Biography / Resume

Biography

David “Woody” Harman is an Artist Blacksmith.  His wife, Brenda, is the resident Broom Maker of hand-tied Appalachian Brooms.  Together, they own an American Quarter Horse and a Missouri Foxtrotter Mule, a Saint Bernard and a Basenji dog, two forge kitties and one long haired house cat.  Trail riding in the wilderness areas of West Virginia is their passion along with canoeing, kayaking, gardening and all things horse related.
Having been raised in rural environments in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Woody and Brenda have spent a lifetime understanding productive work. Upon moving to Pocahontas County, West Virginia and discovering its cultural opportunities the two have been exposed to the Appalachian Arts and Crafts of West Virginia. Life of a Blacksmith and Broom Mistress allows them to continue to lead a productive life while working with their hands in a rural community.
Woody is a member of ABANA, Appalachian Blacksmiths Association and a past member of the Western Reserve Blacksmiths Association and Pittsburg Artists Blacksmith Association.  He has been blacksmithing for over 30 years with a coal forge.  He is constantly updating his shop with new and used tools.
Brenda made her first broom in 1993.  She recently attended classes in 2008 at the John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC for Broom Making with instructors Marlow Gates and Lenton Williams.  Each one of her brooms is a unique one-of-kind art work.  Brenda’s brooms have been juried into the Appalachian Highland Arts and Craft Center in Clifton Forge, VA, and as “One of the Best in West Virginia” at Tamarack Caperton Center in Beckley, WV.

 

 

 Woody’s Resume

Education and Training:
Self-taught Artist Blacksmith
Researcher of all Books dealing with Blacksmithing
Attendance at various Blacksmithing Hammer-Ins and Events

Exhibits:
Pocahontas County Artist’s Exhibit
Greenbank Public Library
November 2008 – February 2008 

Memberships:
Artists Blacksmith Association of North America
Appalachian Blacksmiths Association
Pocahontas County Artisan’s Co-op
West Virginia Art & Craft Guild

 

 

Brenda’s Resume

Education and Training:
John C Campbell Folk School, Broom Making with Marlow Gates, November 2008
John C Campbell Folk School, Broom Making with Lenton Williams, March 2008
Personal research and attempts at Broommaking, 1990’s
Equestrian Science, Business Admin. BA William Woods College in Fulton, MO, 1983

Exhibits:
Pocahontas County Artist’s Exhibit
Greenbank Public Library
November 2008 – February 2008 

Memberships:
Pocahontas County Artisan’s Co-op
West Virginia Art & Craft Guild
Yahoo Broom Discussion Group