Smyth, Wythe artisans to showcase traditional crafts during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
Mark Archibald demonstrates weaving at the Settlers Museum in Smyth County.
In August of 2025, the Bristol Roots Project announced $52,000 in grant awards to folk and traditional artists and cultural organizations working in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. This was the second round of funding for the greater Bristol region made possible by Central Appalachia Living Traditions, a program of Mid-Atlantic Arts.
The Tradition Bearer Fellowships support individuals in their creative practices by providing financial support, professional development, and public presentation opportunities throughout the one-year grant period. Eight $4,000 fellowships were awarded in August 2025, representing a $32,000 direct investment in area individuals at different stages of their careers. These fellowships will help sustain local traditional arts while raising broad awareness of the quality and value of the region’s traditional culture. At the same time, around $20,000 was awarded to four regional Cultural Caretaker organizations to sustain their missions.
Now as the year comes to a close, 2025-2026 Bristol Roots Tradition Bearer Fellows and Cultural Caretakers, including Smyth and Wythe artisans, will showcase their crafts and organizations through the Bristol Roots Showcase during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Sept. 11-13. Cultural Caretakers will have information booths, while the Tradition Bearers will present craft and artisan demonstrations, including basketmaking, woodworking weaving, broom making, and more.
Demonstration Schedule:
Ongoing traditional craft and artisan demonstrations and presentations will be open Friday, Sept. 11, 3-6 p.m. / Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. / Sunday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bristol Roots Tradition Bearer Fellows will offer ongoing traditional craft and artisan conversations and presentations with specific times also set aside for different demonstrations.
Connections: An Interactive Art Installation Project by Autumn Roe
Open Friday, Sept. 11, 3-6 p.m. / Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. / Sunday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Community artist Autumn Roe will present Connections, an interactive art installation where people of all ages can add their stories, memories, and traditions to a growing collective artwork. Watch the piece come to life throughout the festival weekend as hundreds of individuals make contributions that will connect together to tell the story of our community.
Artist Illustration Demonstration
Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Jen Otey of MOONbow ARTworks will demonstrate how she creates storybook-style illustrations of Appalachian plants and animals. Viewers will see how native Central Appalachian flora and fauna are sketched and brought to life with line, texture, color, and storytelling.Â
Handweaving Demonstration by Mark Archibald
Saturday, Sept. 12, 12-1 p.m.
Mark Archibald will demonstrate weaving a table runner using the traditional Snow Trail overshot pattern. Discover how historic coverlet designs were created using multiple shuttles and hand-drawn weaving drafts passed down through generations.
Appalachian Basketry: Form and Function Demonstration
Saturday, Sept. 12, 1-2 p.m.
Join basketmakers Amanda Sprinkle and Amanda Lee for a history of basketry in the mountains, including live demonstrations and a Q&A.
Green Woodworking Demonstration by Miciah Connors
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2-3 p.m.
Join traditional woodworker Miciah Connors for an instructional demonstration on chair making and greenwood techniques.
Broom Making Demonstration by Erin Simons
Saturday, Sept. 12, 3-4 p.m.
Join artisan Erin Simons of Laurel Ridge Studios for a demonstration of traditional Appalachian broom making. See how natural broomcorn is crafted into functional heirloom brooms using historic hand-tying techniques.
Demonstrations will be held outside The Bristol Hotel inside the festival footprint and are free and open to all festival goers.
3-Day General Admission and Single Day Tickets are on sale online at BristolRhythm.com or in person at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. 1-Day VIP Experiences are also available, and selling quickly. For tickets, merchandise, updates, and more information, visit BristolRhythm.com.
