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.
Michelle and Dayton Scoggins
Michelle and Dayton Scoggins
Heidelberg, MS
Wood
Sculpture
Guild member since 2003
Dayton’s subjects are usually wildlifes. He has given extensive demonstrations across the United States and abroad and has won dozens of awards. Some of these awards include placing third at the invitational English Open Competition, held at the Queen’s estate in Sandringham, and representing the United States in an international event in Japan in 2007. He has taken first place awards in competitions in several states.
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.
Bryan Smyda
Bryan Smyda
Brandon, MS
Wood
Furniture
Guild member since 2002
Bryan has worked in many mediums, but he loves capturing the beauty of wood for fine furniture. His work ranges from custom kitchens, entertainment centers, beds, tables, mantles, to chairs. He loves to work with both domestic and exotic woods. The mix of traditional and contemporary designs produces a beautiful result.
Sis & D’s Spoons
Sis & D’s Spoons
Brandon, MS
Wood
Spoons
Guild member since 2001
The artistry of Sis & D’s began as an accident with a broken store-bought wooden spoon and some ice cream. Doug Lamb took tools and wood to his workshop to create a functional spoon that would serve his needs. Friends and neighbors saw the spoon and soon the process had to be expanded to fit a growing demand. Doug found a partner in fellow artist Celeste Wild and the adventure started. Their spoons are made from the finest hardwood with each piece uniquely designed to show the beauty of the wood and the imagination and skill of the artists. Sis & D’s spoons can now be found in all 50 states and in at least 22 foreign countries.
John Stenmark
John Stenmark
Madison, MS
Wood
Turning
Guild member since 2008
John likes the fact that the pieces of wood he works with continue to surprise him; one never turns out exactly the way he thinks it will, but they all add texture to his life. He has spent the last seven years concentrating on learning the skills required to practice his craft. He has learned to turn the usual forms and projects, and he has experimented with a variety of surface techniques, texturing, gilding, and patination, stone inlay, and carving. He expects to spend the next seven years stretching those skills and bringing even more innovative ideas to his works.
Adrian Sturdivant
Adrian Sturdivant
Brandon, MS
Wood
Turned
Guild member since 1995
The majority of Adrian’s work is wooden bowls (open and closed faced with and without natural edge) and hollow form art. He also turns Christmas ornaments, wooden pens, and an occasional spinal. He derives satisfaction from sharing enthusiasm for wood with others, especially with beginning woodworkers. Adrian has served as chair of the Mississippi Woodworkers and to work with Magnolia Woodturners, Inc., and to serve two years on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Woodturners, Inc.
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.
Allen Whittington
Allen Whittington
Natchez, MS
Wood, Fiber
Baskets (Nantucket ), Caning
Guild member since 1991
Johnny Wilson
Johnny Wilson
Crystal Springs, MS
Wood
Spoons/Bowls
Guild member since 2010
“Nugget” Wilson’s journey into designing a spoon or other kitchen utensils begins with a unique piece of wood. All decisions made concerning the shape and size are determined with the first feel of the wood. He uses the ‘leftovers,’ the bits and pieces, and the ‘nuggets’ that the carpenter can no longer use. He uses the burls and wild grain patterns that are not appropriate for what the cabinetmaker needs. His signature is the curved and crooked handles made to comfortably fit the cook’s hand.