Berea, Ky and Cumberland Gap, VA

Famous for it's college and craft tradition, Berea was a much anticipated stop. Nestled at the base of Kentucky's mountains, is a college town built for appalachian students. Originally, their tuition was paid with craftwork. The four year university still offers programs to learn broom making, pottery, weaving, and woodcrafts to help pay tuition.

Loaded with small craft shops and galleries, the small town offers plenty for the shopper. There is also a state run Kentucky Artists shop beside the interstate, with great examples of Kentucky Artists. If you time your visit right (like I did), twice a year, the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen have their outdoor show in Berea.

The show was great. Filled with artists and craftsmen from all over Kentucky. I visited my friends Rob and Laura Weingarten who were displaying at the show. My only regret was that in the midst of so many great craftsmen, there was just a small handful of painters.

It was difficult to produce much work with all the things in the city to look at. I was able to sketch the main building of the college.  Slightly outside of town is an old theater with parking and picnic facilities, and a rugged trail that climbs a mountain and ends at either the east or west pinnacle. At the bottom of the trail, I was greeted by a friendly little dog with a large identification tag that says "I am not a stray, I live next door. Let's go for a hike!". The dog was a great companion as he escorted us to the trail.

The end of the trail was marked with huge stone formations. Since the trees were dense, the panoramic view from the top was not visible. I decided to climb the rocks where there was a view, and Mike threw my painting supplies up to a point where I was able to carry them to the top and paint the view.

After Berea, the next stop was Norton, VA. Mike's hometown. I chose to travel using as many secondary roads as possible, but all roads had to go through the Cumberland gap. The Cumberland gap is a natural break in a long running formation of steep mountains. It was used by native Americans, settlers and developers. Before St. Louis existed, it was the original gateway to the west.  The Cumberland Gap is a National Park. It has a information center with movies and displays. The park has 50 miles of trails, with picnic facilities and a road up a mountain with a handicap accessible view of the Cumberland Gap. I was inspired by the view long enough to paint 2 small oil paintings. 

After one breathtaking view after another, we arrived in Norton, VA. Mike visited his mother's grave with fresh flowers, then we visited the sights for the area. A perfect example of a coal based mountain town...complete with a loading station for railroad carriers.

Unfortunately, there was not enough time to paint all the things I wanted to. The mountains, and streams, and farms were all picture perfect. I was able to paint a view from a scenic overlook before beginning the trek home. Fortunately, this beautiful area is Mike's homeland, so I won't have a problem finding a travel companion for the next visit!