Guest Columnists

Frank X. Walker, author of four books of poetry, is a founding member of the Affrilachian Poets, is currently writer in residence at Northern Kentucky University and has lectured, read, exhibited and conducted workshops in places including New York..

Rex Bowman, born in the mountains of southwest Virginia, is a two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and author of two books. He has worked as a reporter for newspapers in California, Maryland and Virginia.

Gerry Bishop retired to central Virginia from the National Wildlife Federation, where he was editorial director of children's publications and, for 20 years, editor-in-chief of Ranger Rick magazine.

Art Menius, director of Appalshop in Whitesburg, Ky., was marketing and sponsorship director for N.C.’s MerleFest for 10 years. His career spans music, writing and research...

The West Virginia native, two-time Grammy winner and two-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year makes music that unites country, bluegrass, Celtic and folk with a dedication to activism...