Sharing Her HeART

“It is my belief that we should work to provide positive experiences for others throughout our lives. Don’t ever think you’re too old or have nothing to offer. Everyone has gifts that can be shared with others. Never stop sharing your gift.”

At some point, every talent inside every person is undiscovered. It’s nothing but pure, untapped potential. What primarily separates those who reach the full potential of their talent from those who do not is twofold: their effort and their educator.

Debbie Kidd-Trammell, ’75, Rank I ’97, was a teacher and choral/band director in McCreary, Madison, and Fayette Counties for 34 years and taught at Transylvania University before moving her focus to the Richmond Area Arts Council in 2009-2017. Today, Debbie is chair of the McCreary County Museum Advisory Committee and the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, who oversee a local store called The Artisan Shop. She isn’t an artisan herself (though she is a talented vocalist and pianist), but her position is the continuation of a common theme in her life: educating and supporting the people around her to help them reach their full artistic potential.

Debbie grew up in Pine Knot, Kentucky, graduating from Pine Knot High School before attending Cumberlands. As a music education major, she quickly realized that she didn’t have the knowledge of music theory and history she needed to succeed in that department, so she had to study harder than some of her classmates. With the help of her professors (her favorites were Dr. Harold Wortman, Dr. Jerry Sieg, and Dr. Gayle Breedlove), she made it through. Between classes and her studies, she attended countless choral and band practices, rehearsals, and concerts. In the free time leftover, Debbie could often be found at home teaching piano lessons. After graduation, she served as a choir/ band director and music teacher for the majority of her life. She worked with faculty and staff who had various levels of expertise and taught students with all levels of talent. Her years as an educator taught her valuable lessons she lives by.

“Practice until you are comfortable in any situation, help others, and live an honorable, Godly life. Respect every person you encounter; the custodian and cafeteria staff are as important as the principal,” she said. “Additionally, everyone’s skill level is different, but each person should do their best. Everyone should be treated fairly and be encouraged to hone their craft, regardless of skill level. And, no matter who you are, share your knowledge, talent, and skills with the world.”

Just like Debbie doesn’t believe a person’s position or skill should merit them more or less respect, she doesn’t think that art is simply for artists. The arts are for all.

“The arts are for everyone throughout their entire lives. We, as human beings, need the arts on many levels. The arts help us know we are not alone and that we share human experiences and emotions.”

Watching her students unlock their potential in music always made Debbie’s heart sing, and now she enjoys watching artisans young and old explore their artistic talents at The Artisan Shop. The Artisan Shop opened in 2021 in the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot. Be it handmade quilts, corn husk dolls, or acrylic paintings, every piece of art is made with love by a local. Some of the artwork is distinctly Kentucky-inspired, like figurines molded out of coal or signs featuring the Dairy Bar in McCreary County. Local musicians regularly perform during events on site. Sometimes, The Artisan Classroom (next door to The Artisan Shop) holds courses that teach community members how to make their own art.

Debbie is The Artisan Shop’s manager and liaison between the shop staff and the McCreary County Heritage Foundation. She is thrilled with The Artisan Shop’s mission, its positive influence, and its exponential growth.

“The Artisan Shop and The Artisan Classroom are serving this population well as a source of encouragement and pride,” she said. “An excellent group of dedicated volunteers, many of them artisans, manage the shop on a daily basis. McCreary County has many talented artists dedicated to the culture and heritage of our beautiful county. The support provided them through The Artisan Shop gives them a platform for their art and an opportunity to enjoy the artwork of others.”

On second thought, the difference between those who reach the full potential of their talent and those who don’t isn’t twofold, it’s threefold. Even by putting forth years of effort, and even with the best educator to help guide the process, there is one final, key component: sharing your art with the world.