Three Local Artists Tell a Story of Race and Solidarity

Charlottesville changed everything for me,” Pete Fanning remembered. “I guess I was naive. I knew it wasn’t perfect, but I wasn’t aware it was so mainstream. It really shook me.”

In 2017, when a Unite the Right counter-protester was killed on the Charlottesville Mall, the country—and those of us in Charlottesville’s backyard—was left reeling from such a public glimpse into the country’s widespread racism and white supremacy. 

“I remember turning on the TV and being floored that this was here and an hour away,” Fanning said. “Seeing the fighting in the streets just tore at my heart and stayed there.”

As many artists do, Fanning took to his craft to process the horrific events, not realizing that the basis for his latest book, Hometown, was being formed. Just a few years later when Fanning and his son attended a local high school football game and saw a racial rift between the two opposing teams, Fanning saw the full story unfold.

“My kid was too young to notice. But I couldn’t get it out of my mind,” he said. “That’s when I wrote the first chapter.”

From there, Hometown, a young adult fiction, effortlessly flowed to the page. Fanning pulled from his memories of Charlottesville, the high school football game, and his own experiences to weave a tale about life, racism, unity, and a little bit of football. While this is a book for children ages 13 and up, Fanning recognizes that anyone can take away something from Hometown, which will be available for purchase where all books are sold in April.

“This book is for kids who want to make things better for their siblings,” Fanning said. “It’s like a passing of the guard—we’re trying to find a space for everybody.”

As he finalized Hometown and started going through edits, Fanning reached out to his friend and fellow-artist Jon Perry who had created cover art for Bricktown Boys, a book Fanning published in 2021.

“I reached out to [Jon] for Hometown. As a Black man, he has this vision. The first thing he showed me was a piece featuring the two [main characters] and a monument. But inside of the monument was a burning Confederate flag. We got into a friendly pushback,” Fanning said. “Writing this book I discovered my own little habits and the way I see things. It’s a book about unity, but he saw it in different ways that I never, as a white guy, would think about.”

Fanning and Perry connected over the story and the ways in which they each related to different characters in the book. From there, Perry created story and cover art that put into visuals the characters’ journeys from division to understanding. 

Fanning also reached out to Quincy Cunningham, a local musician, to write and produce a song for the book’s trailer, which can be found on YouTube and on Fanning’s author website.

“Quincy had just released some music on Facebook and it caught on pretty big,” Fanning said. “He had written a song about Virginia and I was blown away by it. He got back to me and was interested in doing the music for the Hometown trailer. Hearing his music, I knew it was going to be good. He’s a little younger than Jon and myself, so we have that perspective too.”

With such a collaborative effort in telling the Hometown story—from Fanning’s words to Perry’s art to Cunningham’s music—the creative process in and of itself has been a lesson in crossing lines and meeting people where they are. While the three artists come from different backgrounds, they worked together to flesh out the true narrative of the story and see Hometown from each other’s perspectives. 

“Discussions of race are so eye-opening at times,” Fanning said. “It’s one thing to write it down—it’s a story and I’m closed in an office, writing my thoughts. It’s a whole other animal to put it out in the world where we live. Yeah, it’s racial but it’s more about unity. So I’m telling the story in the best way that I can.”  

Hometown is being published by Immortal Works, a publishing house that focuses on clean genre fiction for general audiences. Hometown will be available for purchase in April via Amazon,
Barnes and Noble, Target, or online at www.petefanning.com. Fanning will be releasing another book later this year.

How to Correctly Use Color Theory in Design

Maybe mood rings were never an exact science, but there is some truth in the relationship between color and mood. 

Color affects how we see the world—whether it’s through our own emotions or what a color may represent to us. We associate black with funerals, yellow with sunshine, and red with anger. 

That’s why color psychology plays a huge part in how we decorate our spaces. 

“The color of a room changes the very essence of a room,” says local interior designer Tera Janelle, owner of Tera Janelle Designs. “Many times, homeowners consider how they want their home to look, but a better question to ask yourself is, ‘How do you want your home to feel?’”

Knowing where to start when painting or decorating a new space can be overwhelming, but Tera says not to overthink it. 

“Worry less about what color a room ‘should’ be painted and more about how you want that room to feel,” she says. “Look for inspiration rooms that evoke a feeling you love. What colors are present in that room and how are they used?”

According to Tera, a great resource when beginning is a paint deck or fan deck—a collection of all the paint chips from a particular manufacturer or designer—which allows you to look at a wide range of colors without multiple trips to the hardware store. 

“It can be difficult to read the undertones of light colors on a single-color chip, resulting in a room mistakenly painted light purple instead of light gray,” she says. “Instead locate that paint color on a paint deck that shows the color in a line of its shades from light to dark. The darkest colors on the strip will reveal a color’s undertones.”

A way to bring cohesiveness throughout your home is to consider establishing a color story, bringing together each room without having them look all the same. 

“Consider how the colors in your home work together as a whole,” Tera says. “Focus on creating a color through-line throughout the home. A home’s through-line color might be blue, showing up as French blue on the dining room walls, navy on the kitchen island, and a pale robin’s egg blue in a bedroom’s bedding.”

But Tera says it’s important not to take a color story too seriously in order to allow for creativity—especially in places like your kids’ rooms. 

“Feel free to allow kids’ rooms or creative spaces to deviate from your whole-home color story,” she says. “Worried to introduce the ‘grape purple’ your child loves for their bedroom? Try eggplant or a soft lilac on the walls for a neutral grounding, and introduce grape purple in the bedding, stuffed animals, or art.”

