James-Ben Studio and Gallery Art Center

The art center and custom jewelry studio specializes in works by 150 Tennessee artists and artisans who range from Memphis to Bristol including 30 Greene County folks. Voted #1 Gallery in the Mountain South by the readership of Marquee Mountain South, touted as the must see gallery of East Tennessee by Moon Travel Books, acclaimed in a 2003 issue of Crafts Report as one of only 5 Southeastern Regional galleries in Tennessee and suggested by Blue Ridge Country Magazine as a activity to do in its 36 Downtown Weekends. The Art Center features classes within The Artisan Cooking School, plus various fine art and crafts media workshops presented by the affiliated artists and artisans.

Partners James-Ben Stockton and Daniel Luther, working in the bottega style, co-create commissioned custom-designed, wearable art jewelry within James-Ben: Designer/Artisan Studio utilizing gold, silver, platinum, gemstones, hand-made bead forms and found elements. Celebrating over 37 years as a producing artist, James-Ben is deeply rooted in the art of the Southeast. Tennessee born and trained, he states, "My process has returned to my Tennessee mountain heritage, reflecting alchemist experiences and practical magic. Working with patrons in the co-creative experience, my commissioned works synergize the client's personal style and preference with my professional skills and technical vocabulary."

According to the reverse edge of the quilt, it was pieced by Great-Grandmother Elizabeth Farnsworth, 1865, Greeneville, TN. Presented to the Andrew Johnson Presidential Site in the late 1970's by Mrs. Davis, great-niece of James Brannon who built the Homestead which he later traded to Johnson for his Early Home and $950. The quilt is presently displayed over the foot of Johnson's bed in the Homestead's master bedroom.

This quilt block pattern is unknown for sure. It appears to be a Sawtoothed Sunburst.