Experience the Extraordinary!
Shop unique crafts, host memorable events, and dive into creative classes, camps, and demonstrations.
It’s that time of year again! We would like to invite you to our 48th Chimneyville Art Festival! This annual celebration showcases the incredible craftsmanship of artisans from Mississippi and beyond. Experience live demonstrations, shop one-of-a-kind handmade items, and explore the rich tradition of fine craft. Whether you're a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, Chimneyville offers something special for everyone. Get your tickets today and be part of this unforgettable event!
Welcome
The Waller Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, Mississippi near the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, is the headquarters for The Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.
The Center is home to our Gallery Shop, special events and wedding venue, classes, camps, and demonstrations. Come see our permanent collection, shop our Gallery, and explore our rental spaces!
We are makers on a mission to preserve and promote, educate and encourage, the highest standard of excellence in regional crafts.
RENT OUR VENUE
Plan an event to remember - in a high-style, magically-inspired environment!
TAKE A CLASS
Classes taught by master craftsmen, Creative Craft Camps in summer for children, and more!
SHOP
Shop for the extraordinary - traditional folk items to contemporary works - and support MS crafts!
Magnificently Modern
The architecture is spacious and inspiring, framing the natural setting and serving as the heart of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. The retail Gallery, special event rental venue, classrooms and studios, administrative offices, visitor information desk, and more are all part of this unique place.
Shop MS Crafts
Shop the amazing, original crafts of our 400+ Members. Browse a wide range of options, from quilts, baskets and wood-carved spoons to metal sculpture, fused glass, and handcrafted jewelry.
Our Members are Special
Member Spotlight
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Marcy Petrini, Fellow - Featured Artist
Marcy Petrini is one of the Craftsmen's Guild's Fellows, meaning she has been approved by the jury three times and has been a member for nine consecutive years. "I weave, spin, and knit, at home and on the road, so that I can teach and write about it. I learned to knit on my neighbor's knee when I was five and I learned to weave at the University of Rochester Art Gallery in 1977. In between, I learned to sew, embroider, crochet, and dye. I learned to spin in 1988 at the Chimneyville Weavers and Spinners' Guild. Over time I chose to concentrate on weaving, knitting, and spinning because they are intrinsically connected with making fabric. I continue my education by attending seminars and talks, generally nationally. While most of my work consists of items used to research a particular technique or answer a specific question, I also produce one-of-a-kind pieces, usually for invited shows when I teach, or for the national organization."
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Clark House Pottery, New Member - Featured Artist
Bill and Pam are some of our newest members of The Guild, after being accepted in March of this year. Clark House Pottery was created by Bill and Pam Clar. They have been making pottery together for 25 years in the wonderful studio they built beside their home. Bill and Pam have had many articles published about their work and journey. Bill has been making unique pottery for 55 years, having studied and apprenticed with Harding Black in San Antonia Texa in high school. He studied pottery at Newcomb College, Tulane in New Orleans. Bill taught pottery making for 4 years in the City of New Orleans at the Center for the Creative Arts High School. Bill was given the Key to the City of New Orleans for the pottery he made for the Bicentennial Celebration for the Town of Carrollton. Pam has been making pottery for 30 years, having studied art at the University of South Carolina and graduating from MUSC. She enjoys hand-building, carving, and sculpting in clay. Pam's sculpted horses hold a special place in her heart.
News & Upcoming Events
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Fiber Art Exhibition - Closes 9/24/24
The Southern Fiber Artists present "MISSISSIPPI" featuring 100+ Mississippi-themed quilts on display in the George Berry Gallery.
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Stained Glass Class 9/21/24
Learn the copper foil method of stained glass assembly with our talented artisan, Andrea Hopper! Registration Required.
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Beginner Wood Carving Class 9/28/24
Led by our talented craftsman, Earl Brown! Learn the basics of woodcarving to create and paint a Northern Cardinal.
Make a Difference Today.
YOUR SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE …
The Craftsmen’s Guild membership is 100% craftsmen. The Craft Center is open and free to the public and accessible to all, as are many of our events. Help us remain an economic engine for craftsmen and our state; a source for education and community pride. Thanks for your help!
Thanks for Your Generous Support!
Meet Our Team
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Betsy Ross, Executive Director
Betsy's role is multifaceted, blending leadership, financial management, and community engagement.
Betsy's visionary outlook includes providing leadership for the Guild and serving as the organization's public face, raising its visibility both at a local and state level.
In addition, Betsy is responsible for fiscal oversight and the organization's financial health. She also is responsible for building and nurturing solid relationships with Guild members.
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Greta Wharton, Sales Associate
Born and bred in Tar Heel Country, Greta came to Jackson by way of New York City in 1990. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill; followed by studies in non-profit administration at Salem College in Winston-Salem and graphic arts while living in New York.
Prior to the Guild, she pursued a multi-faceted career in art fields. Her experience includes graphic design and photography; as well as years of arts administration in the areas of public affairs, special events, fundraising and education for museum, galleries and civic organizations. A perpetual DIY-er, Greta enjoys a myriad of hobbies, cooking and attempts at gardening. She lives in an old bungalow in Fondren with a Great Pyrenees and a cat.
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Beth Holland, Sales Associate
Beth, born in Jackson and reared in Capitol City and in Columbus, is an enthusiastic appreciator of handcraft and the creativity, talent, and passion of Craftsmen’s Guild artisans.
She worked as a reporter, columnist, editorial writer, and editor at news organizations in New England, Mississippi, and New York before returning to Jackson in the fall of 2020. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Mississippi State University and a master’s in journalism from Boston University.
STAY IN THE LOOP!
STAY IN THE LOOP!
Be the 1st to Know!
Don’t miss news, events, classes, special shopping offers, summer camps, and more at the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi!