“Shaping and Turning” – 16 Hands Exhibit

We’ve opened this Spring with a new 2026 exhibit, “Shaping & Turning” — ceramics, woodworking, and assembled pieces from founding members of the 16 Hands artist group: Susan Icove, Sylvie Granatelli, Brad Warstler, Ellen Shankin, Donna Polseno, and Rick Hensley.

In the mid-seventies, an extraordinary thing unfolded in the quiet landscape of Floyd County.
In order to establish homes and expand their art talents within a framework that could become neighborhood and community, young talented couples and individuals put down roots in this place, this home.

Group members quickly became part of Floyd County life, mentoring young artists and donating pieces of their work to community fundraisers. All this as they continued growing as artists, university teachers, and world travelers. Some also took on leadership roles in local organizations, whether supporting cultural groups such as the Floyd Center for the Arts, Jessie Peterman Memorial Branch Library and New River Community Action or seeking local solutions to societal problems such as Susan Icove’s work with the Floyd Initiative for Safe Housing (F.I.S.H.).

Rick Hensley, Sylvie Granatelli, Ellen Shankin, Susan Icove, Brad Warstler, and Donna Polseno broke new ground with their 16 Hands studio potter and craft collective in Floyd County. Just as Brad’s lathe or the potters’ wheels turn simple materials into beautiful and useful pieces, these original 16 Hands artists have helped transform our community into a more diverse, connected, and caring place. They brought fine art to the utilitarian side of life, and they enhanced the cultural soil by encouraging young artists and developing real community relationships.

Please note that there is a second exhibit, “By the Grandchildren,” running concurrently with “Shaping and Turning.” That exhibit is the Old Church Gallery’s contribution to commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The Gallery is open on Fridays 1 to 4 pm and Saturdays 11 am to 2 pm. Current exhibits runs through December 19, 2026. Admission is free with onsite parking and access from the town’s Heritage Walking Trail.