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The Appalachian Spirit Gallery, 144 West Main Street in Marion Va. has a great night planned for their Second Friday ArtWalk. This Artwalk event will be held on June 13, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The artwalk will feature a music concert by musician Wayne Dunford and creations by Shaun Marie Graham of Peles Song Jewelry.
Wayne Dunford is a long time friend of the gallery. He plays an acoustic blend of Folk, Americana, Indie and old time music. More familiar behind drums accompanying a band, Wayne is stepping out and playing the music he enjoys the most on his guitar. Growing up in Wytheville listening to the music of WYVE, Wayne had a professional photography business in Blacksburg for over 20 years. Wayne now calls Wytheville home, farming at his family cattle farm. Wayne's music concert is sponsored by the Bank of Marion
Shaun Marie Graham is the creator of Peles Song Jewelry. She works with 100% solid sterling silver, copper, brass, and natural stones and she feels that "creating something with my hands is a highly rewarding and patient practice". In 2013, Shaun Marie apprenticed with another jewelry artist and was shown all the basics of soldering, sawing, forming, sizing, stone setting, and rolling. After getting over the fear of not being good enough, and comparing herself to her mentor, Shaun Marie began to see this as arrogance as she realized the woman whom she adored was excellent at what she did due to her dedication and many years of practicing her art.
So Shaun Marie set out to create her own identity. All her jewelry is hand fabricated and inspired by nature and the forces behind it all. Before beginning any piece, she like to quiet her mind and see what comes through. Usually it is nature, as that helps to calm her. The intention of her jewelry is "to create comfort and company as we walk through this life. It is not simply a statement of beauty, but also a reminder that we are never alone and completely loved by our creator". All the markings on pieces that viewers see are created by custom stamps that she makes herself. This creates a highly unique and personal design. Shaun Marie quotes that "no two of my pieces will ever be the same. Every little leaf or marking is one part of the bigger whole which often takes over fifty impressions to create a story. This is not a one and done design, it takes skill and precise placement of each stamp".
More work on display by all the Appalachian Spirit Gallery members include paintings, executed in oils, watercolors, acrylics, alcohol inks and mixed media; photography, leather items, book arts, felted works, wood bowls and cutting boards, quilts, baskets, pottery, stained glass and more.
The Appalachian Spirit Gallery hopes that everyone will stop by on June 13, 2025 to view the wonderful art, grab some refreshments, listen to beautiful music, sing along with friends, pick up a free calendar of events postcard and do some shopping.
The monthly Second Friday ArtWalks are always free and open to the public.
Also check out other Music events in Marion, Entertainment events in Marion, Arts events in Marion.
