Member Directory
Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi Members
Search our Member Directory by name or medium (Metal, Ceramics, Glass, Mixed Media, Wood, Fiber). Or, scroll down the page to browse our Members.
About Us
We are makers on a mission to preserve and promote, educate and encourage, the highest standard of excellence in regional crafts.
The work of our Members reflects a high degree of competence, professional standards, and artistry in their medium and category. Eligibility is determined by a jury review process which takes place twice each year.
Jason Smith
Jason Smith
Clinton, MS
Wood/Gourds
Musical Instruments, Banjos, etc.
Guild member since 2014
Jason Smith is a builder and player of banzas. ‘Banza” was the name given in the early French West Indies colonies to a 4-string guitar-like instrument made of a skin-covered half gourd to which is attached a long, flat neck which supports strings. The banza was also called a ‘banjer,’ a banjar,’ and a ‘bandalore,’ and many other terms in the English colonies and mainland. Jason began learning his craft of banza construction in 1993 after meeting Scott Didlake of Jackson, MS. He uses high quality gourds grown primarily in Mississippi, and salvaged Mississippi heart pine, as well as imported wood to build banzas of many different sizes, scale lengths, and string configurations. Banzas can be built with or without frets.
Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Raleigh, MS
Gourds
Gourds
Guild member since 2005
Mike and Michelle began growing gourds on their farm in 1996 and were fascinated by their sizes, shapes, and characteristics. Making useful and beautiful items from gourds has grown into a wonderful experience for them. They make intricate cuts with a mini jigsaw to produce baskets, open bowls, and bowls with close fitting lids. They use a wood burner and rotary tools to burn and engrave designs. Mike uses hand-held gouges for chip carving and relief carving. They use stains and dyes on the exterior to enhance the natural beauty of the gourd. The transformation from a plain ol’ dirty gourd to a beautifully handcrafted gourd is not an easy one, they say. Part of the transformation is a chore and part is fun, just like life.