Art by Sheila Brannan

“Exceptional art and craft” is the theme for the 20th annual Over the Mountain Studio Tour.Twenty-five professional artists and craft-workers in historic Jefferson County, West Virginia will open their studios for the public. This free self-guided tour is Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Artists represent all areas of Jefferson County. Individual studios and workshops are located in Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Middleway, Leetown, Kearneysville, Shenandoah Junction and Shepherdstown.

“Visitors will discover new and unexpected delights,” said Shepherdstown glass designer Sheila Brannan.”Take time to examine the exceptional crafts and artwork, all made in the Shenandoah Valley. We enjoy talking with the public about this special relationship the artists in our community share with one another.”

By joining together, the public experiences a unique opportunity to see the work represented by numerous artists.”The crafts represent traditional and contemporary styles, and exceptional workmanship,” said Tom D’Onofrio, Windsor chair maker.

New artists on the tour include Harpers Ferry artist Jim Shumate.Whether the painting is a 35-foot long mural of the artist with his faithful dog companion, sitting as watchful critic, or a more intimate image of a Harpers Ferry garden, Jim captures our West Virginia landscape in a unique and emotional way. .

Joy Bridy is a potter with a strong background in wood and atmospheric firings.Her studio, in Shenandoah Junction, is also a site for classes in clay.

Linda Wright’s studio, on the road between Middleway and Leetown, is full of decorative paintings. This self-taught artist brings new life to old treasures.

Sonnallama Fiber Group joins the studio tour for the first time. Elaine Fields, Cheryl Sonnabend, and Susan Holloway raise llamas outside Summit Point. They use the fiber in rugs, purses, hats and scarves, yarn and weaving. Customers can make their purchases directly from the artists who raise the llamas.

Returning to the Studio Tour in Charles Town are:Thomas McGarry of Birnum Wood Joinery, and Chris Cooper, who lathe-turns bowls and pens from harvest wood.

Shepherdstown artists include glass artist Sheila Brannan, art jeweler Carrie Singer, Doug Kinnett and his “flower power” in ceramics and paintings; performance artist Colleen Tracey sews color-filled canvas Black Bottom Bags.Tom D’Onofrio and his Windsor chairs and Steve Adams, who sculpts hand-hewn bowls will join pastel artist Tara Bell on Persimmon Lane

Blacksmith Eric Johnson of Southwood Farm Blacksmithing shares studio space with woodcarver Nancy Streeter.

Joining Ren and Pam Parziale of Sycamore Pottery, Leetown, will be Margot Ours who crochets, knits, and sews an astonishing variety of handwork, and Frances Brolle, who works in silver and hot glass.

Treva Blackford of Brown Shop Bears, and watercolor artist Roxanne Shields will be at the Middleway studio of Anne Bowers of Heirloom Baskets,

– For more information, call the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce at 1(800) 624-0577 or (304) 725-0567. Email: studiotour@studiotourwv.org or visit www.studiotourwv.org.