If you happen to be strolling along Main Street in downtown Marshall, check out the colorful table that's likely to brighten your day. We've revamped a corner of the gallery to feature the work of artist Valerie Berlage, who makes her art in her Leicester, NC home workshop. She's been working solely in wood since 2014. What's remarkable about Valerie's work is the refined attention to detail she gives to every piece she creates, whether a side table, mirror, trinket box, or earrings. Below we share a little more of the creative life she lives. We hope you enjoy getting to know Valerie and her woodwork.

When did you first realize you’re an artist?
In first or second grade we had to create an oil pastel drawing of a clown. I remember there was a boy in my class who had such genuine admiration for what I had created. He thought my drawing was awesome, called me some type of a real artist, and when someone else went to touch it, he exclaimed, “No! You’ll smear it!" I think he was probably the first person outside of my family to call me an artist, and that kind of solidified, for me, my identity. It made my heart sing. I loved being able to create something that brought that type of joy to another person.

Who were the people that helped you the most on your creative path?

My family has been one of the biggest driving forces propelling me down this path. Not only by teaching me art/craft at a young age, but they have always believed in and encouraged me. Their support has been invaluable, and really helped foster my creativity. My friend and mentor, Chris Kamm. His advice, “I’d keep going if I were you,” often rings in my ear. And, the amazing wood instructor at HCC, Brian Wurst, who often told us, “Every mistake is a design opportunity.” (Although, some days I could do with a few less design opportunities.)

Where do you draw your influences or inspirations from?

Locally, it began when I enrolled in the Professional Crafts Program at Haywood Community College, continued to grow when I moved to Leicester and got involved with the Leicester Artists Association, and grew even more when I was juried into the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Through shared meals, collaborations, working together on committees, art/craft fairs, exhibitions and events, etc. Social media, and specifically Instagram, has been a great way to connect with a much larger community, too. I have been able to meet fantastic artists, not only in WNC, but all over the world.

What challenges are you currently facing? & What are you looking forward to?
Too many ideas, not enough time.
I'm looking forward to the next project. There’s always something I would change about what I’m working on, or do differently, some new idea, and so I’m always looking forward to the next piece.

Thank you to Valerie for giving us a little glimpse into your creative practice.