Artisans Center kicks off new artisans trail

The Artisans Center of Virginia, the state’s official craft organization dedicated to promoting Virginia artisans and their work as a viable economic and cultural industry in Virginia, announced this week the Artisan Trail Network kickoff of the Monticello Artisan Trail with two town-hall events designed to begin the enrollment period.

• Tuesday, Nov. 16, 6-8 p.m. at the King Family Vineyard in Crozet and hosted by Albemarle County
• Thursday, Nov. 18, 6-8 p.m. at the Hill Top Berry Farm & Vineyard in Nellysford and hosted by Nelson County

Trail sites along the Monticello Artisan Trail will include artisans, farms and craft venues that are members of the Artisans Center of Virginia and meet certain criteria as well as supporting trail site businesses that provide food, lodging or are a point of interest.

The Artisan Trail Network with its community loops are designed to attract visitors to artisan studios, agri-artisan farms and local craft businesses.

“The Monticello Artisan Trail is a major advance for the artisan and agri-artisan community in the rural areas of Albemarle and Nelson Counties. Our farmers and artisans who foster tourism, local culture and tradition, and sell locally grown food are important to our economic vitality and valued allies to protect our scenic views and natural resources. The work of private owners and rural businesses is essential to county goals in open space protection,” said Ann Mallek, a member of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors.

Those interested in becoming a trail site are invited to attend one of these town hall events to learn how they can participate. Individuals and businesses who wish to open their home studios and businesses to visiting tourists will receive information on local licensing and public visitation guidelines applicable to each county as well the Artisan Trail Network Tool-Kit explaining the details of becoming a destination on the trail. A special team of trail ambassadors made up of artisan and agri-artisan peers will be on hand to answer questions and assist with enrollment.