WATCH: Warren County Artisan Trail’s first Lunch N’ Learn

FRONT ROYAL, VA – Community artisans and supporters came out today, May 3, to learn how they can participate in the newly forming Warren County Artisan Trail.

Artisan Trails is part of a Virginia Network connecting creative & agricultural artisan studios/farms, art-related venues, restaurants, unique lodging and cultural points of interest to engage communities and enhance visitor experiences.

The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV), in partnership with community members, tourism, economic development and local government representing the Town of Front Royal and Warren County are kicking off the development of the Commonwealth’s newest artisan trail.

The Warren County Artisan Trail (working title) will be the 34th artisan trail in the Commonwealth and joins other popular trails on Virginia’s Artisan Trail Network such as the Loudoun County Artisan Trail and the overlaying Virginia Oyster Trail.

The Artisan Trail will encourage visitors to discover Virginia’s four regions by connecting artist studios, galleries, local farms, wineries, craft breweries, farmers markets, distilleries, cideries, restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and other artisanal and agri-tourism based businesses.

According to Richmond based Chmura Economics and Analytics, the total economic impact of the artisan industry in Virginia in 2014 was $572.2 million, providing $15.6 million in state tax revenue for the Commonwealth, and nearly 12,000 full-time jobs were supported by artisan visitor spending. Artisan tourist spending totaled more than $250 million, with the average tourist spending $260 per person, per
trip.

“As a local Virginia Business in Warren County for 54+ years, we have seen the enchantment and charm our community has on the
guests from both here and around the globe. Witnessing first-hand the talents of our artisans, Mother Nature in her glory, smiling
faces, creative souls and the ardent fans of our homeland, has made us realize how very special we are. We open our arms, shake
your hands and encourage all to see and feel our blessings. Virginia Is For Lover’s and Warren County invites you here to enjoy our Artisan Trail!” – George McIntyre, The Apple House

“Our local creative and agricultural artisans, small businesses, and unique points of historical interest in our community make Warren County a special place to live and a great place to visit and explore. As artists and new business owners, we are excited to see the development of the Artisan Trail in Warren County.”  – Tiffany Budzisz, Art in the Valley

The trail’s local action team- made up of local artists and arts advocates, hospitality and cultural businesses, and tourism and economic development representatives- represents a public-private initiative to further strengthen the relationships and connectivity of local businesses while emphasizing unique experiences, special places and locally-made products in the region.

“On behalf of tourism for the Town and County, we are excited to see this Artisan Trail come to fruition. This trail gives us another avenue to not only entice new visitors to our area, but to also remind our locals of all that we have to offer.”  – Felicia Hart, Director – Community Development and Tourism

The Warren County Artisan Trail Management Team (in alphabetical order)

• Michael and Tiffany Budzisz, Art in the Valley
• Niki Foster Cales, Front Royal/ Warren CountyChamber of Commerce
• Alyssa Crump, Dance Educator and Arts Manager
• Kym Crump, Blue Ridge Arts Council
• Craig Laird, The Vine and Leaf and Front Royal
Independent Business Alliance (FRIBA)
• Arline Link, The Kiln Doctor
• Holly Link, The Kiln Doctor
• George McIntyre, The Apple House
• Amber Mitchell, The Apple House
• Chris Pollock, Rainbow View Cabin

The team’s next steps include identifying potential participating artisans and local businesses, public awareness gatherings, a process to build consensus for the Trail’s distinctive name and the development of promotional materials and activities to support the program and its participants.

“As a 30-year-old arts organization, dedicated to building community through the arts by providing a wide variety of visual and performance arts programming, education, and experiences, Blue Ridge Arts Council is excited to partner in this exciting new project! Blue Ridge Arts Council understands the vital impact that arts and culture have on tourism and local business. The introduction of this Artisan Trail is a positive contribution to our ever-growing community, and we look forward to showcasing the vibrant creativity of local artisans, agri-businesses, historical attractions, unique lodgings and restaurants, and recreational experiences to those at home and far away.”  – Kym Crump, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Arts Council

MONTHLY GATHERINGS
Each month during the enrollment period the Trail’s Management Team will host a public gathering for those interested in learning about the program. These informal gatherings will be held in different locations around the region. Anyone interested in learning about the Artisan Trail program is invited to attend.

WATCH: Warren County Artisan Trail’s first Lunch N’ Learn public informational gathering:

GETTING STARTED
In addition to the craft, artist and agricultural artisan businesses, supporting sites such as locally owned lodging, restaurants, and cultural points of interest are welcome to become participants on the Trail.

For information on how to become a trail site, visit www.ArtisanTrailNetwork download the “Artisan Trail Network Participation Details” explaining the participation criteria and program or contact the Artisans Center of Virginia at trails@artisanscenterofvirginia.org

About Warren County:
Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley on the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Warren County’s impressive mix of natural beauty, history, small town allure and modern convenience make it an exceptional place to visit and experience Virginia artisanry . Located at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the renowned Shenandoah River, the County offers access for boating, kayaking and canoeing adventures.

Warren is also the gateway to the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive which provides spectacular views of the
countryside, South Fork of the Shenandoah River, and George Washington National Forest. Nearby local wineries, hiking, fishing, golfing, biking and horseback riding opportunities are also abundant.

About the Artisans Center of Virginia:
The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV) develops and implements systems and strategies to improve economic outcomes for Virginia artisans and their communities while assisting them in promoting their local artisan culture. As the official state-designated non-profit dedicated to providing opportunities for Virginia Artisans (creative and agricultural) and to the benefit of the communities in which they reside, ACV is implementing a defined plan of strategic initiatives across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit ArtisansCenterofVirginia.org or follow on Twitter @ACVArtisans or @VAArtisanTrails

The state of Virginia’s “official” artisan organization, the Artisans Center of Virginia, is supported by its members and other program partners like the Virginia Tourism Corporation with additional support made possible for the Artisan Trail Network program by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and local foundations and community sponsors in regional trail jurisdictions.

What is a Creative Artisan?
A Creative Artisan creates art works that can be three-dimensional crafts which are often to be used functionally or artists who create fine craft and/or two-dimensional art pieces. Each type of Creative Artisan works with a high degree of artistry and fine craftsmanship. For
the Artisan form follows function, and the work of the Artisan speaks to the simple honesty of that paradigm. The Artisan pours himself into his art making his/her authentic works with pride, honesty, and integrity. Whether using hand tools or machines, the Creative Artisan takes no shortcuts that might compromise the quality of the work. The Artisan does not attempt to compete with the large scale manufacturer, and the amount of time taken to make a work of fine art or craft is secondary to the result.

What is an Agri-Artisan (a.k.a Agro-Artisan, Aqua-Artisan)? Agricultural-based, an Agri-Artisan relies on the natural resources of the land while reconciling a preservation of America’s past as they operate businesses such as family farms, vineyards, wineries, breweries, orchards, watermen/aqua-culture, organic farming, roadside stands, etc. Many embrace traditional farm practices, capturing a way of life
unique to the rural and agricultural communities where they reside, retaining the culture and character passed on to them by previous generations. Such enterprises produce food, fiber, unique crops or livestock, add value to traditional agricultural products, or offer recreation, education, nature or other farm based activities, such as markets and roadside stands.

Website: http://artisantrailnetwork.org/

Warren County Artisan Trail Supporters include: