Michael Nolan

A shoulder injury 2 years ago resulted in a transition from blacksmithing to leatherworking for craftsman Michael Nolan, one of the Appalachian Arts Crafts Center’s four new juried members to join our ranks during the final selections of 2021. 

Several years ago, Michael began blacksmithing, first as a hobby, then as a developed talent he could share with others. He often found that certain blacksmithed pieces were fittingly embellished with some leatherwork and, thus, began a hobby in leatherworking as well.  Blacksmithing, however, requires a good amount of strength and endurance, especially in the upper body and arms. 

Coinciding roughly with the timing of his injury, Michael and his wife Shannon moved to east Tennessee from the west coast, searching for a less hurried and more peaceful way of life. At about the same time, wanting to continue creating unique works that blend art and utility, but unable to work the forge and hammer iron, Michael became a dedicated leatherworker.

At first, he made items he wanted – leatherbound journals, small bags, firestarter kits. The response to his work from family and friends was positive and he set up a display at Mighty Mudd in Knoxville and began getting orders for custom pieces. In 2020, Michael was fortunate enough to land an apprenticeship with legendary leatherworker Glenn Donly at Dollywood for the summer season, where he honed his craft making belts and bracelets and doing repairs for visitors. Since then, his work has been displayed and sold on Etsy, at area arts and crafts shows and at the Kitchen Center on Kingston Pike in Knoxville.

 As a fan of early colonial styles and crafts, he and Shannon visited the Museum of Appalachia – just across the street from AACC – and Shannon suggested they stop in to the AACC Gift Shop while they were there. Michael says he was more than impressed with the variety and quality of the arts and crafts and decided to submit samples of his work in hopes that he could offer them to our patrons. In addition, Michael is interested in teaching a leatherworking class and has some great ideas for items people might like to make for themselves. Michael says he is humbled to be a part of the AACC community.

 You can find a nice selection of his work at the Appalachian Arts Crafts Center Gift shop at our location just off Exit 122 on I-75 in Norris, TN.