Housed in Heartwood are the offices of ‘Round the Mountain, which began in 2004 when former Gov. Mark Warner's Virginia Works Initiative designated funds to develop Southwest Virginia as a major cultural and heritage tourism destination and to begin an artisan and craft advocacy organization.
“'Round the Mountain has focused its efforts to ‘promote sustainable economic development of the region's communities by assisting local artisans with marketing, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities’ to quote our mission statement.
“We have reached out to our members through public-private partnerships to provide educational gatherings and round tables, e-commerce and marketing workshops, and one-on-one coaching for RTM members" (roundthemountain.org).
The results of these efforts to advocate for the artisans and their crafts are present in a walk past the displays of the works of some of the 400 artisans who are members of 'Round the Mountain.
Basket Deborah Partridge
Spoons Lonnie Lewis
The spoons were certainly interesting, but it was the table (and other tables shown below) that I wanted to know more about.
But, unfortunately, I was not able to learn the identity of the woodworker who created the tables.
Gourd Basket created by Diane Brzeski and Anna Marie Albergo
This gourd was very light and delicate.
Quilt (I believe this was entitled "Appalachian Spring.")
Margaret Gregg
Wood Carving, "Goldfinch"
John Dickens
In the center of the building was this stage. Performers and speakers would appear before small crowds (see tomorrow's entry).
Looking upward, we saw that the ceiling formed a cone and came to a point about 30 feet (my estimate) above the floor.
Confetti ScarvesKaren Simpson
These very narrow scarves were aptly named, having been made from pieces of "upcycled" men's ties.
Basket created by Jane McCall Brinkman
As with many of the creations, I was taken by the details of this basket. The photo below shows a close-up view of a portion of the basket.
Rocker Robert Bragg
We spent a lot of time admiring this beautiful rocker.
"A Very Berry (Egg) Basket" created by Connie Bundy
Basket created by Sarah MinickThis basket, which was only about three inches across the opening, had some marvelous detail work. The weaver used reeds and cane for this basket and vines and bark for the work below.
Bark BasketSarah Minick
Decorated Gourd Sue Shelor
This gourd had a leatherly appearance.
QuiltIzetta Fleming
A close-up view of the lower corner area of the photo above.Museum-quality works by southwestern Virginia artists and craft people--and they're all for sale.
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