Minnie Adkins (folk artist)

Minnie Adkins was born Minnie Woolridge in Isonville, Kentucky in 1934. Growing up in Rural Kentucky, she was surrounded by men who carried on the tradition of wood carving. After her father noticed her curiosity, he gave her a pocket knife and she was hooked, venturing into what was then a strictly male pastime.

After first carving slingshots, she discovered that she could also carve roosters from the same forked branches. Thus began a love for carving animals of all kinds. Bears, foxes, families of possums, tigers, just about every animal that roams the barnyards or woods of Kentucky (and some that don't roam anywhere at all) have been recreated in wood by the talented Minnie Adkins.

Minnie first came to the attention of collectors when she commissioned some pieces for sale in a Morehead City gallery in 1984. Success quickly followed. She has received many awards and recognitions. She is now considered in top 5 of Kentucky's folk artists.