“The key to using color is to exercise control,” she continues. “Avoid painting every room a different color. Instead use different hues of one or two colors to provide an interesting overall color story.”

When you first select a paint color, Tera says to apply your paint samples to multiple walls in a room and make sure to review them during different times of day before deciding on a final color. This will save you time and money in case a color doesn’t work in that space. But it’s also important to consider artificial light as well as natural light. 

“A lightbulb’s color [measured in degrees of Kelvin or ‘Kelvin temperature’] dramatically affects color in a room,” Tera explains. 

For example, her preference is 2700K (or 3000K at maximum) for a soft glow that feels equally inviting day or night. Tera says she avoids daylight bulbs or bulbs of 3000K+ because they cast a cool blue light that can make colors in a space feel cold and sterile. 

While Tera says there’s no great place to experiment with colors or patterns, there are easy hacks to try different things without overwhelming your space. 

“If you are looking to experiment with paint color, such as a darker trim with lighter walls or a saturated wall color that feels like a risk, avoid open concept rooms and instead choose a room that can be easily repainted, like a small bedroom or powder bath,” she says. 

Using decor that can be easily switched out such as bedding, pillows, napkins, or towels is also a great way to experiment. 

But color palettes aren’t always black or white. 

“Neutral colors include more than white and beige,” Tera says. “If you are scared to dip your toes into color, earth tones are a low-risk way to introduce color. Earth tones such as mocha, olive, blush, camel, blue, and khaki are also neutrals.”

Using neutrals as anchors in a room can also allow you to be more expressive.

“Neutral anchor pieces such as cabinetry, sofas, and rugs allow you more freedom to play with color in other elements, such as the art, wallpaper, and accent fabrics,” she says. While it may seem overwhelming and intimidating, Tera says don’t be afraid to trust your gut and take risks.

“Even seasoned interior designers use their own homes as design laboratories,” she says. “The practice of playing and experimenting teaches the most valuable design lessons. And we do not always get it right the first time! Instead embrace the pivot. The best designs are fluid.”  

One Healthcare Professional Weighs In

There seem to be endless, conflicting studies and opinions on foods that are good for you, and foods that are not. Claims volley back and forth; data suggests something one day, and another thing the next. 

Red meats; milk and dairy; eggs; tallow. Some tout these commonly debated foods as necessary nutrition; others say they are unhealthy for the body. 

Dr. Michael Jones, a medical bariatrician, said in many ways, the surface is just being scratched in metabolic health research—and there is no “silver bullet food.” >>

“Nutrition research is notoriously difficult, because our test subjects are free-living subjects, and a lot of the data we get is self-reported, because we can’t force people to do what we want them to do,” Jones said.
“Now, that doesn’t mean it’s worthless.
We get good insight. But it takes repeated studies in different populations over time, looking at different angles to start putting it together like a jigsaw puzzle.” 

Dairy

Jones said his general advice is to limit dairy. Although he does not forbid dairy consumption, humans do not need it.

Milk contains “a little bit of Vitamin D, but you can get more Vitamin D by eating the right veggies. You don’t really have to have milk to get your Vitamin D,” Jones said. “Calcium? OK, a reasonable amount of calcium. There’s also a lot of foods where, if we’re eating a broad variety of healthy foods, we’ll get our calcium intake as well. You don’t necessarily really have to have milk to do that.”

Jones said the main culprit in many dairy products—like most other foods—is added sugar. Yogurts, ice cream, flavored milk drinks; all include added sugars. 

“At the center of most metabolic conditions…we end up tracing a lot of this back to insulin resistance,” Jones said. “Abnormal glucose metabolism, and abnormal utilization of insulin, and abnormal production of insulin.” 

Alternative sources of some commonly-cited dairy nutrients are available. Sunlight, fatty fish, egg yolks, soy milk, beef liver, and cheeses—both in moderation—are good sources of Vitamin D, Jones said.

Red Meat

Controlled studies on the impacts of red meat, especially its impact on LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, are limited. However, Jones said current research suggests LDL cholesterol and its link to cardiovascular diseases tends to be more genetic. 

“A lot of the rise in LDL cholesterol is not lifestyle-dependent. It’s largely more genetic,” Jones said, citing studies published in some journals. “Now, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol tend to be linked to dietary choices. Contrary to popular understanding, it’s not as much the fat intake as it is the sugar intake.” 

As a medical specialist, Jones said he is more inclined to treat a person for insulin resistance, get high blood pressure under control, or otherwise treat underlying risk factors and cultivate good exercise habits to reduce cardiovascular risk than he is to instruct them to cut out red meats. 

Alternative protein sources include lean meats; certain seafood; eggs; legumes, like beans, lentils, and chickpeas; nuts and seeds; soy products, including tofu, edamame, and tempeh; whole grains, like brown rice, quinoa, barley, farro, and bulgar; and cheese and yogurt in moderation.

Eggs

Some studies have linked eggs to increase in cholesterol. Other studies say eggs are packed with important nutrients, show no correlation to elevation in cholesterol, and are an excellent food to incorporate in one’s diet.

“Personally, I think eggs are great,” Jones said. “They’re a great source of protein. We’ve never found a significant increase in somebody’s cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease that we can pin on eggs alone.”

Eggs have one gram of carbohydrate each, and Jones said he frequently recommends them. 

Tallow

Tallow is a saturated animal fat predominantly used as cooking grease, and in things like candles, soaps, and lubricants. It can also be used in skin care, providing natural vitamin-rich moisturizer. 

