Workshops and Programs
All workshops are FREE for KIDS OF ALL AGES unless otherwise noted.
Jessica Salyer, Art Positive Project
Curator: Mountain Grrl Experience Women in the Arts Exhibition
Director/Teaching Artist: Art Positive Project, Inc.
Director/Curator/ Teaching Artist: Main Street Art Studios, Inc.
Renaissance Art Guild Board Member/Curator: Salyersville Renaissance on Main
Podcaster: Weird Appalachia Podcast
Eastern Kentucky based award winning mix media artist, Jessica Salyer, has been honing her skills in
the therapeutic and healing practices that creating works of art can have on the human experience.
Her distinctive personal style emanates the vibrance that the mental and physical experiences we
have can affect us greatly.
Originally a mix media painter, Jessica blended her painting skills with her own therapeutic practices of 10 years, bringing about her new passion Art Positive Project, Inc. Jessica’s evolution into teaching the healing properties that creating can have, allowed her to introduce another element to this union and extended this experience to east Kentucky communities. Her use of teaching through her own experiences allows Jessica to challenge the boundaries of people’s perception of art and mental health. She utilizes guided meditation to which each participant can explore the depths of their own internal mental health and release any blocks that may otherwise go unnoticed or unresolved. Art Positive Project’s mission is to help spread mental health awareness and help give everyone an out of the box way of thinking about what we can do for ourselves to heal through the process of art. Jessica is excited about the future of Art Positive Project and hopes to further this experience to more regions in Kentucky and else where.
Releasing the Guilt Painting
4-6pm, Friday, June 21-City Park Shelter
Often we allow our guilt to fester within us. Fighting the stereotypes of what self-care means for ourselves can help release past guilts that we’ve held on to; in some cases for years. The simplest things such as taking a day to ourselves can make us feel like we are procrastinating or even being lazy leaving a guilt behind that we should not carry. What advice would you give a friend or family member in the same situation? When we look at society, they give solutions but they assume we live in a certain class with options that are readily available to us. To assume most of us have disposable income, that you deny yourself these options, or even have the time to engage in these activities. Having just one day to acknowledge what burdens you are carrying can have a lasting impact on the we look at the rest of our lives.
Participants will be asked to write down things they’ve felt guilt about. Meditation guidance will lead participants to visualize what it feels like to let go. They will put their papers of guilt into our burning bowl to watch the guilt disappear. Participants will be asked to visualize an affirmative positive word to put in the Wreath of Hope that they will create and paint
Sponsored by UK Community Arts Extension-University of Kentucky
Paint Slinging!
1pm, Saturday, June 22-City Park -Under the Trees
Sling some paint and have some fun! Create your own one of a kind masterpiece. No experience necessary!
Sponsored by UK Community Arts Extension-University of Kentucky
Coaltown Dixie
Jump in there and Jam!
3pm Friday, June 21-City Park Gazebo Stage
Have you been standing in the circle, tapping your foot, maybe humming along, but not gotten your instrument out of the case yet? Well, here’s your chance. Bring an instrument if you have one, or just hang out with the Coaltown Dixie gals as we discuss ways to feel more comfortable in a musical jam situation, jamming etiquette, etc. Learn to play a song with us so we can all jam again together sometime SOON!
Melanie Turner
Rhythm Fun!
1pm Friday, June 20-City Park Gazebo Stage
Join Melanie Turner, Kentucky Arts Council Teaching Artist and Musician (Coaltown Dixie), for an exciting “Rhythm Fun” workshop! Explore the world of rhythm through children’s literature and interactive activities using various rhythm instruments and live music.
The workshop incorporates music with banjo and guitar accompaniment, enriching the experience and inspiring musical interaction.
Participants will have access to a variety of rhythm instruments which include tambourines, shakers, drums, and other percussion tools.
All ages are welcome to join, fostering a sense of community and shared musical exploration.
