ABINGDON, Va. (Wednesday, November 3, 2021) – The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center is hosting a special Made in SWVA event next Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The special event will feature over 17 local and regional artisans from the ‘Round the Mountain organization. The artisans will give live demonstrations of their work throughout the Cultural Center galleries. This family friendly event will give visitors an opportunity to not only learn how our Southwest Virginia artisans create their work, but also give the opportunity to engage with the artisans.
“‘Round the Mountain is an artisan and craft advocacy organization that focuses its efforts to promote sustainable economic development of the region’s communities through artisan development and entrepreneurship,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia and ‘Round the Mountain organization. “Next weekend is going to be a special event, as we bring together some of the best artisans from the entire Southwest Virginia region.Visitors will have the opportunity to learn directly from the artisans, and watch as they create their craft.”
Current artisans demonstrating at the event include
Michael Ashbrook, (Big Stone Gap) Woodworking
Charlie & Izetta Fleming, (Clintwood) Jewelry
Glen Thomason, (Abingdon) Author
Pat Phillips, (St. Paul) Photography
Barbara Holbrook, (Castlewood) Fiber
Amanda Griffin, (Galax) Jewelry
Lewis Roberts, (Jonesville) Woodworking
Jennifer Newcomb, (Blacksburg) Fiber
Ellen Reynolds, (Wytheville) Lotions & Body Care
Martha Biggar, (Draper) Glass Jewelry
Maurice VanHook, (Big Stone Gap) Woodworking
Bill & Carol Crump, (Abingdon) Media Media & Woodworking
Margaret Rich, (Honaker) Fiber
Daniel Scott, (Marion) Woodworking
John Alexander, (Independence) Broom Maker
Dorita Reyen, (Hillsville) Fiber
Kevin Forrester, (Wytheville) Woodworking
Rick Harmon, (Abingdon) Paintings
Visitors will also be able to begin their holiday shopping experience with unique handcrafted artwork with the option of gift wrapping! The cafe at the Cultural Center will also open for the event with a menu of items of both holiday and cultural themed foods from Southwest Virginia.
More information and updates about this event can be found on Facebook.
About the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation and Friends of Southwest Virginia:
The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation is the coordinating body for cultural heritage tourism and economic development efforts fostering Southwest Virginia’s creative economy. Through a supporting nonprofit, the Friends of Southwest Virginia, the combined entities help localities, businesses, individuals, artists, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs mobilize and succeed. A multifaceted plan identifies the cultural and natural assets of the region; coordinates initiatives, organizations, and venues engaged in cultural and natural heritage toward more efficient operations for all partner organizations; and develops a comprehensive strategy and capital improvements plan to maximize the impact of state investments in this significant restructuring effort. For more information about the Friends of Southwest Virginia, visit FriendsofSWVA.org.
