When Melanie’s mother-in-law gave her a sewing machine for Christmas, her first reaction was “What on earth am I going to do with this contraption?” But with memories of her grandmother sitting at her heavy-duty Singer and a copy of Quilting for Dummies, “My love affair for quilting began.” Melanie took a few classes to learn more techniques and “tricks of the trade,” but her biggest influence and encouragement came from a group of women with whom she quilts. "During the winter months for the last several years we try to get together once a week to quilt. We eat, laugh, and make each other better quilters. The person who inspired me the most and helped tap into my creativity is quilter extraordinaire Rebecca MacKellar of Canton. My style comes from a combination of using photographs I take, bright colors, mixing fabric textures, and painting with thread."

Artist: Gene Newman
Craft: Wood sculptor
For 25 years Gene Newman has been carving wildlife sculptures from various types of North Country wood. The self-taught artist works primarily in cherry, butternut, and maple; his interests in the natural world serve as his main inspiration. Gene enjoys exploring creative ways to display his flower sculptures, some of which can be seen at the Folkstore. A multi-award-winning sculptor, Newman also spends his free time building competitive racing canoes.