Concerns about tallow typically revolve around its status as a saturated fat.

While tallow can be used healthfully, Jones said, it is not one of his normal recommendations and
should be moderated.

“Tallow is not something I have gotten into the habit of recommending routinely, as it does have some benefits, but could also have some reasons to limit,” Jones said. 

Nutrients found in tallow include vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, and selenium and zinc. Other taste benefits are a high smoke point, and a source of beefy flavor for dishes like stew. Tallow can also be cheaper to purchase than some plant-based oils and butters. 

“Fats in general sort of have been given a bad rap,” Jones said. “To this day, we still don’t really have any great cause and effect studies showing a direct causal relationship between saturated fat and cardiovascular disease. There is a correlation that could eventually be proven to have causation, so I’m not out here telling my patients, ‘Look, live completely off of bacon.’ But I don’t tell people they shouldn’t eat it, either.” 

Jones said his family uses these fats to season some of their foods. 

“As for how much to use in nutrition, I know of no helpful studies looking at this, though I do believe that the idea of saturated fats as the bogey-man are a bit overblown,” he said. “In the end, however, if someone is overly fixated on tallow they may find themselves guilty of ‘majoring in the minors’. For most Americans, there is much lower hanging fruit to pick as it relates to our eating habits.”  

How to make healthy choices? 

Jones’s top three health-promoting foods, which he recommends, are a variety of leafy greens; fish, particularly salmon; and avocado. 

“There are very few perfect foods, and the characteristics of one food that might be perfect for one person, depending on their health and their conditions, might be slightly different for somebody else, but in general, I think we can categorize health-promoting foods,” Jones said.

Consuming unprocessed, or minimally processed foods, is crucial to overall health and longevity.

While studies agree that processed foods are less healthy, and in some cases even harmful, prone to causing health problems over time, scientists are still trying to find out what exactly about the processing causes such detriment to human health. It is best to avoid processed, or hyper-processed, foods as far as possible, Jones said.

“We pretty much have honed in on the fact that processing of foods makes them less helpful for us, and in some cases harmful. We don’t completely understand why,” Jones said. “The more that oat looks like it did when it was on the stalk… chances are, the better it is for you.”

Jones developed an acronym to help guide individuals in food and nutrition choices: eat CLEAN. 

C = Clear of additives and preservatives. 

L = Low glycemic index.

E = Eclectic. A wide variety of healthy foods.

A = Anti-inflammatory.

N = Non-processed.

Tips for Creating a Wellness-Centric Living Space

The concept of wellness has become increasingly vital in our daily lives. As we seek to optimize our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, one area that often gets overlooked is our living space. Creating a home environment that fosters wellness can have a profound impact on our overall health and happiness. From reducing stress to promoting better sleep, here are some tips for transforming your living space into a sanctuary of well-being.

1. Prioritize Natural Light and Airflow: One of the fundamental elements of a healthy home is ample natural light and proper airflow. Exposure to natural light not only boosts mood but also helps regulate the body’s internal clock, promoting better sleep patterns. Ensure that your living space allows plenty of natural light to filter in during the day by keeping windows unobstructed and using sheer curtains or blinds. Additionally, promote airflow by opening windows regularly to let fresh air circulate throughout your home, reducing indoor pollutants and creating a more refreshing atmosphere.

2. Declutter and Organize: A cluttered living space can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Take the time to declutter your home and create a sense of order and harmony. Start by sorting through belongings and getting rid of items that you no longer need or use. Organize your remaining belongings in a way that is functional and visually pleasing, utilizing storage solutions such as baskets, shelves, and containers. By creating a tidy and clutter-free environment,
you’ll promote a sense of calm and well-being within your home.

3. Choose Natural and Non-Toxic Materials:The materials used in your home can have a significant impact on indoor air quality and overall health. Opt for natural and non-toxic materials whenever possible, especially in areas where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Choose furniture made from sustainable materials such as wood or bamboo and look for upholstery and textiles made from organic fabrics. When painting walls or renovating, opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or zero-VOC paints and finishes to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.

4. Create Spaces for Relaxation and Meditation:Designate areas within your home specifically for relaxation and meditation to promote mental and emotional well-being. Create a cozy nook with comfortable seating and soft lighting where you can unwind with a good book or engage in mindfulness practices. Consider incorporating elements of nature, such as indoor plants or natural materials, to evoke a sense of tranquility. Whether it’s a dedicated meditation corner or a soothing bath area, having spaces designed for relaxation can help reduce stress and promote inner peace.

5. Foster Connection with Nature: Bringing elements of nature into your home can have a profound impact on your well-being. Incorporate indoor plants to purify the air, add greenery, and create a connection to the outdoors. Consider introducing natural elements such as wood, stone, or water features to bring a sense of the natural world indoors. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and promote overall health, so bringing elements of the outdoors into your living space can help foster a sense of calm and well-being.

6. Promote Healthy Sleep Habits: Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and your home environment plays a crucial role in promoting healthy sleep habits. Create a bedroom environment that is conducive to restful sleep by keeping the room cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows that provide adequate support, and choose bedding made from breathable, natural fabrics. Minimize electronic devices in the bedroom and establish a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Creating a wellness-centric living space is essential for promoting health and happiness in our daily lives. By prioritizing natural light and airflow, decluttering and organizing, choosing natural and non-toxic materials, creating spaces for relaxation and meditation, fostering connection with nature, and promoting healthy sleep habits, you can transform your home into a sanctuary of well-being. Incorporate these tips into your living space to create a healthier, happier home environment for you and your loved ones.  

