Lonnie and Twyla Money collection

The Jakob Mani (original family name) and Sussana Mani-Mati family were immigrants in the Swiss community of East Bernstadt, Laurel County, Kentucky. Emigrating from Switzerland as a master carver, Jakob Mani sons and their descendants, including his great-grandson Lonnie Money, would continue the woodworking tradition in the States. Lonnie Money, a self-taught woodworker, has continued this vocation through his folk-art. Money and his wife, Twyla Darty Money, both born in Laurel County, worked together in developing an iconic folk-art style of hand-carved and hand-painted pieces. The Moneys are known for their finely carved and whimsical depictions of domestic and wild creatures, creating wondrous pieces ranging from ornament-sized pieces to life-sized carvings. Pieces of the Moneys art are included in both the Berea College Art Collection and the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center’s Appalachian Artifacts Teaching Collection.