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The new barn quilt sign that graces Holston Mountain Artisan’s entrance at 214 Park Street is the generous creation and gift of co-op member Chris Warren. She is passionate about creating art, but until she was juried into the artisan group two years ago, she had not pursued retailing her work. Chris has long loved creating art and uses her talent to inspire her grandchildren by doing projects with them. "They have become artists," she says. Over a number of years Chris's friends have paid her to create special art pieces for them and she has regularly gifted the teachers with her artwork at Watauga Elementary School where she works. In two years Chris will be retiring from the school secretary position she has held for 25 years, a job she describes as "Jack of all trades," a mom and grandma to students, and an assistant for all teachers with such details as recording attendance, preparing report cards, and other tasks. Her more visible duties are as school receptionist, answering phone calls and greeting every person who walks into the school. Chris was born in Munich, Germany, into a military family. In 1971 she moved to Abingdon with her mother and two siblings, and except for 8 years in California she has lived her entire adult life here. When she is no longer working, she plans to focus her energy on her art. Besides making her barn quilts, Chris enjoys crocheting and doing collages and fiber art, and she has begun teaching classes in these crafts at HMA. It is clear how energized Chris has become with her art since joining HMA and she looks forward to offering more classes on Saturdays while she is still employed. After retiring this energetic woman will have no trouble keeping a solid inventory at HMA and anywhere else she retails her work. In the meantime, keep alert for Chris's workshops.