Woods Goods & Mercantile Brings Back a Bygone Era

Photos by Ashlee Glen

Years ago, sitting on horseback with feet in stirrups, a group of children would saddle up and ride their stallions to a place formerly known as Tom’s Grocery. Their intention was to snag some sweet treats from the owners of the storefront, not knowing that it would someday become much more than a gas station located in front of U.S. Route 460. 

After a short period of being Witt Wholesale before it relocated, the market so loved by many sat desolate for a long while, serving only as a storage and rental unit. That was, until the Wood family discovered it. Originally hailing from Northern Idaho, Heather Wood and her family relocated to Bedford County in June of 2022, where they fell in love with the weather, scenery, and community. Instantly, Heather began searching for the perfect place to turn her dream of what would soon become Woods Goods & Mercantile into a reality. After discovering the forgotten structure, she knew that was just the place, and the Woods knew it was time to give it both new life and a whole new personality. 

“We really had no idea how much work it would require to get her heart beating again,” Wood said. 

The renovation process was a whole family affair with Heather, her husband, their two children, and Heather’s parents and brother-in-law working tirelessly to renovate the abandoned building. Together, they updated the electrical, flooring, paint, and landscaping of the old market. 

“We had to tear out 1950’s appliances and plumbing,” noted Wood. “None of us are home renovators so it was DIY trial and error. Through the process, we met locals who were willing to help and who are now dear friends of ours!”

Now, standing where horses once galloped and cars filled their gas tanks, is a remodeled home and goods store. Woods Goods & Mercantile is a family-run love letter to the olden days, holding within their walls antique pieces and heirlooms for any customer to appreciate. Wood noted that she and her family take pride in displaying items that allow their customers to feel as if they are being transported to another time.  

Those with a green thumb will feel right at home here, as well.

 “We love flowers and houseplants,” Wood said. 

She encourages customers to visit their plant room, where they are able to create their personal houseplant with the store’s abundant selection of pots and plants. 

“At Woods Goods & Mercantile, we believe that our plant buddies need their own decor,” she said. “We have many fun little plant decor items to add to your new green pet!”

Also available at their boutique is a curation of handmade novelties—ranging from woodworker MJB Artisan, who “transforms blocks of wood into beautiful bowls and jewelry boxes” to leather artist Banister Goodes who crafts purses, hats, wallets, and more. The store holds an all-natural body care line by Keitha’s Artful Garden who, according to Wood, grows many of the plants used in her products. On one corner, a shopper could discover Nana’s Nifties, who creates Memory Bears and kitchen items. On another corner, one could spot one-of-a-kind birdhouses, made from barnwood and antique hardware with original artwork by Geppettoz. 

Woods Goods & Mercantile not only caters to the avid shoppers, but also to those who happen to come along for the ride. Wood goes on to note that her family’s store even carries “‘husband’ chairs for the gentlemen to rest while their wives feather their nests.” 

“We have a booth to satisfy the huntsman, veteran, engineer, or antique connoisseur,” she said. 

After said gentleman finds his desired purchases, they are directed to bring their finds to Edison, a 1929 Model A-turned checkout counter.

“Antique vendors and consignment artists also grace our store,” noted Wood. “We support the Bedford Humane Society by selling items with 100 percent of the profit going to the Humane Society. We also contribute to CASA of Central Virginia.” 

Wood, longtime lover of home decor and antiques herself, said, “This store is a dream come true with new home lovelies, antique treasures, plants, talented vendors, and just darn good coffee!” 

She notes that she and her family are even working on transforming the old kitchen located inside the shop, aiming to turn it into a small coffee shop, where they will serve, in her words, “the most amazing coffee from Floyd, Red Rooster Coffee!” 

When asked what her favorite part of being a small business owner is, Wood answered, “feeling like a part of the community! I have met so many wonderful people and love to hear about the memories our store’s products bring back. Many of our customers are now friends!”  

White Barn Vintage’s Monthly Pop-Up is a Trove of One-of-a-Kind Pieces

Photos by Ashlee Glen

What began as a search for a lakeside retreat became a permanent landing place for Deborah Sirockman and her husband (and high school sweetheart) Marc, who moved to Leesville Lake nearly 10 years ago.

“We ended up buying a house on Leesville Lake but I never intended to live there, or even retire there, but as fate would have it the opportunity arose,” she said. 

They sold their home in New Jersey and ended up putting roots down in Virginia. Not only that, but they ended up purchasing the old Virginia Label Company and converted it into what is now known as Virginia Found Goods, a vintage shop, in Hurt.

They also operate a spring and Christmas market called “Sweet Violets.”

In December of 2022, they decided to expand and opened White Barn Vintage across the street at 711 Pocket Road.

“We thought that since Virginia Found Goods was successful, we could build a different platform where it has vendors, because Virginia Found Goods is all me,” Deborah said.

The 10,000-square-foot sister store to Virginia Found Goods features more than 30 vendors, creating a diverse and ever-changing selection of vintage finds.

White Barn Vintage sets itself apart by curating a selection that spans various styles, from industrial to farmhouse, ensuring there’s something for every vintage enthusiast.

White Barn Vintage opens the third weekend of each month and is held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with the occasional evening event.

While White Barn Vintage is open, Virginia Found Goods is open as well. 

“We’re trying to make it a destination,” Deborah said. “The whole idea is to keep everything very fresh and new so that when customers come in, it’s a different experience every time and we do themes every month.”

