Celebrating Storytellers of Southwest Virginia: Authors Greg Lilly and Glen Thomason In the heart of Southwest Virginia, storytelling is more than just a tradition, it’s a way of life. At 'Round the Mountain Artisan Network, we’re proud to spotlight two local authors who are using the...
July Featured Artisan of the Month: Kevin Fiorini Blending Craftsmanship, Character, and Care Woodworking isn’t just a hobby for Kevin Fiorini—it’s a thread that has quietly run through the fabric of his adult life. From his roots in the mental health field and ministry to his early stint...
Meet the Newest Juried Artisans of Spring 2025 at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace Southwest Virginia has long been a wellspring of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. Each year, the ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network welcomes a new class of juried artisans, creators who carry forward...
Meet the Makers: A Celebration of Handmade Jewelry and Creative Journeys ‘Round the Mountain is proud to shine a spotlight on the artisans who pour heart, soul, and skill into their craft. We are introducing you to three talented jewelry makers whose unique paths and passions reflect the...
Featured Artisan – Kandee Wallace Russell County, VA Kandee Wallace gives back to Southwest Virginia in vibrant ways, through her whimsical art and her passion for providing opportunities for residents around the region. Wallace had an emotional response when talking about the arts community and its growth in...
Featured Artisan - Glen Thomason Washington County, Virginia Glen Thomason considers himself a storyteller but is now coming to terms with the title of author after the release of his fifth published book. Thomason’s Adventures of Duke Series features its title character based on his childhood border collie....
Featured Artisan – Aria Asbury, Washington County Aria Asbury can remember coloring cardboard boxes with Sharpie markers in her father’s office at as young as three years old. Her lifelong love and passion is now her life’s work as an art teacher and professional artist. “Art has...
Featured Artisan – July 2023 Paula Kahn, Chinquapin Designs / Washington County, VA The handcrafted items from Chinquapin Designs are much more than a single piece of jewelry; they are part of a greater mission to raise awareness of a vanishing species. As you buy products from Paula...
Featured Artisan – Nicholas Barnes Patrick County native Nicholas Barnes is carrying on his grandfather’s legacy as he molds and crafts stunning wood products. From the moment you see one of the Barnes’ creations, it is apparent how much handiwork has gone into the design and construction of...
Featured Artisan - Mary Lucy BivinsMary Lucy Bivins has been creating Fraktur since the 1970s. Fraktur, from the German lettering of the same name, is also the folk art form of manuscript illumination brought to America by the Pennsylvania German settlers. This cultural tradition, from its...