02 Jun Meet the Newest Juried Artisans of Spring 2025 at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace

Meet the Newest Juried Artisans of Spring 2025 at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace

Southwest Virginia has long been a wellspring of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural
expression. Each year, the ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network welcomes a new class of
juried artisans, creators who carry forward the traditions of our region while adding their own
unique voice to its vibrant artistic tapestry. This spring, we are proud to introduce 11 outstanding
new artisans whose work is now available at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and
Marketplace.

These talented individuals represent the best of Appalachian creativity; from photography and
woodcarving to body care and barn quilts. Read on to learn more about the newest additions to
our artisan family:

Anna Mullins – Photography (Coeburn, VA)

Rooted in the rugged terrain of the Appalachian coal fields, Anna Mullins captures the soul of
her community through evocative photography. Her lens tells the stories of the land and its
people; voices that are seen, heard, and deeply felt.

Karen Cartagena – Acrylic Painting (Bastian, VA)

A self-taught painter with over 30 years of experience, Karen Cartagena channels her love of
nature into vibrant acrylic works. Her paintings are peaceful, textured tributes to the flora, fauna,
and landscapes that inspire her.

Steve Pensinger – Wood (Bristol, VA)

After a career in engineering and remodeling, Steve Pensinger turned to woodworking, crafting
elegant and functional items like boxes and cutting boards. Each piece is a celebration of
simplicity, intention, and hands-on craftsmanship.

Cristina Hallgren – Pen & Ink (Ivanhoe, VA)

With astonishing precision and emotional depth, Cristina Hallgren uses stippling techniques to
create animal portraits and wildlife illustrations. Her journey, including overcoming vision
challenges, brings even more meaning to her deeply detailed work.

Linda Otey – Barn Quilts (Austinville, VA)

Linda Otey’s bold and colorful barn quilts pay homage to Appalachian traditions while
expressing her lifelong passion for crafting. Her geometric designs celebrate both heritage and
personal creativity.

Jody Connors – Bath & Body, Kitchen Items, Home Fragrance (Nickelsville,
VA)

From beeswax candles to kitchen towels, Jody Connors designs natural, functional, and
beautiful home and body products. Her creations reflect her thoughtful lifestyle and desire to
make everyday spaces more comforting.

Jeff Bordwine – Wood Carving (Saltville, VA)

Using powder carving tools and woods like tupelo and butternut, Jeff Bordwine sculpts birds and
wildlife with stunning detail. His background as a machinist brings precision to his art, while his
deep appreciation for nature fuels each creation.

Benjamin Cyr – Wood (Nickelsville, VA)

Benjamin Cyr blends fine arts training with woodworking expertise to create beautifully
functional walking canes. Using traditional joinery and Appalachian hardwoods, his work is a
testament to craftsmanship and purpose.

Jordan Ball – Spray Paint & Acrylic (Rosedale, VA)

Jordan Ball’s bold and dynamic art is rooted in street style and personal healing. His spray paint
and acrylic works burst with color and meaning, inviting viewers to engage with deeper stories
behind the surface.

John Erickson – Sculpture (Wood/Glass) (Stuart, VA)

John Erickson’s sculptural work explores the interplay of light, color, and material. With a
background in fine art and interior design, his pieces in wood and glass create visual
experiences that are both abstract and grounded in nature.

Tina Russell – Notecards & Prints (Wytheville, VA)

As co-owner of Early Bird Press and Produce, Tina Russell brings Appalachian charm to her
hand-drawn stationery and prints. Her artwork is inspired by the land she loves and supports
through both design and agriculture.

You can explore and purchase the work of these artisans (alongside over 160 others) at the
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace, the official home of the ‘Round the
Mountain Artisan Network. Whether you are looking for a meaningful gift or a unique piece for
your home, these handcrafted creations tell the story of Southwest Virginia one artisan at a
time.

Visit us in person or shop online today, and take home a piece of the mountains.