The success of both Virginia Found Goods and White Barn Vintage can be attributed to the careful curation of items, dedication to authenticity, and the sense of community fostered by the Sirockmans. 

Despite the challenges posed by the ever-growing influx of mass-produced “vintage-inspired” items flooding the market, Deborah Sirockman said she remains steadfast in her commitment to offering genuine pieces with a story to tell.

“The continuum of things is vintage, but the differences and the beauty of vintage includes so many things that everybody’s got their own take on it,” she said. 

Some shoppers go for the industrial look while others lean toward farmhouse style. All vendors have their own style as well, Deborah said, with some who import goods from Europe and others who specialize in garden goods like small greenhouses.

“We really do try to run the gamut so that there’s something for everybody,” she said.

What she wants to avoid is reproductions, such as signs that are seen over and over again in multiple vintage stores.

“So what we’re trying to do is be as true to vintage as we possibly can.”

White Barn Vintage is more than just a store; it’s a destination. Visitors often describe it as their “happy place,” which comes from Deborah’s dedication to creating an inviting and character-filled environment. The addition of an Airstream for guest vendors further enhances the market’s appeal, turning it into a must-visit spot for vintage enthusiasts from near and far.

“I strive to make it feel like home as soon as you come in. It feels good, like you want to be there,” she said. “We’ve used a lot of vintage chandeliers and reclaimed wood. It’s a brand-new building, but we’re trying to give it some character.”

Melissa Dixon, owner of Loved and Restored LLC, sells all things vintage and loves the story behind the pieces, making her an ideal vendor for White Barn Vintage and Sweet Violets.

“Repurposing and saving a vintage treasure brings me so much joy,” she said. “In addition to true vintage, you’ll find locally made artisan products and fair-trade items in the store.
Every product has a special story attached.”

Dixon operates a pop-up brick and mortar in Appomattox but also travels and participates in markets all over.

“Deborah took a big chance and welcomed me into the Sweet Violet’s Vintage Market family years ago when I first started this business,” she said. “White Barn is truly a treasure. It’s so hard to find true vintage venues, and White Barn Vintage is filled with pure vintage.”

She knew she hit the jackpot the first day she walked into White Barn and was invited to be a part of its experience.

“I’ve been involved since the very beginning and it’s gotten better and better with each monthly market,” Dixon said. 

From a vendor standpoint, the Sirockmans go above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect, she said.

“White Barn is a complete vibe. The venue is beautiful, no details were spared in the construction. Everywhere you turn there’s a fabulous vintage piece that catches your eye. It’s a true experience,” Dixon said. “You can spend the whole day engaging with other customers and vendors. So many customers have truly become White Barn family. We look forward to spending time with them every month.”

She says Deborah is a true vintage lover and appreciates the work vendors put in behind the scenes, including traveling to source products, researching every detail of the history, and creating a magical space. 

“She understands and supports every aspect! That’s hard to find! Both Marc and Deb are team players. They truly treat each vendor like an extension of their family, which does not go unnoticed,” Dixon said.

In a world where minimalism often dominates, White Barn Vintage is still a place for people who enjoy the enduring appeal of collecting unique, timeless pieces. 

“When I find something I love, I wish I could find the story of it and want to find out as much as I can about it,” Sirockman said. “And it’s a much different experience than walking into Pottery Barn and picking something out that you’re going to see, perhaps in a lot of people’s houses. These things are stuff you’re not going to find just anywhere.”

Each vintage find infuses the space with a sense of nostalgia and discovery, inviting a new generation to appreciate the beauty of the past. 

“It’s a treasure hunt, and you just never know what you’re going to come up with,” Deborah said.

In addition to White Barn’s regular market, a Sweet Violet’s Vintage Market at White Barn Vintage will be held on April 19 and 20.  

Laura Beth Davidson’s Refreshing Approach to Photography

In theory, photography is the only art form that allows us to capture a moment as it actually exists, but in practice, the staging that often occurs before a photograph is taken can undermine that innate authenticity. Of course, photographs serve a variety of different purposes—educational, promotional, and commemorative, among others—and sometimes staging is needed to
convey certain information, advertise a specific product, or properly honor an occasion or
person. Staged photography also ensures that documentation occurs at all; in our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed society, we can tend to forget that moments become memories unless we schedule a time to remember. That said, how magical would it be if that feeling you get when you think back on what once was—that poignant nostalgia, that kinetic pull toward what was real and true—was encapsulated in your photographs? The work of local photographer Laura Beth Davidson proves that this kind of magic is possible.

Davidson refers to herself as a “visual storyteller,” a title that speaks to her abilities to closely observe, thoughtfully capture, and artfully relay the authentic narrative unfolding around her rather than a desire to control and direct the narrative. After starting her photography journey in 2012, she wasn’t sure if her introverted personality would allow her to turn her talent into a successful business.

“In 2012, I stumbled upon ‘Clickin’ Moms,’ an online community for photographers that offered virtual workshops and a forum for sharing photos and feedback,” Davidson recalled. “After I took the first class, I was hooked, and I knew I had found something that would be part of my life forever.
I’ve always been a bit of an entrepreneur, and once I felt confident in my ability to take good photographs, it seemed like a natural next step to find a way to make my hobby profitable. Unfortunately, I’m an extreme introvert, and the thought of being face-to-face with clients who expected me to pose and direct them made me really uncomfortable. I couldn’t figure out a way to make photography into a business that wouldn’t give me a chronic stomachache.”

