Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
Authors Marie Mitchell and Rebecca Mitchell Turney to Sign Book at Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea

On Saturday, Dec.11, sisters and authors Marie Mitchell and Rebecca Mitchell Turney will sign copies of their new book, “Tis a Gift” from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

“Tis a Gift,” is the second in a series by the authors that introduces to young readers some very strong, resourceful young girls and boys who are placed in historically accurate Kentucky settings. Their books offer a way of helping young readers relate to problems and appreciate their rich cultural heritage. “Tis a Gift” is about 10-year -old Tad Johnson, who struggles with the challenges of growing up in Shaker Village in 1837.  Turney states, “Young readers may be surprised that Tad is dealing with the same issues they face today - bullying, not fitting in, finding the right way to describe how you feel - those problems haven’t changes a lot in 180 years.”

Both authors say that they have wanted to be writers since they were young girls growing up in Iowa. They were both voracious readers and for 30 years they have both pursued careers as journalists. Marie Mitchell has co-authored two books with her husband Mason Smith. She teaches public speaking at Eastern Kentucky University, writes a feature column for the Richmond Register, parents four active children, and plays dulcimer with the Madison County Dulcimers.

Rebecca Mitchell Turney has focused on news and non-fiction in her career as a public broadcasting producer and print feature writer. She also plays Appalachian folk instruments, quilts and tends an herb garden in northern Kentucky.

The authors have also developed an educational packet that accompanies the book to illustrate how “Tis a Gift” can be used in Kentucky classrooms. “We cover a lot of across-the-curriculum topics, including journaling, music, dance, bullying and daring to be different,” Mitchell said.

Books by Marie Mitchell and Rebecca Mitchell Turney are regularly available at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, located at 975 Walnut Meadow Road just off I-75 at exit 77 (Berea). The center’s exhibits, shopping and travel information areas are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the café is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The center currently features works by more than 650 artisans from 100 counties across the Commonwealth. For information call 859-985-5448 or visit the center’s website at www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.