Archie Liggett

While offering some of her metal stamped crafts to customers of the Oak Ridge Farmers’ Market, Archie Liggett was “discovered” by Appalachian Arts Craft Center long-time member and artist Willa Reister. Willa recognized the fine craftsmanship and fun-loving approach that Archie brought to this traditional Appalachian craft and encouraged Archie to submit her hand-crafted work to the jury at AACC, which she did in the fall of 2021. As a result, there is now a wide assortment of Archie’s metal stamped gifts and jewelry – from key chains and necklaces to earrings and  bracelets at the AACC Gift Shop in Norris.

Archie’s journey to metal stamping began after a ten-year stint as a zoo keeper at the Knoxville zoo. She followed that career with the work of a stay-at-home Mom, raising her son and daughter who are both now students at UT-Knoxville. During that time, she was a regular volunteer (as well as a substitute teacher) at their school and began hammering coins and scrap metals into gifts for teachers. Her work was admired by both the recipients and other school personnel and she soon began getting requests and orders for more.

Archie uses catchy phrases and plays on words to embellish her metal working. Occasionally, she “borrows” from others. For example, Archie has transformed the title lyrics of the Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn classic duet “You’re the Reason our Kids are Ugly,” into one of her best-selling metal stamped crafts.

Her “raw” material comes mostly from yard sales, estate sales and on-line auctions, where she purchases old, plated flatware that serves as the “clay” that her hammer will mold. She has a love of nature and animals and uses artistic depictions of both on many of her items. She also makes custom-made and personalized pieces.

In addition, Archie’s work often incorporates a personal, cherished connection to Appalachian crafts. Her grandmother grew up on land that would later become part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Archie has incorporated some of her grandmother’s fabrics into her work.

Archie and her husband of twenty-four “happy” years, have lived in Clinton for the past 23 years. Archie says that, like too many of us, she drove by the AACC for years before finally stopping to see what it was all about. And, like most of us, when she finally took the plunge, she was immediately fond of the quality and array of craftsmanship to be found at the center.

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center is pleased to offer Archie’s work for purchase. Stop by the center or visit our E-Store at Appalachianarts.net to select an Archie Liggett for yourself or as a unique gift for a friend or family member.

– Interview conducted by Dean Johnson