Shortly thereafter, however, Davidson learned about documentary-style photoshoots and realized that both her personality and her longstanding love of storytelling parlayed perfectly into that approach to photography.

“I heard a couple of different podcast interviews with photographers who offered in-home documentary photography sessions,” she noted. “As an English major and literature lover, I relished the idea of becoming a visual storyteller who could offer families an alternative to typical photos—and as an introvert, I breathed a sigh of relief that I could work for families while letting them carry on with their everyday lives instead of stepping in and bossing them around.”

Before starting her business, Laura Beth Davidson Photography, in 2017, Davidson took additional classes and honed her craft by taking documentary-style photos of her own growing family. 

“I fell in love with the idea of capturing our real life through little details, gestures, and moments that ran the gamut of emotion,” she said.

In fact, such was Davidson’s passion and commitment to her craft that she took on a year-long photo project entitled “29 & Counting” in 2013.

“The day I turned 29, I decided to take one photo every day until my next birthday: I would mark my 30th year with 365 photos that would document my life that year,” she recalled. “My daughter had just turned two, we were in the process of selling our house and buying another that we would be renovating, and my husband and I were planning to have a second child. All of those big life events unfolded over the course of the year as I steadily honed my skills and my eye. The resulting book of photos is one of my favorite possessions.”

This April, Davidson will have completed her current year-long photo project, “39 & Counting,” and she says the experience has been just as rewarding as her previous year-long venture and has given her even more perspective on the importance of documenting the small moments—which are, in fact, the big moments—of everyday life.

“Some days, I forget to take a picture until very late in the day and have to scramble to find something vaguely worth documenting; some days I take so many photos that it’s hard to choose just one,” she noted.

“My subjects range from members of my family to our new dog, from beautiful light to a random plant that catches my eye.

For this project, I’ve learned to not expect to create something amazing every day, but that the effort of pushing myself to create something daily is never a wasted effort.”

When it comes to taking photos for clients, Davidson is flexible, open-minded, and committed to capturing and conveying the unique narrative of a family’s day together.

“I offer day-in-the-life photo sessions that I have designed to make the process as simple as possible,” she remarked.

“My clients are a lot like me: we’re busy and a little stressed, we’re sleep-deprived and tired of making decisions at every turn. I want my clients to only have to choose which day and how long they want me to come, and then let me do everything else. I emphasize that I don’t expect any kind of coordination of outfits or activities and that I want people to pretend I’m not even there.”

Davidson spends anywhere from three to 12 hours with a family as they do everyday things like go grocery shopping, play outside, cook dinner, and get ready for bed. She then edits the photos down to a collection that “tells a strong story of the day” before laying out and printing a photo book that is included in every package. 

“I want the time I spend with a family to be recorded as it happens and then preserved in a way that will last for generations,” she said.

In the future, Davidson hopes to continue to photograph families across the country—and perhaps even around the world—and has a specific goal to photograph a specific family.

“My big dream is to pursue a job as a White House photographer,” she remarked. “To me, that experience—especially if I could have the opportunity to work for a President with a young family—would be the ultimate opportunity for visual storytelling.”

No matter what comes next for Davidson, her work—and the work of all photographers and artists who strive for authenticity in capturing and expressing the human experience—can help us remember that there is magic in the mundane, perfection in imperfection, and a memory worth holding onto in each moment.  

To learn more about Laura Beth Davidson Photography, visit laurabethdavidson.com.

Erica Kerns’ Signature Style is Instinctual and Beautiful

Photos by Daryl Calfee

In every single room, the foundation has to be a vintage rug,” Erica Kerns said.

And she would know. Co-owner of BEFound Collective, a shop that sources one-of-a-kind, handwoven vintage and antique Persian and Turkish rugs, and Vice President of Merchandising and Product Development for Moore & Giles, Kerns has a penchant for finding just the right piece to tell a story and pull a space together.

Walking through her home with her foster-turned-adopted dog Nora, Kerns exudes an effortless style, and her home is an extension of that. Her 1937 Dutch Colonial home is a nod to the era—with its galley kitchen and wood paneled rooms. But Kerns, who purchased the home in 2021, has brought new life to the space while maintaining some of the home’s defining quirks.

“The smoking room is one of the things that sold me on the house,” Kerns said, referring to the wood-paneled room that connects to the galley kitchen via the pass-through window. 

While she could have easily painted the wood paneling from the walls, Kerns instead opted to keep them intact to allow the room to maintain its rich dimension. Art, light fixtures, and natural elements adorn the walls, giving the room a Ralph Lauren–esque feel while the textiles—vintage rug, handwoven fabrics—make the space entirely her own.

It’s this type of layering that is Kerns’ signature style. Throughout her home, trinkets and oddities are stacked on top of vintage furniture. Sweeping Monsteras sit in beautifully textured vessels. Seashells act as paperweights atop children’s books or high school physics books from the 1930s. It’s a curation that seems instinctual to Kerns, who is constantly collecting items for her home.

“It doesn’t matter where I am, I’m hunting,” she said. “Ninety percent of the things in my home are secondhand. As long as you mix everything in the right way, there is balance.
If it’s all new, it doesn’t have soul. If it’s all old, it can lack the edge needed to feel fresh.”

Kerns credits her travels for many of the eclectic pieces in her home, including her most recent work trip to Genova, Italy, when she came home with a treasure trove of art. Kerns purchased extra suitcases, painstakingly wrapped the art in her clothing, and hauled the bags from train stations to hotels to airports just to get them all home.

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Kerns moved to Richmond after college.

