Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
Thomas Freese to Sign New Book “Fog Swirler” at Kentucky Artisan Center

On Friday, October 20, author Thomas Freese of Louisville, will sign his book “Ghost Stories from Pleasant Hill, Kentucky” and his newly published work “Fog Swirler” from 11:00 – 3:00 at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

In 1990, Thomas Freese was looking to relocate from New Mexico. He traveled east to visit friends, and visited Shakertown at Pleasant Hill. After this visit, Thomas became intrigued by both Shakertown and the lives and accomplishments of the Shakers who had lived there. The following year, he moved to Lexington and in 1996, become one of the Pleasant Hill Singers. While learning and performing Shaker music, he often heard his new friends speak of their Shaker experiences which included some odd occurrences.

Those who work or visit Pleasant Hill have discovered that some Shaker spirits seem to have perhaps returned. Thomas spent the summer of 1998 taking notes and collecting accounts of unusual events that became his book “Ghosts Stories from Pleasant Hill, Kentucky.” Included in this volume are reports of mysterious singing, phantom footsteps, appearances or disappearances of Shaker-garbed people, invisible helping hands, and the sights and sounds of worship at odd hours. His new book “Fog Swirler” makes a fine companion volume to his earlier book adding new ghost stories from his repertoire.

Thomas Freese has written since 1998 for the Chevy Chaser and Southsider Magazine in Lexington, KY. He writes both features articles and a monthly column titled ”Day Trips” based on his travels throughout Kentucky and the surrounding states where he finds intriguing places and people.

Thomas Freese has a wide range of arts experiences and holds a Master’s Degree in Expressive Therapies. His experiences in writing, his arts background, his teaching and study of healing all makes their way into his original and diverse storytelling. He is a board member of the Kentucky Storytellers Association.

Books and tapes by Thomas Freese are regularly available at the Kentucky Artisan Center, located just off Interstate 75 at exit 77 (Berea). The Center’s exhibits, shopping, and travel information areas are all open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the café from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Center currently features works by more than 650 artisans from all across the Commonwealth. For more information call 859-985-5448 or visit the Center’s web site at www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov 

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Commerce Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.