The 16 Hands Studio Tour has long been a pillar of the creative scene in Floyd, Virginia. Since its inception in 1998, the 16 Hands collective has offered twice-annual studio tours to the public. The first tour of the year is always the first Saturday and Sunday in May, the week before Mother’s Day. The second tour is the weekend of Thanksgiving; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Our black Friday sale is a far more pleasant shopping experience than overcrowded malls, and offers an abundant choice of unique, handmade gifts, perfect for friends and family.
During each tour, members of 16 Hands invite a peer-group of guest artists to participate; comparable in artistry and craftsmanship to the core group of 16 Hands. The guest artist line-up for each tour is different, so each tour promises new experiences.
Visiting all seven studios in one day is possible but taking two days in the Spring and three in the Fall is highly recommended. The slower pace allows for longer conversations with the artists, more time to enjoy the snacks at each stop, and more time to spend meeting other visitors with similar interests in the beautifully crafted work. Touring is also way more fun with friends and family; allowing groups to share a love of the work, as well as the artists of Floyd.
16 Hands welcomed six new members in the Spring of 2019. With the addition of these new members, 16 Hands now offers seven studio stops. First is Josh Manning and Hona Knudsen at their studio in Copper Hill. Second is Andrea Denniston and Seth Guzovsky on Poor Farm Road in Floyd. Third is Wendy Wrenn Werstlein at her studio, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fourth is Ellen Shankin and Brad Warstler at their studios, nestled beautifully off Thunderstruck Road.
Fifth is Sarah McCarthy on Fairview Church Road. Sixth is Silvie Granatelli on Rock Church Road. And finally, not too far down the road from Silvie, is Benjie Osborne on Black Ridge Road. Donna Polseno presents at either Ellen or Benjie’s studio.
The 16 Hands Studio Tour not only provides a great opportunity to check out all the new things happening with 16 Hands, it also allows visitors to spend the weekend discovering all that Floyd, Virginia has to offer! Visitors will find that, just as 16 Hands has been growing in exciting new ways, the beautiful town of Floyd has also been blossoming!
For years, Floyd has been known as an eclectic town where generations of family farmers have blended with an artisan community that moved to the area in the 1970’s. The blending of these different cultures has created a town that is truly unique; with a myriad of interesting offerings sure to entice those looking for something a bit off the beaten path.
Visitors can kick things off with a cup of award-winning, Red Rooster Coffee from the Black Water Loft. Red Rooster was founded in 2001 by Floyd natives, Haden Polseno-Hensley and Rose McCutchan, who are both still roasting some of the best coffee in the world. Haden is also the son of 16 Hands member Donna Polseno, so the tour is a great chance to experience two generations of creative people, pursing their passions.
Floyd also offers a variety of great restaurants where visitors can relax and dine after a day of touring studios. From classics like the Blue Ridge Restaurant, to the contemporary, farm-to-table cuisine found at the Parkway Grille, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Floyd is also home to two wineries, a brewery, and a distillery: perfect for those in the mood for a local drink while sharing stories from the day and considering that piece to go back and buy tomorrow.
If art, great coffee, fine dining, and locally crafted drinks were not already enough, Floyd is also home to several music venues that feature top-class entertainment. After a Friday of visiting studios on tour, be sure catch the rare experience of the world-famous Friday Night Jamboree at the historic Floyd Country Store!
Then when it’s time to call it a day, Floyd offers a selection of different hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts to accommodate the whole family. The locals are especially proud of their beloved Hotel Floyd.
The 16 Hands Studio Tour and Floyd County both have more to offer than ever before. Each 16 Hands Studio Tour promises new work and different guest artists, as well as familiar faces. With more members, more studios to see, and more artistic practices, 16 Hands offers a rich, broad experience that can be enjoyed in a single day, or over a weekend for immersion in fine craft. The combination of artistic diversity, along with everything else to explore in Floyd county, is a match that’s hard to beat.
To learn more about the tour, to see a list of participating artists, and to see a printable map of all tour locations, check out the 16 Hands website at 16hands.com.

16hands.com • facebook.com/16HandsTour/