Build your own Drum 101
with
Stephanie and Isabelle Rose
12-1pm Friday, June 21 City Park-Under the Trees
Join Coaltown Dixie Musician Stephanie Rose and Woodsongs Kid/Honorary Member of Coaltown Dixie Isabelle Rose for the first workshop of Coaltown College 101 "Build your Own Drum!"
Participants will be given materials to build a percussion instrument from common household items. Stickers will be available to decorate the drum.
This workshop incorporates using musical accompaniments and adding basic rhythms. The artistic enrichment is multiplied by musical interaction and visual art. Topics of pitch and size of drum, and keeping a steady beat will be discussed.
Everyone of all ages are encouraged to join in the fun; creating a circle of rhythm and musical exploration.
Sponsored by Community Trust Bank
Stef Ratliff
Hustling from the Holler
12-1pm Friday, June 21, Faith Life Market, 130 Division Street, Downtown
Stef Ratliff (she/her), the wild woman behind KYARTRAT, pays tribute to her southern upbringing through her life & art. Ratliff's true love is a tie between painting, music, & the fall hunting season. She is a professional artist living in eastern Kentucky on the side of a mountain with her dogs. An award winning ceramic artist, painter, annual trophy artist for the Americana Music Association Honors & Awards, & a coal miner's daughter from Pike County, KY. You can find her work currently on display across the USA.
We are grateful to Stef for offering to help judge our Women in the Arts Exhibition this year.
Stef is ready to teach you ways to pay your bills and be an artist too.
“Roots”
Poetry Workshop with Emily Jones Hudson
12:15-1:15pm Saturday, June 22-The Historic Garfield House
Emily Jones Hudson is a native of Hazard, Kentucky. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Berea College and is a writer, author, pastor, and poet. Her published books are Water-Walking Faith, Touch the Hem, Soul Miner, and Home, A Collection of Poetic Thoughts and Things. She is the mother of two children and “Nana” to one granddaughter. A brief former city dweller, Hudson loves the hills of Southeastern Kentucky and loves to tell their story. Emily has conducted several oral history projects and has also worked as a newspaper reporter/editor and freelance writer in the past. She is the founder and Senior Pastor of CommonBond Christian Fellowship Ministries. She is founder and Executive Director of the Southeast Kentucky African-American Museum and Cultural Center. https://mountainmanna.wordpress.com/
Join Emily for a unique and intimate workshop entitled “ROOTS”.
Roots is a workshop that takes participants on an exploration and journey to discover and discuss our roots, where we are from. The emphasis is on not being ashamed of where we come from but being proud of our culture and heritage. The workshop uses poetry as the medium of expression.
Get outdoorsy with the Bluegrass Ladies Sporting Club!
The Bluegrass Ladies Sporting Club are Heading to the Mountains and ready to meet and introduce you to the Great Outdoors! Check out these great free workshops they are offering!
11am Saturday, June 22-City Park-Under the Trees
Plant a Rosemary Gladstar Medicinal Herb Garden
3:45pm, Saturday, June 22-Historic Garfield House-Near City Park
Would you Like to Try Hunting?
5pm, Saturday, June 22-Historic Garfield House-Near City Park
Ladies Outdoor Personal Safety Workshop
If you are interesting in Camping with these Cool Chicks this weekend, click the logo below for more information.
The Appalachian Forager
Mushroomin’ 101
Learn how to get started with mushroom hunting as well as discussing edible Appalachian mushrooms by season.
Sponsored by Hope in the Hills
1:30-3:30pm Saturday, June 22, Historic Garfield House
Whitney Johnson is a full time forager, content creator, and Appalachian ambassador. With over 1 million followers across her social media, she has used her platform to shine a lovin’ light on Appalachia and to teach the world how to be more self-sufficient while responsibly utilizing the goodies that Momma Nature provides.
