Anna Allen: Keeping Appalachian Traditions Alive

Meet Anna Allen, an artist who blends traditional cornhusk craft with her Appalachian heritage. Anna creates cornhusk dolls under the name Aw Shucks Annie Dolls. Her dolls feature vibrant colors with a special focus on witches and the magic of Halloween. She also enjoys creating dolls showing traditional Appalachian clothing and activities.  

Growing up in Ohio, Anna was surrounded by her creative and self-reliant family. Her childhood includes memories of her grandparents making their own lye soap and family gatherings filled with joyful bluegrass music. Anna collected dolls before she started making her own. One day, along with her mother and a friend, she decided to bring to life her own. She laughs now at how “ugly” her first try was. Through exploration and determination, she grew into the skilled artist she is today.  

Anna does twist up tradition by putting faces on many of her dolls.  She enjoys making witches with two or three heads. She loves knowing that her collectors put their own narratives on the dolls once they adopt them.  

“... it's an honor and a privilege to share my Appalachian roots and heritage through the creation of my cornhusk dolls.” - Anna M. Allen  

Mentions: 

• Anna singing Moonshine Ridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWXLQw7Gqjk
• Circleville, Ohio, Pumpkin Show: https://www.pumpkinshow.com/
• Halloween in July Market (Circleville, OH): https://pickaway.com/event/halloween-in-july-market-2/
• Peggie Kilgore Corn Husk Dolls (Search the internet for pictures) 

Visit Anna at: https://www.facebook.com/awshucksanniedolls and https://www.instagram.com/awshucksanniedolls/