See the works of Virginia artisans on the “Artisan Trail” during October

Governor Terry McAuliffe has proclaimed that October is Virginia Artisan Month, a time to showcase the culture of the Virginia artisan, which inspires appreciative audiences for its unique work and distinctive way of life.

“Artisans play a key role in our Commonwealth’s economy,” says Governor McAuliffe. “Virginia’s artisan industry creates jobs, enriches civic life, drives tourism, and helps so many people all across our state stay in touch with what it has always meant to be a Virginian.”

Virginia currently hosts 27 community-connected and developing artisan trails representing 39 counties and 12 cities across the Commonwealth that are strengthening the economy through a connective community Artisan Trail Network. Virginia’s artisan industry comprises an estimated 4,500 businesses, such as individual studios, farms, aquaculture, art venues, and market venues.

Virginia Artisan Month will kick off with American Craft Week, a well-established, national event, celebrating the tradition of American craft in artists’ studios, galleries, museums, schools, and festivals.  This year’s official celebration will be Oct. 2 - 11, during which hundreds of diverse events will occur throughout the country.

The state of Virginia has joined the movement in a big way, with more than 38 events already planned, including numerous events at Virginia’s artisan trails and galleries.

“From the “Top of Virginia” through the Shenandoah Valley to the western tip of Southwest Virginia, across the Bay Bridge to the Eastern Shore and all points in-between, Virginia Artisans, both creative and agricultural, are positively impacting their communities through creative, collaborative place-making… collectively establishing Virginia as the nation’s destination for distinctive hand-crafted goods,” says Artisans Center of Virginia Executive Director Sherri Smith. 

For more information on Virginia Artisans and their activities, visit:  http://www.artisanscenterofvirginia.org or go to http://www.roundthemountain.org.

For more information on Virginia’s Artisan Trail Network, visit: http://www.artisantrailnetwork.org.

For more information on American Craft Week, visit: http://www.americancraftweek.com.