Tamarack's Resident Studio Artisans

Tamarack offers visitors the chance to observe our five resident artisans as they demonstrate their artistic skills in private glass-enclosed studios.

Elaine Bliss - Textile Artisan

Frank Hedgecock - Blacksmith

Rod Queen - Potter

Tish and Greg Westman - Woodworkers

Elaine Bliss - Textile Artisan

Elaine Bliss communicates the joy of life by celebrating color and rhythm in a unique approach to textile art. Brilliance and movement are captured with stencils, paints, dyes, appliques, beading and metallic threads in layered media. “It’s like living in a rainbow,” Bliss says of her Tamarack studio. Guests watch her work while she’s lost in a cacophony of hues. “I hope my work offers visitors the same joy it gives me.”

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Frank Hedgecock - Blacksmith

Carrying on a tradition dating back to his great-grandfather, Frank Hedgecock creates ironwork that is both utilitarian and decorative. Grinning dragons and ornate bed frames spring forth from Frank’s anvil with every size, shape and design of ironwork imaginable in his numerous projects. Also a mentor to students and teachers in a nearby county, Frank enjoys teaching his craft. “I’m not certain who’s the mentor,” he says. “I learn as much teaching this craft as I do creating new work.”

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 Rod Queen - Potter

Creating fine porcelain pottery requires a fine blend of science and art. Functional, decorative pottery must be a perfect mix of light, color and form. Hand molding pieces from wet clay, controlling dry times and mixing glazes is an artistic challenge. Distinctive pottery is Queen’s goal. His trademark, a tiny tree in full foliage, appears as his signature on each piece. “The inspiration for my work comes from nature and the world around us,” says Queen."

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Tish & Greg Westman - Woodworkers

Planks of wood and piles of sawdust emerge as gifts of music from Tamarack’s wood studio. The husband and wife duo claims anyone can play the bowed psaltery, a Celtic stringed instrument. To prove their point, Tish and Greg put psalteries in the hands of thousands of Tamarack guests every year, transforming them instantly into amateur musicians. Their greatest gift, however, might be instruments they fashion to suit the physically challenged. “When we say anyone can play a psaltery, we mean it,” says Tish.

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