The Shadow
The Artisans Center of Virginia in Waynesboro has announced that it will assist with the development of its artisan trail network program in Virginia’s Western Highlands.
The region incudes Alleghany County, Bath County, Craig County and Highland County).
The artisan trail project is being undertaken in partnership with the Virginia’s Western Highlands Tourism Council.
“This is going to be a process and it’s going to take us about a year to roll it out,” said Teresa Hammond, executive director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
The project is being hailed as means of boosting the region’s economy by bring an increased awareness of the arts.
“There is no denying the excitement that pervades a community where the arts are thriving. The artisan trail lights the way,” said Helen Kostel of the Clifton Forge School of the Arts.
Work on the Virginia’s Western Highlands’ Artisan Trail is being funded, in part, by grants provided by The Alleghany Foundation and Virginia Tourism Corporation.
“The artisans trail project seeks to implement a proven rural development method for increasing economic development through networking, jointly branding and supporting cottage craft and agri-tourism enterprises in the region. It is exciting to see the partners in Virginia’s Western Highlands working together to enhance opportunities for local entrepreneurs and to further grow and diversify our region’s economy,” said Mary Fant Donnan, executive director of The Alleghany Foundation.
The ACV Artisan Trail Network establishes community loops to attract visitors to artisan studios, agri-artisan farms and local craft businesses.
Research, based on similar trails in western North Carolina, has shown that 97 percent of travelers make a purchase somewhere along the trail. In addition, artisan studios and farms showed an increase of 23 percent in sales, while craft shops and galleries reported a 28 percent increase in revenue.
Artisans and business owners in Bath and Highland counties are hoping for similar results.
“As an artist and shop owner in Highland, I am excited about the additional exposure the artisan’s trail will bring to local artists and shops like Ginseng Mountain Farm and Store, where local and regional crafts and farm products can be purchased by visitors and local citizens,” said Debra Ellington, artist and owner of Ginseng Mountain Store in Highland County.
“I am thrilled Bath County has the opportunity to become a part of the artisan’s trail. As co-manager of the Bath County Farmers Market, I have had the good fortune to become acquainted with many of Bath County’s finest artisans. Our Saturday market is frequented by many tourists who have often asked how to reach our artisans during the week. This trail should help give them that additional exposure they so well deserve,” said Mary Hodges, co-manager of the Bath County Farmers Market.
In addition to the craft and agricultural artisan businesses, supporting sites such as locally owned lodging, restaurants and cultural points of interest are welcome to become participants on the trail, Hammond said.
“Those interested are invited to complete the artisan trail network survey as a means to determine interest and to create a baseline of information for assessing the success of the program over time,” she said.
The survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ACVArtisanTrailNetworkSurvey.
The project is also being used as a means for boosting tourism in the region and attracting outside dollars.
“The artisan trail is another great building block for tourism in our region. Creating more reasons for people to visit our county is very beneficial to our economic growth,” said David Blanchard, Highland County supervisor and furniture maker.
Individuals and businesses in the Virginia’s Western Highlands region can request an “Artisan Trail Network Tool-Kit” explaining the participation criteria and program details by contacting the Artisans Center of Virginia at trails@artisanscenterofvirginia.org or visiting the website at www.ArtisanTrailNetwork.com.
“This is fantastic. I have visited artisan trails in North Carolina and West Virginia and have found them to provide the cooperation to create a sense of community in blending the arts with the cultural heritage and history of an area. I look forward to visiting our Western Highlands Artisan Trail and am delighted that the Western Highlands Travel Council effort has the much-needed momentum,” said Claire Collins, a Bath County supervisor who represents the Cedar Creek District.
“I feel like our art community is the hidden jewel of the Highlands. On our own we are attracting tourists, but an artisan’s trail gives us the opportunity to share our landscape, and our craft, with a broader audience,” said Tate Swecker, lampwork glass artist and owner of Mariah Boone Jewelry.
Hammond said Virginia’s Western Highlands offers visitors an opportunity to engage in a wide variety of outdoor activities at attractions such as the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Lake Moomaw and Douthat State Park. Douthat was recently recognized by the Outside Family Vacation Guide as one of the nation’s top 10 parks.
