Shepherdstown resident Mary Kay Anderson will be selling hand-painted pieces such as this one at her open house today and tomorrow. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Local artist Mary Kay Anderson has been practicing her profession for over 40 years. Many art lovers have found her pieces at the Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival, as well as the Apple Harvest Festival, over the years.

M. Kay Designs began with Mary Kay’s love of decorative painting on slate, which evolved into finding a variety of other unique surfaces on which to paint. Those treasures–whether on the sides of an old milk can or an old sewing spool–have found their way into the homes of many who have become repeat customers of M. Kay Designs.

The loss of art shows this year, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, have inspired Anderson to host an open house, for those who would like to purchase special gifts or items.

Anderson will not be holding the open house alone. Her creative ability has been passed down to her daughters, Katie Goldsmith and Katrina Lanham.

Goldsmith, who returned to Shepherdstown 15 years ago with her husband and two children, took the step of faith to leave the corporate world where she worked in information technology to start KgHome. KgHome revolves around home projects, as Goldsmith possesses a knack for design. She is now exploring custom epoxy countertops, interior painting and refinished furniture, all of which will be available to peruse this weekend. Also featured will be upcycled industrial wood spools made into tables. Some of these have fire pit features, some epoxy tops and two have a one-of-a-kind Shepherdstown design.

This table is one item being sold by KgHomes this weekend at the open house on Morgan's Grove Road. Courtesy photo

Lanham, who is an assistant nurse manager at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center, spends her spare time building both decorative and practical pallet wood creations. Her four-year-old venture, Burnt Pallet, will showcase a number of custom pieces at the open house.

The event will take place at 401 Morgan Grove Road in Shepherdstown with hours today, from 2-7 p.m., and tomorrow, from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Rounding out the family affair, Anderson’s son, Scott, the owner of Community Garden Market in Shepherdstown, will provide light refreshments at the event.

Knowing the importance of home and community, KgHome will give a portion of profits from the open house sales to the Shepherdstown Day Care, and the Burnt Pallet will give a portion of the profits to Prayers for Destiny.

Potential shoppers are asked to follow all CDC guidelines. Masks will be required and social distancing will be practiced.

For more information, visit M. Kay Designs on Facebook, KgHome on Facebook, The Burnt Pallet on Facebook or the Community Garden Market at www.communitygardenmarket.com.