Elaine Highsmith
I have had a love for creating things as far back as I can remember. As children, we were always encouraged to make gifts etc. instead of buying something. I always made cards for my family & friends. The idea of the Footed Fish came to me as a child when I had been sent to my room. I liked to draw to pass the time and one day I drew a fish with legs, which made me laugh, and I began to use Footed Fishes on many of my cards. Several years ago friends suggested I sell the cards. I enjoy fibers, fashion and clothing from around the world. I began stenciling my own designs on t-shirts about 25 years ago and more recently started linoleum block prints. I have several members of my family that rarely wear anything else!
My husband, Ron, and I were blessed to move to this remote, rural area of East Tennessee and found that it is not only spectacularly beautiful, with some of the kindest, friendliest folks on the planet but it is also a magnet for artists and crafts-persons. When our dear friend, Lee Hoellman, came up with the idea for the Local Artists' Gallery we were eager to do all we could to make it a success.