The Art of Storytelling
Josh Copus Pottery
Josh Copus is a ceramic artist and creative entrepreneur who is featured in galleries throughout the United States.
The Old Marshall Jail is his largest piece of art. Josh’s vision for the old jail began in 2016. Over the course of 4 years, he worked alongside a team of contractors carefully taking the building apart piece by piece with the intent of restoring anything he could from the original structure. Many aspects of the building were built back into the structure, like the steel walls, iron plates, and custom sconces and railings he welded from original pieces of the jail. And many new pieces were installed, like the hand-stamped woodfired bricks detailing the story of the jail that have been laid into the walls throughout our building. The Old Marshall Jail is a creative project that highlights the impact of adaptive re-use.
Josh makes most of his pottery in a woodfire kiln in Walnut, about 10 minutes from Downtown Marshall. His large sculptural vessels, tiles and functional tablewares are showcased throughout the building and available for purchase, as well as Blue Spiral Gallery in Asheville.
Appalachian Ballad Swaps
Zadie’s Market, Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6-8 pm
Ballad Swaps nights at the Old Marshall Jail offer the rare opportunity for visitors to experience Appalachian folk music in person, while enjoying a cold beverage and a great meal.
We are lucky to have several talented ballad singers here in Marshall, including our very own Donna Ray Norton at the Old Marshall Jail, who’s flock of songbirds host a traditional Ballad Swap right here on our downstairs patio. The tradition of Appalachian ballad singing is a vital part of the cultural identity of the Appalachian people. Originating from the Irish and British folk ballads of early settlers, ballads are passed down through generations, with each rendition carrying the unique interpretations and nuances of the singer. A uniquely special form of Appalachian heritage that lives through those who seek to preserve the integrity of musical heritage, tradition, and storytelling through the art of song.
Featured Photography
Marshall, NC: “Creative Life Along the River”
Madison County is home to many artists in the Western North Carolina region and Marshall is known as a hub for artists and its thriving community of artists and makers. The Madison County Arts Council is just a block away in downtown with a rotating gallery of local works and events. Also on Main Street, Flow is a local artist owned shop, studio and cooperative that has rotating artists-in-house. Marshall High Studios is located aross the bridge on Blannahasset Island with a beautiful park, playground and half-mile nature trail with great views of the river. Studios are private and not open to the public, but the space sometimes hosts open house events for a chance to peek inside the studios of many local makers.
A sampling of local artists includes:
Josh Copus
Rob Amberg
Tim Barnwell
Azule (Hot Springs)
(And many more…)
Lainard Bush
Susan McChesney
Martha Skinner