Meet the Maker - Erin Simons

Erin Simons of Laurel Ridge Studios is a craftswoman, historical interpreter, and educator from Southwest Virginia.

Erin offers education through the historical interpretation of Traditional Appalachian Broom Making demonstration, as well as broom making classes.

Erin offers whisks and brooms bound by hand, start to finish, and woven with a non-electric process. Many of the handles are harvested in the woods behind her studio and traditional Appalachian crafting techniques are applied when constructing each piece.

Her brooms are created to carry on the tradition and culture of Appalachia, as well as, to create beautiful and functional pieces of art that help instill a sense of joy and beauty in common everyday tasks.

Erin Simons

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Both John and Erin bask in the beauty and practicality of the brooms they hand craft: Whether they’re making a typical upright broom for floor sweeping or a smaller whisk, called a turkey wing for all kinds of cleaning chores, each promote the inherent function and artistry of the broom. 

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The Birthplace of Country Music Museum

MuseumTalk - Episode #104 (11 - 16 - 2023) CALT Fellows Erin Simons And John Alexander

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