The Berkeley Arts Council in Martinsburg, West Virginia announces its first “Craft in the Eastern Panhandle” exhibit, October 9 through November 9 at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street in Martinsburg. A reception for “Craft in the Eastern Panhandle” will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 2:00 – 4:00pm at the Berkeley Art Works.  On Sunday, October 20 from 2:00 – 4:00pm, participate in a discussion about craft and creativity with artists participating in the show. The exhibit is curated by Annette Verna, a ceramic artist whose work is offered in the Berkeley Art Works co-op gallery.

In conjunction with American Craft Week, which is held each year in early October, this exhibit is a month-long celebration of contemporary fine craft and highlights the work of ten artists living and working in and around the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  These artists are master craftspeople working in a variety of media including basketry, clay, metal, textiles, and wood.  Their work represents the high quality of craft being created in our region.

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, handmade objects were primarily utilitarian and tied us to nature through the use of traditional materials and techniques.  Today, using these same materials and techniques, artists transform ideas into works of useful art.  Craft is tactile and dimensional; it exists in the physical world as opposed to the virtual world to which our society has become accustomed.  Hand-crafted objects are the result of physical activity, mastery of medium, focused attention, curiosity, and passion.  They provide us with deep appreciation and meaningful connections in our daily life.

Additional craft-related activities going on in the community during October include activities at the Berkeley Pottery and the Martinsburg Library.