JOHN L. HEATWOLE (1948-2006), SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA, FOLK ART CARVED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS / PENDANTS, LOT OF TWO, with polychrome paint, depicting a rosy-cheek Santa Claus mask wearing red caps, each signed. One dated 1990. 2" and 2 3/4" H.
Catalogue Note: John L. Heatwole was an award winning wood carver, author, historian, and folklorist, who lived and worked in Bridgewater, VA for most of his life. Heatwole was a direct descendant of numerous Shenandoah Valley artisans, including potter John D. Heatwole and blacksmith Peter Wine. His work reflected childhood imagination and the folk traditions of the Shenandoah Valley. In 1991, he was the first Virginia artist and the only carver ever to be honored with a solo exhibition of his work in the U. S. Senate Rotunda on Capitol Hill. The "Washington Post Arts Magazine" described Heatwole as "a magical interpreter of man's need for humor, fantasy and wonder." Heatwole passed away in 2006 at the much-too-early age of 58 after a heroic battle with cancer.

Excellent overall collection.