Ray and Kathie Mayhew moved to Tennessee ten years ago from New England. They were attracted by the warmer weather and the mountains. They live on a small farm just east of Parrottsville and have a beautiful view of the Smoky Mountains. They have been working with slate art for about 25 years. Ray prepares the slates for painting with a special "secret" process, and Kathie enjoys painting the flowers. The sayings are done with silk screens and may be customized by adding your family name or special request by hand.
Slate is a natural resource. It is a fine-grained rock that splits easily into thin smooth layers. It is dug, cut, or blasted out of the ground in a quarry, and is used to cover roofs and to make chalkboards.
"We use recycled slate shingles cut in various shapes and sizes and then sand the surface until smooth which enhances the natural colors," says Ray. "This smoothness makes an excellent surface for painting. These slates were quarried in the U.S.A., and many have spent over 100 years on an American roof. Chips and holes do not detract but rather enhance the uniqueness of the artwork. Heat, cold and rain willl not affect this slate or the Artwork."
Kathie offers you a choice in flowers, colors, accent colors, sayings, and three sizes. Prepared empty slates are also available.
Contact: (423) 625-9872 or (423) 237-0633
