Basketmaker Gary Carroll is precise and authentic in his artisanship. Gary creates his Sugar Run baskets the old fashioned way. He says, "I cut the trees, use old tools and make everything by hand." That's the kind of dedication to original craftsmanship that gets your work into the White House, as one of his baskets did.

For Gary, the presentation is nearly as important as the process itself. His 18th century garments complete the traditional basket making package, and his tools are original to the practice. Wielding an axe, froe, and drawknife, Gary carefully harvests white oak, the wood most optimal for basket making, and cuts it into ribbons for weaving. All said, the process to create one basket can take 10 to 20 hours from start to finish. A passionate endeavor indeed.

Artists of many media call Virginia home. You'll find potters, weavers, painters, luthiers, and many others peddling their wares through galleries and specialty stores across the state. Southwest Virginia, however, is perhaps the wealthiest in artisans, and even have a network to help you find exactly what or who you're looking for. 'Round the Mountain links travelers to Southwest Virginia to creative points of interest along the way.

Find more Virginia artisans as you travel our art trails and visit our small towns.