“Like so many people I first learned about the Virginia’s Western Highlands because of an art related event … loved driving up and delivering for fellow artists because of the beauty – particularly the oh-so-paintable skies. I came back and stayed because of the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center with its wonderful exhibits, classes, shop and volunteers … Now I am constantly delighted by the growing opportunities to help others find the same trail to explore an artisan’s trail seems like a great match,” said Nancy Newhard-Farrar, executive director of the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center in Clifton Forge.
The Western Highlands is located within a day’s drive of most of the Eastern Seaboard and the Midwest.
With nearly 500,000 acres of land in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the region is a center for outdoor recreational opportunities.
“I think the artisan’s trail is a great idea that would showcase many things that the area has to offer … so many unique things from hunting, fishing and hiking to grass fed beef, pumpkins, Christmas trees and even a few quaint bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals … somewhat hidden from the rest of the world,” said Sue S. Bostic of Joe’s Trees in Craig County.
“All forms of the arts continue to attract a wide range of the population; therefore, promoting our region’s artistic talents could supplement our current assets of hiking, hunting and biking and generate a new kind of visitor,” said Richard Flora, Craig County administrator.
In 1997 the Artisans Center of Virginia was incorporated, and on June 11, 2000, it was designated to the public as the “Official State Artisans Center.” Service to the entire state and its artisan community has been at the forefront of planning and programming. ACV realizes that in order to best serve Virginia’s artisans it needs to attract the public and provide sustainable economic opportunities to developing craft businesses while working to train tomorrow’s artisans and keep the culture of handmade fine Virginia craft alive and thriving. ACV accomplishes these goals through the synergistic development of its artisan trail network, studio school and retail alliance programs.
“We are thrilled that the trail will lead more visitors to the work of gifted artisans and artists … The trail has the potential to dramatically increase the viability of handmade excellence and its accessibility to visitors,” said Anita Back, artist and owner of The Gallery at Seven Oaks and Alix McGraw, artist, jeweler, owner McGraw Minerals.
The economic impact and benefits of the artisan trail network, ACV Studio School and retail alliance programs are intended to:
– Provide additional economic opportunities and revenue stimulating programs for the region.
– Preserve and promote the region’s culture, heritage and traditions.
– Establish the foundation for regional cooperation within the artisan community.
– Increase economic expenditures in the region
– Increase visitation to the region’s other artisan venues and tourism offerings
– Provide business development (increased production, profits and new artist businesses) within the region
– Stimulate a job creation and the development of “next generation” artisans.
The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV) supports and promotes the culture of Virginia artisans through education, entrepreneurship, research, galleries and exhibitions. The center believes that quality, handmade craft strengthens the cultural, educational and economic vitality of local communities.
“An Artisan creates objects of three dimensional craft, often to be used functionally, but always with a high degree of artistry and fine craftsmanship. For the artisan form follows function, and the work of the artisan speaks to the simple honesty of that paradigm. The Artisan pours himself into his craft, making his quality objects with pride, honesty, and integrity. Whether using hand tools or machines, the artisan takes no shortcuts that might compromise the quality of the work. The artisan does not attempt to compete with the large scale manufacturer, and the amount of time taken to make a work of fine craft is secondary to the result. That the goal of the artisan to achieve heirloom quality is an unspoken assumption,” said Andrew Pitts, a fine woodworker.
“The artisan’s trail concept is a great way to introduce the public to seldom seen but fundamental crafts like blacksmithing. When people see a simple piece of metal forged, shaped, and beat into a functional tool like an axe head, trivet, or just a simple nail it helps them appreciate the skills involved in creating the many things we take for granted today. And when a scrap of metal is turned into an ornamental piece like a cross, a heart or a flower it creates a direct connection between the arts and crafts that the artisan’s trail helps to promote,”said Glen Bryant, blacksmith, at Fire and Light Gallery in Clifton Forge.
The Artisans Center of Virginia is registered with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P. O. Box 1163, Richmond, Va. 23209. You can write to the state agency for all relevant financial statements and procedures regarding the solicitation of contributions. For more information on ACV visit ArtisansCenterofVirginia.org, or contact: Sherri Smith, director, at info@artisanscenterofvirg-inia.org. The mailing address is Artisans Center of Virginia, P.O. Box 452, Waynesboro, Va. 22980.
