3rd Space Broom Making Workshop Led by Local Artist

Highland County residents and visitors will have a chance to learn the history of broom corn and broom making August 10 and 11 from local expert Gary Robinson. This workshop is part of a series of summer sessions offered by the 3rd Space, a Highland County non-profit that is focused on bringing visual arts-based education to the area.  

A native of the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Robinson started making brooms full-time more than 30 years ago. This job gave him the ability to live and work in the mountains he loves. 

After learning his craft from master broommaker, Carlson Tuttle, at the John C. Campbell Folk School, Robinson began participating in some of the  finest juried craft shows in the state, including the Waterford Fair  since 1994 and the Colonial Market & Fair at George Washington’s Mount Vernon since 1999. ​ Robinson’s brooms appeared in the film Sommersby starring Richard Gere and  Jodie Foster and have also been used for historical interpretation at  Mount Vernon.

In the class, tools and materials will be discussed, as well as the unique quality of broom corn as a broom making material.  Each attendee will have an opportunity to make at least one cobweb broom, one round Shaker broom, one round hand broom, and one turkey wing style broom.  Additional brooms will be made as time allows. 

Most materials are provided, but participants should bring a sharp knife.

Cost for the 2-day class is $150 and tickets are available at 3rdspaceva.org. The summer workshop series will continue with one last offering in August, a basket making workshop.