Born and raised in eastern Kentucky, she developed a passion for all things outdoors as a young holler baby. Foraging is her forte, especially mushroom hunting, but she does not discriminate against any wild edibles. She also picks plants and herbs to wildcraft a plethora of skincare and wellness products. She fishes. She hikes. She gardens. She cooks like your mamaw. She is a proud Appalachian spreading the love and wondrous things the region has to offer via her down-to-earth, educational, and quirky videos on TikTok (@appalachian_forager), Instagram (@appalachian_forager), and Facebook (Appalachian Forager).
Her accolades include being named Appalachian Arts and Entertainments Awards’ Best Social Media Influencer, Appodlachia’s Appalachian of the Year and Content Creator of the Year, as well as being featured in numerous news segments and articles, including multiple appearances on The Weather Channel. Whitney continues to be a hillbilly force to be reckoned with; spreadin’ pride for her region, preachin’ girl power, all while keepin’ the old ways alive… with a dash of humor. “How-to get started with mushroom hunting and I go over edible Appalachian mushrooms by season.
Folk Arts Director, Hindman Settlement School
Learn to play the Mountain Dulcimer!
2pm Friday, June 21 City Park Gazebo Stage
This workshop is open to both children and adults. No dulcimer? No problem! We will have 30 dulcimers available for you to practice with during the workshop. This workshop was a huge success at the 2021 Mountain Grrl Experience. Be there early to get your instrument and learn to be a dulcimer rock star!
Sarah Kate Morgan
Tiffany Hall Owen
Basic Flatfooting and Hambone!
2pm Friday, June 21 City Park Gazebo Stage
Tiffany Hall Owen is the Head Instructor at The Dance Gallery and received an MFA in Dance from Florida State University. In this 30-45 minute class, you will learn the basics of Appalachian Flat Foot Dancing as well as “hambone,” a type of percussion. This is great practice for the Square Dance Friday Night!
30-45 minutes. All ages welcome. Full-soled shoes recommended (not flip flops or sandals)
Tie Dye Time with Zoe Howard
12-3pm Friday, June 21 City Park-Under the Trees
11-1pm Saturday, June 22 City Park-Under the Trees
We all want to look as cool as our :”Appalachian Janis Joplin” Zoe Howard. And now we can by making our own Tie Dye t-shirt!
T-shirts, tie dyes, rubber bands and plastic bags will be provided. Workshop attendees can create a tie dye shirt and place their finished product in a plastic bag to take home to wash! All ages. Free while supplies last!
Sponsored by the Kent Rose Foundation
Jenn Noble
11-1pm Saturday, June 22 City Park Shelter
Jenn Noble is a contemporary Appalachian artist living and creating in Hazard, Kentucky.
Her eclectic and enchanting works are often woven into layers of quilted imagery that reflect a love of the mountains inspired by Native American teachings. Imagination, vibrancy and whimsy capture the magic of Shepherd's artwork.
Jenn has ten years of experience teaching various mediums in the classroom and has been creating art for most of her life. She decided to be an artist at the age of seven, and on her journey since, has rarely gotten off the path. Her work has been shown at the Mountain Arts Center, Appalachian Artisan Center, Appalshop, and is on the cover of two published books.
“When people see my work, I hope they remember that the mountains are full of magic and it's important that heritage continues to live through art.”
Enjoy an opportunity to spend time working with Jenn and create beautiful Decorative Garden Beads for your planters or home decor!
Square Dance!
No experience required! Female Caller and OG Mountain Grrl, Sarah Kate Morgan will lead you through the steps and you will be dancing in no time! Local musicians including the Coaltown Dixie gals will provide the music to get your do-si-do on!
