BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

TOMAHAWK — Paintsville artists Brett Lee Bentley and Catherine Bentley returned to the Stidham Old Time Music Gathering July 24-25 for their second consecutive year.

The two-day event took place at Webb’s Musical Repair and Sales on South Milo Road in Tomahawk, featuring live performances, guitar and banjo workshops, Appalachian dancing, vendors and art.

BentleyMade presented a colorful display of handcrafted furniture, walking sticks, paintings, framed photography, needle-felted figures and other original creations. With rugs, handmade furnishings and artwork inspired by music and nature, their booth blended the feel of an art gallery, workshop and Appalachian front porch.

Brett Lee Bentley is known for creating one-of-a-kind woodworking pieces solely with hand tools. He also leads workshops throughout Appalachia, teaching participants to make instruments and walking sticks while demonstrating how a tree can be transformed into a work of art.

His other creative pursuits include painting, drawing, writing, music and nature photography.

Catherine Bentley, a music teacher, is also a musician and visual artist. She specializes in transforming raw wool into detailed needle-felted sculptures.

“We love coming,” Catherine Bentley said. “It’s a good family-gathering atmosphere.”