Woodcarver, dancer, playwright, and educator Jude Binder was immersed in the world of art and culture from a young age. Her early exposure to ballet, music, and theater shaped her future, setting her on a path where she would eventually inspire countless others through dance, theater, and the visual arts.

Her love of the arts was equaled by her fascination with West Virginia. The state's rugged beauty and unique culture captured her imagination, and in 1973, inspired by the back-to-the-land movement, she settled in Calhoun County. In 1982, She and partner Frank Venezia opened Heartwood in the Hills, a nonprofit arts school where Binder brought together dance, music, theater, and self-expression to empower young people. Heartwood became a transformative space where children and adults could explore their creativity and gain confidence. Binder's approach was always holistic, blending artistic education with personal growth. Her program, Movement for Health and Centering, was developed from her own experience with a serious dance injury and helped students find balance and healing through movement. Binder's projects often integrated art with social issues. One example was the 1995 Peace Festival, where students made and exchanged origami cranes with survivors of the Hiroshima bombing, using art to foster peace and understanding.

As a gifted wood carver, Binder's partnership with Parkersburg artist Norm Sartorious resulted in Autumn Hare, a carved wooden spoon that won a Governor’s Award in the West Virginia Juried Exhibition. Over the years, she earned numerous accolades, including a 2016 Governor’s Award for the Arts and a 2017-18 Master Artist Fellowship from the Tamarack Foundation for the Arts. One of her most personal and impactful projects was the film Field of Flowers, which she worked on for 11 years. It focused on the devastating effects of domestic violence, incorporating art forms like puppetry, masks, and dance to explore victims' emotions. The film premiered alongside a gallery exhibit of her own art, highlighting the intersection of visual storytelling and social justice.

Her zest for life and art comes through in her role as Charleston's "FestivALL Princess," in which she captivates festival-goers with her handmade costumes, masks, and joyful dancing. Her presence at FestivALL has become a symbol of artistic expression and community spirit.