Sequatchie Valley Art Collective

05/13/2025

05/09/2025

Artist Highlight!

It is with much honor that I get to introduce a Master Craftsman in Leather Tooling. Meet Dale Shannon of Mountain Crafters.

Dale has been hand-tooling leather crafts since 1970. Having lived on a ranch in South Florida, Dale was a real-life Cowboy and knows the business of horses and the flavor of the Old West.

A professional saddle designer and builder, Dale was educated at DeWitt and Henderson Saddlery School in Eugene, Oregon. Self-taught in hand-tooling, Dale has beautifully mastered his craft over the last 60+ years.

Dale has designed and hand-tooled saddles for several saddle companies in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area since 1985. Dale also tooled Trophy Saddles for winners of Equestrian Events.

Dale’s saddles have been featured on covers of Western Saddle
Company’s catalogs. Dale has also been a Featured Artist on the nightly News Channel 9, Chattanooga.

Dale does custom leather items, some West style and original design contemporary handbags, holsters, wallets, checkbook covers, quivers, belts, knife cases, baby moccasins, wristbands and various miscellaneous items.

Dale has been a member of Chattanooga ChooChoo Forge Guild and a self-taught blacksmith. His specialty is hand forged Damascus knives with exotic wood handles - a craft learned as Dale has a degree in Architectural Woodworking.

Dale’s many faceted educational experiences contribute a great deal to the beauty and functionality of his exquisite knives with companion leather tooled knife sheaths.

Dale is a past member of Artists Hands Across Sequatchie Territory Art Club (AHOST) and the Foothills Craft Guild (Asheville NC) and has been a featured artist/demonstrator at several craft shows and festivals around Tennessee. Dale has also been a regular exhibiting
artist at the Chattanooga Art Market and displays in The Lazy Buzzard, Pikeville TN.

05/09/2025

The next artist I am pleased to introduce you to is Estel. It is always a treat when I am able to visit with him. One of the nicest gentlemen you would ever hope to meet and sit to talk with. Not to mention his sketching skills are just jaw-dropping.

BIO:

Born in Cookeville TN, in 1953, Estel finds inspiration for his art in family travels.

"I have loved art my whole life. As I have never had any art "lessons", I thank God for the gift of art He has given me.

My passion is detailed pencil drawings, but I also do paintings, wood burning and metal sculpting. My favorite subjects are wildlife and landscapes. I do portraits in pencil, by commission."

05/09/2025

As we gear up for our Grand Opening Announcement and the unveiling of our planned activity for that day, I'd like to take time to highlight the incredible Artists that have so graciously accepted being part of this amazing adventure!

This first highlight is a shout out to Gifts From Gab. If only I had had my act together at her age. :-) What an absolutely inspiring and gifted young lady.

BIO:
My name is Gabby, and I am the founder of Gifts From Gab. Driven by a passion for crafting unique items with focal silicone beads, I launched my business in September, 2024, at age 11.

You can, currently, view my pen designs at The Lazy Buzzard, in Pikeville.

My family was some of the first settlers in Bledsoe County, so it is all I know. Creating new designs and bringing joy to others through my work is what I strive for. In addition to my crafting endeavors, I am a straight A student, actively involved in gymnastics and cheerleading.

Giving back to my community is important to me, so each month I donate a portion of my profits to local charities, such as the Bledsoe County Sheriff Department's Toy Drive, Bledsoe Food Bank, Animal Shelter and Backpacks for the Homeless. I hope my story inspires you.

04/02/2025

Happy Soft Opening Day to The Lazy Buzzard !!
Thank you for giving our Collective family a home, and for ALL that you do!!!!
Art is Our Revolution, and we are so grateful to be on this Journey with you!!!

03/29/2025

At the heArt of our work is a commitment to serving and uplifting our community. We believe that creativity is a shared spark- a force that connects, inspires and transforms. Through collaboration, art, and imagination, we aim to kindle that spark in everyone we encounter. Our Collective exists ro celebrate the Joy of Creation and to encourage others to discover and share their unique voices. Together, we hope to cultivate a thriving, vibrant community where creativity knows no bounds!!