In 2005, she moved to Lynchburg, holding a number of positions at J. Crew, including senior director of customer care; senior brand manager; and director of training, quality, and communications. In 2011, she moved to San Antonio, where she became a regular at a local auction house.

“Auctions weren’t as well-known as they are today,” she remembered. “It was the place to go. I would go to the auction house almost every single week. Sometimes I wouldn’t buy anything. One time, though, it was the end of the night, almost everyone else had left, and a lot of 100 pieces of art came up. I got the lot for $75.”

Walking through Kerns’ home, there is a mix of art that feels effortless but unrepeatable. Still life oil paintings share walls with paint-by-numbers (a favorite pastime of Kerns’). Vintage portrait paintings give way to ink sketches. Text art creates a platform for wildlife paintings.

“You don’t have to feel so tied to a theme or a palette,” she said. “I love taking nods from nature. Nature shows you how to mix tones and elements in a compelling way.”

Indeed, nature is abundant in Kerns’ home. She’s an avid seashell collector, whether they’re found on a beach or in a secondhand shop, and her collections are diverse enough for any scientific repository. Moose antlers dramatically frames a full-body mirror in the living room, antler mounts sit above doorways, and, of course, each space is layered with leather and shearling textiles from Moore & Giles.

“Texture and layers influence every room in the house,” Kerns said. “It’s intentional and it’s about layering light and color and texture in the right way. That’s what I want my home and future Palmera House to feel like. A space with interest in every corner and be something that you want to interact with and touch.”

Kerns’ newest venture, Palmera House, is an ode to her love of nature, textiles, beautiful art, and interesting details and the perfect amalgamation of her work and life experiences. It will be a shop for vintage home items, plants, and rugs. But Palmera Bodega, tucked inside the shop, is a reason to linger, have a bite and beverage, and enjoy a quiet moment in one of the many available nooks.

“It will be a multi-use space,” she explained. “With Palmera’s home decor and rugs being vintage or unique, each visit will feel like a new shopping experience. Mornings and lunch hour at the Bodega are sure to have a certain life and buzz. The space’s energy and ambiance will transition to a cozy, low-lit lounge after hours, where friends can gather and unwind from the day. Palmera Bodega will have a daily ‘Golden Hour’ serving aperitivos and distinctive snacks.”  

Kerns’ signature style is a beautiful collection of her travels, work, love of design, and vintage decor. Palmera House promises to be an extension of that hallmark. Palmera House will open on Bedford Avenue toward the end of this year.

“I hope Palmera House will be a favorite stop on the ever-changing Bedford Avenue,” Kerns said. “A place to feel inspired and a space you never want to leave. With short- and long-term rentals in the two floors above the shop, you’ll be able to stay for as long as you like—with Palmera House as your second living room.”  

In interior design, the mixing of materials instantly gives a space texture and dimension. Combining diverse materials such as leather, wood, natural elements, and metal enables you to infuse interest into your home décor. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to expertly blend materials to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces.

Understanding Material Characteristics

Before diving into mixing materials, it’s important to understand the unique characteristics of each element:

Wood: Known for its warmth and versatility, wood adds natural charm and richness to a space. It comes in various types like oak, walnut, or maple, each with distinct grains and hues. Wood can also be incorporated in the form of woven baskets.

Leather and Other Textiles: Exuding luxury and sophistication, leather introduces a sense of elegance. It’s available in different textures, from smooth to distressed, and various colors that can complement any interior style. Other textiles, such as rugs and throws, can be incorporated for a similar impact.

Natural Elements: Incorporating natural elements such as stone, plants, or shells brings an organic feel to the design. They offer a tactile experience and contribute to a tranquil ambiance.

Ceramics: Ceramics in the form of vases, planters, and dishware can create textural interest and offer color contrast.

Metal: Whether it’s the sleekness of stainless steel, the vintage appeal of brass, or the industrial vibe of iron, metals add a touch of glamor and contrast to a space.

Establish a Harmonious Palette

When you’re designing a space, consider incorporating at least one item per material category in the room to achieve a visually interesting design. Begin by selecting a primary material as the focal point. For instance, if you have wooden furniture, consider incorporating complementary materials like leather upholstery or brass accents. Ensure these materials complement rather than compete with each other. Stick to a cohesive color palette to maintain harmony while mixing materials.

Layer Textures for Depth

Layering textures is pivotal in creating visual interest. Pair a smooth leather sofa with a reclaimed wood coffee table or introduce a vintage gold mirror above a console table styled with a large ceramic bowl. The interplay of different textures adds depth and dimension to the room.

Balance Proportions

Maintain balance by paying attention to proportions. A space overwhelmed with one dominant material may appear monotonous. Distribute materials evenly throughout the room, varying their prominence to avoid overwhelming the eye.

Unify Elements Through Accents

Incorporate cohesive accents like throw pillows, rugs, or artwork that feature a blend of materials.
A curated collection of shells tucked into a ceramic bowl, or a atop coffee table books (see our Home story on page 65), can unify the space in a subtle way.

Embrace Contrast

Contrast is key to creating visual intrigue. Pairing contrasting materials, such as the smoothness of leather against the roughness of a hand-knotted rug or the warmth of wood against the coolness of metal, adds dynamism and sophistication to the design.

Pay Attention to Detail

Even small details matter. Hardware choices, such as drawer handles or faucets, offer opportunities to infuse different materials into your design scheme. Selecting complementary materials for these details elevates the overall aesthetic.

