Orran Scruggs, spoonmaker from Dothan, Alabama, served as Traditional Artist-in-Residence in August 2026.

A passion for creating artistic and functional woodcraft propelled Orran Scruggs to establish a spoonmaking business to sell spoons from his MaeLou Collection and to teach students how to make and care for wooden utensils. He takes pride in using locally-sourced wood to reduce lumber waste and create a smaller environmental footprint.

Mr. Scruggs was in residence August 24-28 and taught workshops in Montgomery, Opelika, Auburn, Tallassee, and Dadeville.

Charlie Mato-Toyela, Native flute maker, served as Traditional Artist-in-Residence in April 2026.

Through flutemaking, Charlie Mato-Toyela teaches students how to craft and understand these instruments while connecting with the culture and history behind them. Drawing on decades of experience building and playing flutes, he guides participants through the process of transforming wood into a playable instrument and discovering the voice within it. He blends craftsmanship, music, and storytelling, creating an educational and meaningful experience.

Mr. Mato-Toyela was in residence April 12-16 and taught free workshops in Shorter, Auburn, Tallassee, and Dadeville. He also presented to the Lee County Historical Society in Loachapoka.

Known as the Vine Man, Andrew McCall served as Traditional Artist-in-Residence in August 2025.

A Lowndes County native, Andrew McCall has practiced vine weaving and reclaimed wood design for four decades. His handcrafted baskets, furniture, and rustic décor are made from locally-sourced wisteria, grapevines, and salvaged wood. McCall’s hands-on workshops blend practical skill and storytelling, inspiring participants to create with purpose and connect with their roots.

Mr. McCall was in residence August 25-29 and taught free workshops in Shorter, Tuskegee, Auburn, Tallassee, and Dadeville. He also met with students from AU’s Advanced Drawing Class. Thank you to AU for spotlighting this program!

Francesca Charley, a 4th-generation Gee’s Bend quilter, served as Traditional Artist-in-Residence in March 2025.

For Francesca Charley, heritage and craft are intertwined. Her family has been quilting for over a century, beginning with her great grandmother, Malissa Pettway. Francesca learned the art of quilting from her grandmother,Tinnie Pettway, and mother, Claudia Pettway Charley. She enjoys building on her family's legacy in her own creative way and shring her knowledge with others.

Ms. Charley was in residence March 10-14 and taught free workshops in Valley, Dadeville, Tuskegee, Auburn, and Tallassee that engaged 86 makers.

Annette Jordan, a pine needle basket weaver from Eutaw, Alabama, served as the inaugural Traditional Artist-in-Residence in October 2024.

Annette Jordan (left) learned the art of pine needle basket weaving from her mother, Mary Hicks (right), over thirty years ago. She is passionate about carrying on this tradition and her mother’s legacy through making, teaching, and creating “a long-lasting art from the natural environment.”

Ms. Jordan was in residence October 14-17 and taught free workshops in Tuskegee, Shorter, Auburn, and Tallassee that engaged 55 makers.