COOKEVILLE – The state of Tennessee tourism department has compiled a list of “made in Tennessee” shopping experiences ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and that list made mention of one Cookeville-based vendor.
Artist Brad Sells, a full-time wood sculptor, was one of seven highlighted in the news release issued Thursday, which urged shoppers to visit sites like Opry Mills in Nashville and Sevierville’s Tanger Outlets and spend money with local vendors like Colonel Littleton’s leather goods in Lynnville and Edwards Shoes in Nashville.
Sells was listed in the Cyber Monday category; three others were named there as destinations for “family treasures that are made in Tennessee.”
“Click away to Cookeville to find woodcarver Brad Sells and his exquisitely-crafted furniture,” the release says. “Textures, tones and balance transform sculptural treasures to functional pieces. From buffet tables to dining chairs and coffee tables, give someone on your list a made in Tennessee homey touch.”
He was the only Upper Cumberland vendor mentioned.
Sells’ work has been represented in museums, public installations and private collections nationwide. He’s also the proprietor of Bark Studio in Cookeville since 1999. The UCBJ featured him back in 2005. Read his Q-and-A here.