Harmonize with Lighting

Consider how lighting interacts with mixed materials. Strategically placed lighting can accentuate textures, casting shadows that highlight the unique qualities of each material. Opt for accent lighting in the form of floor or table lamps rather than harsh overhead lighting to bring instant warmth to the space.

Evolve the Design

Lastly, don’t be afraid to evolve your design over time. Experimentation and adaptation allow you to refine your material mixing skills, discovering new combinations that resonate with your evolving style.

Mastering the art of mixing materials in interior design requires a keen eye for balance, texture, and cohesion. By understanding material characteristics and implementing these strategies, you can create a space that exudes sophistication, depth, and timeless appeal. Experiment, explore, and let your creativity flourish to craft a home that reflects your unique style.  

Opportunities for Lynchburg Homeowners to Lead in Water Conservation Efforts

What do Lynchburg lawns have to do with waterways from Blackwater Creek to the iconic Chesapeake Bay?

How we manage our yards isn’t just for show. It affects animals from the smallest damselfly to the trophy smallmouth bass in our local waters and impacts wildlife downstream to the Chesapeake Bay. Ramifications ripple out to the benefits we receive, like clean drinking water and our opportunity to paddle, fish, and enjoy our rivers. In fact, lawns and water quality are so intertwined that nonprofit and government programs might help you cover the costs of transforming soggy, poor turfgrass into native plant gardens or bare riverbanks into forests.

Pollution from cities and farms has damaged local streams into the James River and beyond for decades. The Chesapeake Bay has nearly become a “dead waterway,” with aquatic life and fish drastically disappearing from its waters. In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency devised a plan to reverse this course by setting goals for Virginia to reduce pollution by 2025.

This is where homeowners and their backyards come in. Picture those “dead” areas in your lawn that won’t grow turfgrass, bare dirt at new building sites, or water rushing down driveways to stormwater drains.

Bare soil from new building sites and poor lawns has become the leading cause of pollution in the James River. Sediment wreaks havoc: it smothers river bottom habitats, elevates water temperatures, and clouds water, which kills underwater plants.

The other primary water pollutants—excess nutrients, nitrogen, and phosphorus—come from agricultural fields and overly fertilized lawns. Nutrients foster problematic algae blooms that create oxygen “dead zones” that suffocate aquatic life and lead to fish kills. 

The good news is that homeowners can reduce runoff in several ways. Replacing lawns, especially those with poor cover or near streams, with lush native gardens, preserves water quality—root systems act as a shield, grabbing pollutants, sediment, and nutrients before they enter water sources.
These gardens are carefully designed to absorb excess nutrients, hold soil in place, and create critical wildlife habitat. They require no fertilizers or chemicals, further reducing nutrient pollution.

Recently, City of Lynchburg and Campbell and Amherst County homeowners became eligible for a state program, the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP). This program helps cover costs for pollution-reduction projects, like rain gardens, conservation landscaping, and permeable pavements. 

“The projects I want to see installed are the ones that solve water issues for individuals. Whether they have erosion and soil loss on their property, standing water issues, or need to contain water for raised beds—the right project for the location and landowner are the priority,” says Blair Blanchette, VCAP Coordinator. 

Concrete exacerbates polluted runoff as water picks up other pollutants like bacteria and pesticides, then flushes straight to local creeks. Projects that slow water runoff, such as rainwater harvesting or dry wells, can keep lawns and gardens healthy and provide water during dry spells while significantly reducing polluted runoff.

The James River Association’s Buffer Program works with landowners in the James River watershed to plant forested areas along creeks or streams called buffers. Buffers stop pollution as gardens do while building cooler, clearer, more stable streams, providing habitat for sensitive species like herons and brook trout.

“Everyone can have an impact. Trees are part of the answer, and anyone, especially those with open streamside land, can grow trees to help clean our water,” says Anne Marie Roberts, Senior Restoration Field Manager for the James River Association.

Through a technical modeling program, Roberts can see precisely how much a buffer reduces pollutants like sediment and excess nutrients. Through such programs as these and continued community investment, the James River can return to total health. Luckily for many of us,
it may start with a lush forest or a beautiful garden.

WHERE TO BEGIN

Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)

Government program managed by Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) aims to help residential homeowners reduce urban stormwater runoff.

Who: Homeowners, businesses, schools, places of worship, and community centers in Lynchburg, Amherst, and Campbell counties (R. E. Lee District) or Bedford County (Peaks of Otter District)

What: Design, prepare, and install “best management practices,” including conservation landscaping, impermeable surface removal, permeable pavement, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and more. Up to 80% of project cost reimbursed. 

Get Started: Visit Releeconservation.com or Poswcd.org 

The James River Buffer Program (JRBP)

The James River Association and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation provide technical and financial support for landowners to create forest buffers along stream banks.

Who: Landowners in the James River watershed with a creek, stream, or river frontage 

What: Design, prepare, install, and provide three years of maintenance support to restore forested buffers. 100% project cost provided.

Results: Since its launch in 2019 and with support from Department of Forestry, 1,084 acres of buffers installed across the James River watershed, including 358,331 native trees.

Get Started: Visit jamesriverbuffers.org 

Conservation Easements

The Central Virginia Land Conservancy works with landowners to save the farms, forests, waterways, and rural landscapes that make Virginia beautiful. Land conservation easements save land through voluntary, permanent agreements that outline how land can be used. 

Who: Landowners in Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Buckingham, Campbell, and Nelson counties and Lynchburg

What: Permanent agreements to protect land from intense development. Tax credits and deductions based on the reduced land value.

Results: 5,900 acres protected 

Get Started: Visit www.cvalc.org