When I first heard about Top Drawer Gallery in Berea, Kentucky, I imagined it to be a traditional art gallery—quiet, pristine, and filled with paintings neatly hung on the walls. I could not have been more wrong. Top Drawer is much more than a gallery; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and the spirit of Appalachia. The moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by the earthy warmth of handmade wooden furniture, ceramics that tell their own stories, and a true sense that every item has a life and history of its own.
Founded by Terry Fields in 2004, and later with the talents of Jerilu Fields, Top Drawer quickly gained a reputation for curating high-quality, beautiful, and functional pieces. Berea, known as the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky, has long been a hub of creative energy, dating back to the 1800s. Top Drawer is located in the heart of Berea’s Old Town artisan village and has been a reliable source for both artists selling their items and people in the market for handmade goods for over two decades.
However, in 2023, Terry and Jerilu began to look toward retirement, asking long-time employee Steve Johnson and his wife, Heather, if they would like to take the reins, otherwise they were likely to liquidate and close the shop. For Steve, the decision was easy. Having worked at Top Drawer since 2015 and having developed relationships with many of the artisans, he was deeply invested in preserving the gallery’s legacy. Heather, who had spent years at Berea College, had always harbored a love for design and was looking for something new.
Needing financing for the purchase, they inquired to Mountain Association for a business loan to purchase the business and the approximately 4600 square foot building it is housed in. With their tenacity, soon, the deal was done. They held a combined retirement party for Terry and Jerilu and celebration of the new ownership with the Berea community in Spring 2024.
In these first few months, together with their dog Stanley (the best and littlest shop greeter), they’ve continued to support existing Top Drawer artists while also bringing in new talent. Now, there are over 80 artists represented in their shop, many of whom are local to Berea, or the surrounding area. They have everything from sushi sets from Eliza Petzinger at Dog Hair Pottery, a Kentucky potter whose pieces each have a slightly different flair, to dulcimers handcrafted by Michaeljon Flores of Wood Creek Designs, an artist from London, KY whose work blends functionality with an artistic touch. One of the more unique offerings comes from an artist called That Kentucky Lady, who creates beautiful baskets from old kitchen utensils, like rolling pins and mixers. Steve and Heather made informational signs on each Kentucky artist to accompany their items so people can really get to know who made the products.
Although Steve and Heather have updated the logo and signage and made some cosmetic changes, the heart of Top Drawer will always remain the same. Terry and Jerilu, the original owners, designed the gallery’s interior, and Steve and Heather aim to preserve that sense of awe visitors experience when they walk through the doors. They truly believe that what sets Top Drawer apart is the connection it fosters between art, artist, and customer, and that the beauty of their gallery must be experienced in person. As such, they don’t offer online shopping, though they happily take phone orders for those who have visited the gallery and can’t stop thinking about a particular piece.
They encourage everyone to visit Berea and experience the rich arts community. They have strived to make the shop as accessible as possible, for instance, they have wooden toys front and center to keep little ones occupied. So whether you’re looking for an heirloom-quality piece of furniture, a functional work of art, or a gift with heart and character, shop by to meet Steve, Heather, and Stanley (you may even get a chance to meet Jerilui who continues to work at the shop a few days a week!).
