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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 2, 2014
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Page County, VA - The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV), in partnership with community members and organizations announces the initiation of the development of the Artisan Trail Network program in Page County, VA.
The Artisans Center of Virginia, together with a management team of local artisan-related (arts & agriculture), hospitality and cultural businesses, will develop a new regional artisan trail that will highlight a wide range of visitor experience attractions in Page County.
The trail system is a public-private initiative to further strengthen the relationships and connectivity of local businesses while emphasizing unique experiences, special places and locally-made products in the area.
The trail will give visitors a comprehensive guide to local artist studios, farms & vineyards, waterman & aquaculture, arts & cultural attractions, recreational activities, shopping for locally grown and hand-crafted items, and unique lodging & restaurants.
“We are thrilled to have become part of the Artisans Trail Network. We think it will bring long-overdue attention to Page County’s thriving arts presence and the pride we have in our cultural heritage.” John Robbins, President of the Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce
Next steps include conducting a needs assessment survey of potential participating artisans and local businesses, public awareness gatherings, a process to build consensus for the Trail’s name and the development of promotional materials and activities to support the program and its participants.
"The variety and level of talent in Page County is incredible and we welcome the Artisans Trail Network as an opportunity to consolidate current efforts and help facilitate the area becoming an "Artisans Destination". Jim Mayes, Warehouse Art Gallery.
Page County Artisan Trail Management Team (in alphabetical order)
- Nancy Brady, Page Valley Arts Council & The Market Collective
- JD Cave, Page County Board & Unique Lodging Owner
- Jay Dedman, Page County Economic Development Authority & Graphic Designer
- Pam Flasch, Luray Town Council & Chamber of Commerce
- Liz Lewis, Luray Downtown Initiative
- Stephanie Lilliard, Luray/Page Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator
- Jim Mayes, Warehouse Art Gallery
- Cathie Miranda, The Potterylady
- Terry Pettit, Town Manager of Stanley
- John Robbins, President, Luray/Page County Chamber of Commerce
- Jaunita Roudabush, Assistant Town Manager of Shenandoah
- Jim Simms, Mimslyn Inn
- Sherri Smith, Artisans Center of Virginia
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MONTHLY GATHERINGS
Each month during the enrollment period the Trail's Management Team will host a public gathering for those interested in learning about the program. These informal gatherings will be held in different locations around the county. Sherri Smith, Executive Director of the Artisans Center of Virginia, will be on hand to share information on the program and answer questions. Anyone interested in learning about the Artisan Trail program is invited to attend.
Join us for an informal Lunch & Learn
- Wednesday, June 4, from 11:00 a.m - 12:30 pm (bring your lunch, your friends, your questions)
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
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GETTING STARTED
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One of three primary strategic program initiatives of the Artisans Center of Virginia, the Artisan Trail Network with its community loops are designed to attract visitors to artisan studios, agri-artisan farms and local artisan businesses (Research, based on similar artisan trails/craft related activities in Western North Carolina per a 2008 study has shown that compared to the earlier (1995) HandMade in America study, "Craft consumers reported $164.09 total craft spending at the event where they were surveyed and annual craft spending of $908.61. This is a 46% increase over the 1995 study. Craft consumers visiting the area reported spending $146.86 per day compared to $95.94 per day for the 2006 visitor. They spent a total of $642.03 on their trip to Western North Carolina, of which $245.94 was spent on craft purchases - 38.31%- and $396.09 on lodging, transportation, meals, and other purchases." CLICK HERE to review the complete study.
In addition to the craft, artist 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.
"It is with great pleasure and excitement that Page County has joined with the Artisans Center of VA to incorporate an artisans trail in our county. I am eager to get started, branding PC as an arts destination and offering exclusive marketing opportunities to our local crafters. We simply want to highlight the local talent and culture which we are so proud of and The Artisans Trail Network will undoubtedly be the perfect vehicle to do so. As well, the trail network will serve as a major connector of economic development and tourism. Page County is a wonderful place to live, work and play, while enjoying every season. This designation simply compliments the many existing reasons to experience our beautiful and welcoming county. Many thanks to our Board of Supervisors for their continued support and advocacy by investing in this opportunity promoting county wide business development and tourism." Stephanie Lilliard, Page/Luray Economic Development & Tourism
Those interested in learning more about the Artisan Trail including any interest in being a part of this program 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: CLICK HERE to participate in the Artisan Trail Network Survey
Individuals and businesses in Page County who wish to become a trail site can download the “Artisan Trail Network Participation Guidelines” explaining the participation criteria and program details by CLICKING HERE. Or, by contacting the Artisans Center of Virginia at trails@artisanscenterofvirginia.org
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ABOUT PAGE COUNTY
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CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL
In Page County you can find excitement and beauty at every level—from the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, to the celebrated Shenandoah River that bisects the county, and down to the underground mysteries of Luray Caverns. Whether you venture out into our picturesque landscape by mountain path, sidewalk, road or river, arts & cultural experiences await you amidst a wide variety of entertainment and outdoor adventure activities.
For more information on Page County CLICK HERE
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