I could do seemed to help.

I saw Mark Wilson, president of OnBoard, at the recent IBMA World of Bluegrass in Nashville and told him about my problem. He said to send it along and I did. And, son-of-a-gun, just like he said he would, he mailed it backed to me and it works just like new. Now, I don't know if he fixed it or sent a replacement but I want to say thanks. Good guy, good company, good product.

Orvis Store at Wisp

The Orvis Store at Wisp Resort is now carrying art print cards featuring images from our Outdoors Collection, such as Brook Trout and On Point...  For folks interested in Garrett County, you'll also find some local scenes from our Garrett County Collection.

It's Saturday Night In Bruceton Mills

What did you do last Saturday Night? Well, I had one heckuva good time at the Waterfall Place Conference Center on the banks of Big Sandy Creek and right in the center of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. J.C. Hollis of J.C. Hollis and the Boys let me sit in with his band while they played for a full house of dancers, diners and listeners. It's hard to have more fun than this.

Next Stop: Autumn Glory

Appalachian Studio will be exhibiting this weekend at the Autumn Glory Festival in Garrett County Maryland.  We'll be at the Heritage Craft Festival in the Broadford Elementary School from 10 until 6 on Saturday and 10 am until 4pm on Sunday  as part of a juried show sponsored by the Garrett County Arts Council. 

IBMA Wrap Up and Thanks

We got back Sunday night from the super IBMA gathering in Nashville.  We had a fun and productive trip, enjoying the company of friends both old and new.  We even managed to do some business between picking tunes and seeing some great musicians, both on stage and off. 

Thanks to Dan Hays, Executive Director of the IBMA. He asked us to provide the artwork that the IBMA will use in their promotional and graphic materials for the 2008 World of Bluegrass.  We can't be prouder about this and can't wait to see the art in action.  Dan's guidance and encouragement for us to participate as exhibitors got us involved.  I believe this is a significant landmark for our Appalachian Studio. We sure plan to be back next year.  We could not have been more fortunate than to have had Benoit Guitars, represented by Anita and Carroll Benoit in our neighboring booth. They provided advice and a helping hand. Class folks with beautiful resonator guitars.

Reflecting on some personal highlights of this past weekend...picking  "Whiskey Before Breakfast"  with David Harvey at the Gibson booth on the Ricky Skaggs Master Model Mandolin #1...renewing acquaintances with Alaskan Cruise mates Louis Champagne, Tom Thorpe, Dwight Worden, David Moultrie and, of course, Carla and Greg Hoover of Cottage Music. Louis brought his entire band, Grassfire, to IBMA and let me jam some with them...thanks Louis. This was all after attending the IBMA Award spectacular...talent of this level is inspiring to say the least. And attending late night showcases by The Claire Lynch Band, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, The Infamous Stringdusters, J.D. Crowe, among many others.

And from the home front...Karen and Bob Artis helped guide us through our first IBMA. They were there with Bernie and Mary Beth Cunningham. Karen, Bob and Bernie are 75% of The Allegheny Drifters...a truly fine bluegrass band from the western Pennsylvania region. These folks need to be showcased.

If you have a chance to get to this event next year...don't miss it.  I hope to have more pictures and comments up soon.