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where art & agriculture mixThese Morgan County neighbors are using a creative mix of art and agriculture to lure visitors to this southern Ohio gem story by Pat Petzel | photography by Galen Ludwick Harris To a farmer or any devoted gardener, a homegrown apple at its peak of ripeness is a work of art. The joy of nurturing a fruit or vegetable to its peak of beauty provides much the same satisfaction as molding clay into sculpture or paint into a portrait. A group of neighbors in Morgan County in southeastern Ohio have blended these two passions – art and agriculture – into a business venture they hope you’ll want to visit. “The Artists and Orchardists of Hickory Ridge” is a group of neighbors who have banded together, determined to make a difference in their community. Morgan County is one of Ohio's poorest counties, with its unemployment rate hovering around 11.4 percent – the state's third highest rate. But the county’s rugged beauty is a magnet for creative individuals who want to make their mark on the community. "The Artists and Orchardists of Hickory Ridge” is organized as a cooperative with the purpose of providing marketing, advertising and promotional opportunities for its members. By promoting the locally produced art and farm products, the group hopes to help the local economy by supporting local artists and entrepreneurs. The nine businesses that are part of the cooperative offer products ranging from rustic birdhouses made from old barns to handmade Shaker and mission style furniture made from salvaged timber. Farm products (when they’re in season) range from varieties of apples, peaches, cider, jellies, plums and cherries to hand-knitted wool items, maple syrup, sorghum and popcorn. Grass-fed beef and lamb are available year-round. Hickory Ridge Fall Festival Turning left at the big Hickory Ridge sign, going two miles on scenic County Road 40, you will come to a stop sign, turn right and you are at the Hickerson Never Never Fruit Farm. John and Angie and brother Paul Hickerson are continuing their father’s belief that ”you’ll never get rich running an orchard, you’ll never be out of work, and you’ll never find a better-tasting peach or apple.” They have 300 peach trees and 300 apple trees, delicious cider, too. Next stop is Carla’s Antique Cupboard specializing in rustic and primitive antiques ranging from Hoosier and Sellers cupboards to stressed furniture to cookie jars and dolls. Carla rescues her treasures from many sources, renovates them or makes new creations like a sculpture made from shovelheads, gas caps and railroad spikes. “People long for a simpler time,” she said. “We’ve got things here that will help them get a rustic look inside their homes.” The next farm is just a hop from Carla’s. “The Artisan Barn” boast an Art Gallery in the 1903 barn loft. Kathy Dulaney won First Place at the Howard Chandler Christy Art Show 2010. Upstairs are local artist’s work for sale and Travel Photography by Virginia. The barn is decorated for the Holidays with a different theme each year. Downstairs in the stalls are local artisan vendors including stained glass hanging in front of the windows over looking a terrific view of local farms. The stained glass sparkles from the light. Jewelry vendor, handcrafted rugs vendor, painting on feathers vendor, and much more. Kathy creates items made from nature collected from walking in the woods on the farm, including grapevine, pinecones, feathers, antlers and even animal bone heads to decorate and paint. Main Event Photography is also on display with photographs for sale. Patrick Dulaney won Best of Show in 2009 at the Howard Chandler Christy Art Show. He also photographs weddings, special events and Holiday portraits on site. C Square Rustic Handmade Crafts began January 1995, rescuing dilapidated century old barns in Southeast Ohio to make log cabin lamps using the barn siding, slate and tin. Tin shades are made from the rusty tin. Slate switch covers and slate outlet covers are a simple way to revitalize your home, bringing country to the city. For the Festival, at C Square is the Pie Contest, homemade ice cream, live music, baked goods, Venture Scouts chicken and noodles, candle vendor and so much more. Up the road 3.5 miles is Shew’s Orchard and Vacation Cabin. Pete and Marjie Shew sell 37 varieties of apples, knitted items from homespun wool from their own sheep, as well as their own beef and lamb, jams, jellies, rag rugs, maple syrup and popcorn among other country foods and items. Pete is also a musician with the Back Porch Swing Band, playing all over the state. Randy’s Fine Furniture, next shop, makes custom furniture to your specifications and choice of wood. Very unique rolling pins are made from a variety of woods, hand spun with different handles and wood designs. Randy’s Bunkhouse is a private out of the way place to hold family reunions or business conferences, sleeps 16 with full kitchen, three bathrooms. Hilltop Goat Farm is off County Road 4 on County Road 39. From goat milk, Jane Bole makes soaps and lotions. There are many activities and vendors at her farm for Festival Day. Lodging: Muffin’s Guest House 740-962-5543 Randy’s Bunkhouse 740-554-5661 King’s Cottages 740-554-2855 Wolf Creek Lodge 740-962-6226 Shew’s Vacation Cabin 740-557-3032 For more information, visit www.HickoryRidgeOhio.com You must be logged in to leave a comment. Click here to login or register. |
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Grow It. Make It. Know It. :
March 13, 2010 - October 23, 2010
Location: Preble County
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April 01, 2010 - December 02, 2010
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