______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ALABAMA "CANJO" MAN
Johnny Harrelson says his wife Betty Jean has all the class. They've been married over 50 years. In addition to playing the hammer dulcimer John made for her, the piano, the organ, and the ancient biblical psaltery he hand crafted, she is an accomplished quilter. Her work is finely sewn and her patterns have special significance. (The work will be in the gallery and we hope to have it online soon.) Harrelson describes himself as "trashy laffin'". When his health made him retire from the mill in south Alabama where he had worked all his life, he began woodworking during his recovery. What started out as creative curiosity evolved into traveling to craft shows with his handmade stringed instruments and Betty's quilts. (Her quietly wry humor is the perfect counterpoint to his showmanship.) Harrelson says he's played music as long as he can remember. Making the instruments brought together his newfound love of woodworking and his lifelong love of music. And although the finely crafted instruments are beautiful, it is the 2 x 2 with a tin can attached that has dubbed him "Canjo Man" |
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Harrelson offers a lesson on how to play "When the Saints Go Marching In" and shows you how to use the chart on the printout which comes with the Canjo. Price is $25. for a handmade instrument. To order call the gallery 850-231-2133 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For those who prefer a smoother axe, there's the simple and sweet "strummer".
Each handcrafted design is different, the price is $125. Mr. Harrelson says he and Betty have all they need so there's no need to price these out of the reach of anyone who wants one. Call us and we will send you images of the ones we have. 850-231-2133 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Seaside FL 850-231-2133 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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