Pocahontas County is blessed with more than its fair share of talented musicians, writers, artists and workers skilled in traditional crafts. Many call the county home. Others, like Appalachian basketmaker Clyde Jenkins are attracted by our various arts and crafts festivals.
Jenkins began making baskets at age 12. Since then he has elevated his craft to a fine art. With a sure hand and an artist’s vision, he can transform strips of oak into both practical baskets for daily use and into museum-quality designs. One of his signature pieces is the “acorn basket.”
A selection of Jenkins’ work will be available for a limited time at the Green Bank Gallery on US 28/92 near the Green Bank Post Office when the newly renovated shop re-opens Saturday, September 29. That afternoon, between 1 and 3 p.m., the master of white-oak weaving will demonstrate his time-honored technique.
Jenkins has been featured at the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival and his work has been presented as diplomatic gifts to heads of state. They’ve also been chosen for display at the prestigious Renwick Gallery of American Art in Washington, D.C.