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Calling all Appalachian Hand Craft Artisans

By Amy AtwoodPosted January 08, 2017

 

One visit to Natural Bridge State Park and you know it is not something you will soon forget and if you want to share the experience, now you can do that through art that is connected to the park.

I am so intrigued by people with an artistic ability. Unlike the talented artisans, I am one who draws unrecognizable stick figures. So I always take notice of the work done by people with these abilities.

You can imagine how excited I was to learn that Natural Bridge State Park is looking for traditional Appalachian hand crafts to be sold in the Natural Bridge State Park Artisan Center of Virginia State Parks. 

Artwork is sold by consignment at Natural Bridge State Park

Art pieces often tell a story

Artwork for sale at Natural Bridge State ParkArtwork from around the state will be on consignment 

Soon you will be able to find gifts in craft mediums such as clay, enamel, glass, metal, leather, wood, natural/organic materials, paper, and jewelry. Matted and framed art/photographs may also be available.

There will also be "Green crafts" as Virginia State Parks encourages green craft items using sustainable green or recycled materials and ecofriendly.

Any vendor with agricultural products (herbs, jams/jellies, and other food products) must maintain a valid Virginia Health Department Inspection Certificate.

Calling all Appalachian Hand Craft Artisans

If you are an artist and are interested in selling your work through Natural Bridge State Park here is a little information that you need. The crafts will be juried with sessions held January 19-20, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. 

Sessions will be held at the Rockbridge Center in the park. An appointment may be scheduled by contacting Natural Bridge State Park at (540) 291-1331 or email here. Walk-in vendors will be considered after scheduled appointments, and only if time permits. 

For more details about the craft standards and what we are looking for click here (PDF). Appalachian hand crafts will be sold on consignment at Natural Bridge State Park.

Natural Bridge State Park
6477 South Lee Highway
Natural Bridge, VA 24578

For general information and directions to Natural Bridge State Park visit our website here.

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

COMMENTS

Virginia State Parks (January 10, 2017 03:10:47 PM): Jean - Contact the park by phone or email.

Jean Kimble (January 10, 2017 03:08:04 PM): I have been a professional artist for over 30 years, and exhibited in some of the most prestigious, juried wildlife art shows on the east coast. I am interested in this, as I live in the Shenandoah Valley now. Some of my work pertains to scenes along Skyline Drive, and Virginia birds, as I am a life-long VA resident. What would I need to bring in order to be juried? I have both a facebook art page, and a website that contains my work. Also, what is your commission rate?

Nancy Heltman (January 10, 2017 01:22:20 PM): Kathy Sue - Yes. If you look at the jury guidelines, you will notice that our mission factors in. " at least one of the following: relate to the park and/or surrounding area, be native to Virginia - especially pertains to items that represent or contain flora and fauna - or reflect the theme of the park." As an example, we wouldn't consider a beach scene. I'm sure you would qualify in the other areas. Call or email the park and discuss with them.

Kathy Sue Hudson (January 10, 2017 11:30:46 AM): I am a long time menber of the Artisans center of Va. with Professional juried status since 1997.would i still have to jury?

Virginia State Parks (January 09, 2017 08:36:09 PM): Consignment. Please follow instructions in the article to make contact for an appointment.

John Alexander (January 09, 2017 06:28:09 PM): I would like to jury my items on January 20. I would be able to arrive by 11:00 or after.

We have handcrafted Appalachian brooms, baskets, and walking sticks since the 1970s. We also provide demonstrations and workshops.

Question : Do you purchase at wholesale or is this a consignment shop?

We have done both.

John Alexander
276 768 0458

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