Kyle Green | The Roanoke Times

Occupation: Owns the Front Porch Gallery, a frame shop and art studio where Gayheart's breathtakingly detailed pencil portraits are on display and for sale.

Bio: An untrained artist who drew pictures as a hobby, Gayheart began drawing portraits of rural life in the 1970s. His early prints became popular sellers, allowing him to open a gallery upon his retirement from a men's clothing store in Galax.

A fine guitarist, singer and songwriter, Gayheart plays in the band Alternate Roots and is a former member of the Highlanders. Music infuses his artwork. He has drawn dozens of portraits of the biggest names in bluegrass. He has done commissioned work for Merlefest and the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, and his prints are highly sought at fiddlers conventions and music festivals.

Favorite artists: Carter Family, Jimmy Rodgers, Tim O'Brien, Mountain Heart

Quote: "Music is a big part of the way of life here. So many people I know play music or just enjoy it."

	Kyle Green | The Roanoke Times

Occupation: Apprentice to instrument maker Gerald Anderson at Wayne Henderson's shop in Grayson County.

Bio: Strickland was 9 years old when his father traded a pocketknife for a mandolin. He took lessons from Wesley Easter in Cana and proved to be a fast learner. Strickland nabbed top all-around performer honors at the Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax last year, winning the mandolin category along the way. In April, he won the mandolin competition at Merlefest in North Wilkesboro, N.C., a title that earned him a flashy new Gibson mandolin.

Favorite artists: Chris Thile, Adam Steffey, Sam Bush

Quote: "Daddy had some cousins who played music. Sandy Bunker played in the Southern Breeze band which won Galax a few times. But my mom listens to oldies stuff, so I have a pretty big love for that. I try to incorporate that rock ’n’ roll mix into my mandolin playing. It creates a neat little sound."