Traditional Culture

Crafting ‘’Round the Mountain’ in Southwest Virginia

‘Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Crafting ‘’Round the Mountain’ in Southwest Virginia
Master instrument-maker Randal Eller working in his workshop in Chilhowie, Smyth County, Va. Courtesy of Randal Eller
Lorraine Ferrier
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Since 2005, the nonprofit organization ’Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network has been supporting and preserving the region’s craft heritage. It works with farmers, artisans, and craft venues across 19 counties.

“’Round the Mountain was built on a vision to connect artisans and communities,” Kim Davis, executive director of ‘Round the Mountain (RtM) and Friends of Southwest Virginia, said in a press release. “Twenty years later, it is inspiring to see how artisans have not only preserved traditions but also created new opportunities that fuel our economy and enrich our culture.”

Lorraine Ferrier
Lorraine Ferrier
Author
Lorraine Ferrier writes about fine arts and craftsmanship for The Epoch Times. She focuses on artists and artisans, primarily in North America and Europe, who imbue their works with beauty and traditional values. She's especially interested in giving a voice to the rare and lesser-known arts and crafts, in the hope that we can preserve our traditional art heritage. She lives and writes in a London suburb, in England.