From MountainMade.com:

The MountainMade Artisan Gallery will exhibit the work of Preston County artist, Donna Lohr, through the month of March.  “I am blessed with the urge to create” Donna says.  Following in the footsteps of an “artistic father” and “crafty grandmother”, and encouraging words from her kindergarden class, Donna disconnects herself from the world and creates.

Combining contemporary folk art with a touch of whimsy, Donna begins with a fun twist to familiar sayings and then interprets them into two dimensional pieces.  Using felt to create her work, mostly cats, then embellishing them with buttons and other found objects and some tongue-in-cheek fun they come to life; joyous laughter follows.

Donna resides in Kingwood, W.Va. with her husband Don, three cats and “the world’s most understanding dog”.  A teacher at Kingwood Elementary School, Donna received an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Development from Marshall University and then on to WVU for a Masters in Special Education.

The gallery is open to the public without charge daily 10 am – 5 pm.  To learn more about artist, workshops and exhibits at MountainMade visit our website at www.MounatainMade.com .

The Arts Council of Preston County is currently planning two events. The first is a raffle of a handmade basket overflowing with work by local artisans who are juried into the Arts Council’s Gallery on South Price Street. The basket is by Shelia Brown of Baskets by Shelia. Among the items included are a stoneware bowl by Gail Anderson, The Studio of Gail Anderson; a porcelain jar by Susan and Rick Bisgyer, Ridgetop Pottery; a fine art print and note cards by Jean Bonnette; natural body care products by Beth Clark, Appalachian Essentials; a set of wooden kitchen utensils by Stan and Sue Jennings, Allegheny Treenware; a Rattan Carolina Star by Donna Lohr, Weaver Chick; the new CD “Gathering Stones” by Keith and Joan Pitzer; a cross-stitch pineapple welcome towel by Sandra Stanton, Hands All Around; and a hand-turned wooden jar and wine bottle stopper by Ed Thomson, Artisan Workshop.

Tickets can be purchased from any Arts Council member, including Gail Anderson at her Studio on South Price Street where the basket will be on display until the drawing on May 3 at 6:00 pm during Cheat River Festival. The winner need not be present to win. Info: 329-0017.

In early June, the Arts Council will be hosting a fundraiser dinner and murder mystery, presented by JoAnn Peterson, at the Preston County Inn. Further information will be announced and posted at the Arts Council website, www.prestonartscouncil.org.

Meetings are scheduled for 6:30 pm on the second Monday of each month and held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church at 107 McDonald Street in Kingwood. All members of the greater Preston County community interested in visual or performing arts are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting. For information call Susan or Rick Bisgyer, 304-329-1883.

Saturday, May 3, 2008, Cheat River Festival, Albright, WV, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.