6pm Friday June 21
Sponsored by Hindman Settlement School
Grace Ann Overbey Henson
Make a Tree Cookie Workshop
1-3pm Friday, June 21-City Park Shelter
Grace Henson is an artist and quilter from Hindman, KY, specializing in visual arts for Kindergarten to Adults. Grace is a Kentucky Arts Council Teaching Artist and a member of Arts for All Kentucky. Learn more about her work at: www.justalittleartsv.com
Decorate a Pot
and
Pot a Plant!
with “Extension Angel” Kristy Stevens Porter
12-1pm, Friday, June 21 City Park-Under the Trees
Use acrylic paint to design and paint your own flowerpot. Then transfer some pretty flowers into it! Acrylics dry pretty quickly, but if your MGE schedule is packed, we can help out with baggies of potting soil so you can assemble your finished product later.
Sponsored by UK Community Arts Extension-University of Kentucky
Full Body Fitness Workout with Michelle’s Goal Diggers
11-12pm Saturday, June 22-City Park Gazebo Stage
Michelle Connelley with Michelle’s Goal Diggers FBF Full Body Fitness will bring music, mats and weights that you can use during this full body strength cardio class. What a perfect way to get in shape and get ready for a full day of Mountain Grrl Experience fun!
Enroll in Coaltown College!
Welcome to Coaltown College!
Coaltown College is a place to explore and learn everything about music! The professors of Coaltown College are none other than the gals of Coaltown Dixie. The diverse course offerings include instrument making, learning all about an instrument, jamming sessions, rhythm workshops, songwriting and more!
The first official classes offered this semester will be from 12-4pm in the City Park:
Build Your Own Drum 101 with Stephanie and Isabelle Rose
12-1pm Friday, June 21 City Park-Under the Trees
Rhythm Fun with Melanie Turner
1pm Friday, June 20-City Park Gazebo Stage
Learn to Play the Dulcimer with Sarah Kate Morgan
2pm Friday, June 21 City Park Gazebo Stage
Jump in There and Jam! with Coaltown Dixie
3pm Friday, June 21-City Park Gazebo Stage
Get your Report Card Lanyard stamped for every class you complete to work toward your Coaltown College Degree!
Sponsored by Community Trust Bank, BelleRose Developments, Rose Builders and Pike County Tourism
Look for the Graduation Cap Icon for Coaltown College courses!
Workshops on 2nd street
Make a Quilt Square with Bridgett
at
Bridgett’s Quilting and Fabric Shop!
10am-5pm Saturday, June 22
237 2nd St, Pikeville, KY 41501
$15 per person
Free events all weekend long
Musical Instrument Petting Zoo
Fun for little ones!
12-5pm Friday, June 21- City Park Under the trees
12-5pm Saturday, June 22- City Park Under the trees
Make a Paper Quilt Square!
12-5pm Friday, June 21 City Park-Under the Trees
12-5pm Saturday, June 22 City Park-Under the Trees
Design and create your very own paper quilt square!
Choose from a variety of paper colors and patterns to design your quilt square.
Create a unique design or use a provided pattern.
Cut, arrange, and glue your paper pieces to form your quilt square.
Get creative and have fun expressing yourself through paper crafting!
Children should be accompanied by an adult.
All quilt squares created will be joined together to create a beautiful festival paper quilt that will be displayed for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a collaborative art project!
“The Mountain Mama Van”
A safe, clean baby changing and feeding station located on Main Street, in downtown Pikeville.
Courtesy of The Pike County Health Department
Win an Autographed Guitar
Courtesy of Mountain Music Exchange
Visit Executive Mountain Grrl Joani Cleary at the Mountain Top Media Stage area and sign up for this FREE giveaway! Win a guitar autographed by all your favorite 2024 Mountain Grrl Musicians!
Buy your
Official 2024 Mountain Grrl Experience
Merchandise
Visit the Merch Table at the Mountain Top Media Stage for Tees, Caps, Stickers, etc. Get ‘em while you can. When they are gone, they are gone!
The Gathering
Photo Booth
A little luxury and a lot of y’all gathered ‘round a cool camera! Located by the Mountain Top Media Stage!
