The Gallery @ Barr Photographics announces the fall installment for the 2025 feature artist exhibition schedule, on the Columns Gallery, at 203 W. Main St. in Abingdon, VA. with a collection of handcrafted brooms by Abingdon, VA artist, broom maker, witch enthusiast and folk art alchemist, Valerie Barr entitled “Broom Alchemy”.

In her artist statement Valerie reveales, “I have always had a soft spot for all things witchy and whimsical.  Long enchanted by the magic of Halloween and the mysterious charm of witches, it wasn’t long before my fascination took flight, on a broomstick, of course. Not just any broomstick though, a beautiful, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind broom, one that sweeps far beyond the ordinary.”

A self taught folk artist based in the scenic countryside of Abingdon, VA, Val creates brooms that are as functional as they are fantastical.  Think dried flowers, bells that jingle with a touch of mischief, multicolored broomcorn bursting with personality, and even the occasional feather for flair.  Each broom is a spellbinding fusion of art and utility – a piece to display proudly, and yes, use to sweep up the mundane. Val’s farmhouse studio is a hive of creativity (and fur), where her four feline assistants take their job very seriously.  The familiars serve as both quality control inspectors and production supervisors, carefully nibbling broom bristles and offering purring approval – especially for the feathered models, which they find extra inspiring. Whether you’re a modern witch, a lover of folk art, or just someone who appreciates a bit of mischief, a creation from Valerie’s Broom Alchemy is a little piece of magic for your home.

“Broom Alchemy” will be celebrated with a reception and art demonstration by Valerie Barr, to which the public is cordially invited, on Saturday, 11 October from 2 - 6:00 PM in The Gallery @ Barr Photographics, 203 W. Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia. " Broom Alchemy” will hang, and be offered for sale, through 30, November 2025, get yours before they all fly away!!