Virginia Joins American Craft Week

[Sarah EK Muse]

Virginia Joins 40 States to Celebrate American Craft Week’s Fifth Anniversary

The state of Virginia has joined the movement in a big way, with more than 15 events already planned, and many more in the works. Representatives from the Artisans Center of Virginia, ’Round the Mountain, and the Virginia Tourism Corporation are working with the national ACW committee to make Virginia’s premiere memorable.

“Crafts abound in Southwest Virginia during American Craft week!” says Diana Blackburn, executive director of `Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network. “From artisan demonstrations, craft sales, craft beer festivals, vineyard tours, wine tasting, cider making, to craft classes and festivals, there is a little something for everyone.”

 “October is a perfect time to visit Southwest Virginia,” says Blackburn. “Handmade crafts will be for sale at local festivals and shops; the fall harvest will be ripe for picking (and tasting); and the changing leaves will add to the season’s festive atmosphere.”

“The culture of the Virginia artisans inspires appreciation for its unique works while expressing a distinctive way of life,” says Sherri Smith, executive director of the Artisans Center of Virginia.  “It invokes a natural order, firmly woven into the daily fabric of an artisan’s life, embracing the familiar relationship between the acts of creating and living.”

“Virginia artisans, our partnering affiliates and Artisan Trail Network communities all across the Commonwealth are planning activities that showcase the traditional practices and creative innovations which exemplify Virginia craft.  Many private studios will be graciously opening their doors during American Craft Week, inviting visitors to personally experience the authentic relationship between “meaning” and “making” first-hand,” says Smith.

“American Craft Week has caught the imagination of so many supporters,” said Diane Sulg, founder and co-chair of the national initiative.  “With the growing appreciation of both artisan products and American-made goods, craft is highly regarded for its strong design, quality materials, expert workmanship and enduring value.” Since its inception in 2010, American Craft Week has grown from 240 to more than 1,000 participating events, all inviting the general public to enjoy a wide variety of educational, commercial, charitable and festive ways to celebrate craft.

NOT TOO LATE TO PARTICIPATE IN AMERICAN CRAFT WEEK

It’s not too late to join Virginia’s premiere of American Craft Week.  “The very essence of our event is to bring together everyone who is involved in craft, whether they make, sell, exhibit, celebrate, collect, or just plain love craft, to help put it in the national spotlight,” says Diane Sulg.  “You can design your own craft-centered event and become part of this national movement.” 

Artisans Center of Virginia Members and Program Participants CLICK ...

Here is a sampling of VIRGINIA'S American Craft Week events:

Virginia’s “Artisan Trail Network" - participating sites all across the Commonwealth

The Artisans Center of Virginia, working in public-private and cross-industry partnerships elevates the authentic work and cultural contributions of Virginia artisans through a network of connective artisan trails in communities all across the Commonwealth.   The ACV Artisan Trail Network, with its online trip-planning features, offers a one-stop online portal where you can discover and connect with Virginia craft artisans, fine artists, agricultural artisans, cultural sites, and more!  Check the website frequently for new artisan listings, their stories, activities and “Open Door Tours”, found along Virginia’s distinctive Artisan Trail Network.

Artisans Center of Virginia “Invoking Art as Business” Seminar

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Tidewater Community College Student Center, Virginia Beach

The Artisans Center of Virginia, in partnership with Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College will present a unique arts-entrepreneurial seminar designed to invoke the power of your artistic energies and motivate you to take your business endeavors to new heights. 

This is not your typical business seminar, be ready for creative engagement with time woven in for making valuable connections with other area artists and artisans. You are invited to bring one (1) piece of your work for a special Pop-Up Art Show during the seminar.  

Whether you are just starting out or are looking for a way to infuse new energy into your arts-business, this seminar is for you! 

Heartwood:  Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway, Abingdon

Heartwood is your gateway to Southwest Virginia craft, music, and local culture. Shop crafts by local artisans and the most complete collection of “The Crooked Road music”. Get a personal welcome to Southwest Virginia's heritage, craft, music, and scenic beauty. Open: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

24th Annual Civil War Re-Enactment and Living History,  Ararat

May 2014 marked the 150th year of Confederate General Jeb Stuart's passing. On Oct. 4 and 5, Laurel Hill will present the 24th Annual Civil War Encampment and Living History. Experience craft vendors, battle scenes, 1800’s ladies fashion show, historians, Saturday night dance, candlelight tour, and Sunday Morning Church.

Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, Galax 

Chestnut Creek School of the Arts is a non-profit organization in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering classes and events year-round for all ages and skill.  Youth classes and activities will be offered, as well as adult classes in traditional and contemporary arts during American Craft Week.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE VIRGINIA FEATURES DURING AMERICAN CRAFT WEEK

ABOUT AMERICAN CRAFT WEEK

The fifth annual American Craft Week will be Oct. 3-12 in cities and towns across the nation. With hundreds of diverse events at galleries, artist studios, museums, schools, as well as fairs and festivals, it is the premier public celebration of handmade craft in America. American Craft Week is a program of Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow (CRAFT), a trade association dedicated to the growth and vitality of American craft. For more information, visit http://www.Americancraftweek.com.

2014 AMERICAN CRAFT WEEK SPONSORS

 Alexander & Lehnert Fine Jewelry, American Made Show, Artisans Center of Virginia, Asheville Art in the Park, The Center for Craft Creativity & Design, City of Fargo/Moorhead, Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, The Furniture Society, Handmade in America, International Gift Exposition in the Smokies, John C. Campbell Folk School, Maine Craft Weekend, Maine Made, Mendocino County, Mountain Made, North Carolina Folklife Institute, NY Now, Mountain Made Gallery, nextdayflyers.com, Paradise City Arts Festival, Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair, River Arts District Artists, ’Round the Mountain, Southern Highland Craft Guild, SNAG, Vermont Open Studio, and Vermontvacations.com wholesalecrafts.com; Virginia Tourism Corporation.