Traditional Appalachian Brooms

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Both John and Erin bask in the beauty and practicality of the brooms they hand craft: Whether they’re making a typical upright broom for floor sweeping or a smaller whisk, called a turkey wing for all kinds of cleaning chores, each promote the inherent function and artistry of the broom. 

Article about Master Broom Maker John Alexander and Apprentice Erin Simons and their VA FolkLife Program Apprenticeship.

In 2024, my mentor John Alexander and I were awarded an Apprenticeship in Traditional Appalachian Broom Making through the VA Folklife Program.  Read more about it here!

Stephanie Porter Nichols from Southwest Virginia Today wrote an amazing article about me and my journey with broom making.  Read more about it here!

As a 2023 VA Folklife Central Appalachia Living Traditions Tradition Bearer Fellow, I was invited to demonstrate at the Richmond Folk Festival.  Read more about it here!

In 2023, I was awarded a Tradition Bearers Fellowship Grant through the VA Folklife Program in collaboration with the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.  Read more about it here!