No Images? Click here VIRGINIA'S MIDDLE PENINSULA CREATES ARTISAN TRAIL TO ENGAGE VISITORSFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2017 For more information contact:
(CLICK HERE to download a print version of this announcement) Middle Peninsula of Virginia: The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV), in partnership with community members, local tourism and economic development representing the Middle Peninsula counties of Mathews, Middlesex, Gloucester and Essex, Virginia are kicking off the development of the Commonwealth’s newest artisan trail. "Virginia's Middle Peninsula is a coastal hideaway begging to be explored, and a true haven for artists. I am thrilled to be sharing our artisan traditions and creativity through the Artisan Trail network!" Pam Doss, Executive Director at the Bay School Community Arts Center in Mathews The Artisan Trail will encourage visitors to discover the four counties 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 visitor spending totaled more than $250 million, with the average visitor spending $260 per person, per trip. “Capitalizing on a community’s unique assets is crucial to its overall economic vitality,” said Jenny Crittenden, Executive Director of the Main Street Preservation Trust. “With a statewide focus on the creation of wine trails, history trails, oyster trails and now artisan trails, it gives us a chance to highlight how the arts are woven into our community. We are thrilled to partner to showcase the talent of our local artisans while inviting others to experience the Gloucester Village and all it has to offer.” The Middle Peninsula’s Artisan Trail will be the 32nd artisan trail in the Commonwealth and joins other popular trails on Virginia’s Artisan Trail Network such as the Northern Neck Artisan Trail and overlaying Virginia Oyster Trail. "We are so excited to be a part of VA's Middle Peninsula Artisan Trail! Our region is home to some incredibly talented individuals. This regional cooperation is sure to increase exposure of these talented artisans and promote all they have to offer to both residents and visitors alike, to the Middle Peninsula." Jonathan Putt, Executive Director, Mathews County Visitor and Information Center The management team, made up of local artisan-related (arts and agriculture), hospitality and cultural businesses, 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. The Middle Peninsula Artisan Trail Management Team (in alphabetical order)
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. “I see the Artisan Trail as a powerful marketing tool for organizations like the Tappahannock Artists Guild. However, it should also provide a wonderful opportunity for all of us to share resources throughout the Middle Peninsula, enhancing the quality of life for those who live here while attracting visitors to our beautiful, historic region.” Frank Rixey, Tappahannock Artists Guild. JOIN US for the First Artisan Trail Lunch & Learn!
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. JOIN US FOR THE FIRST ARTISAN TRAIL LUNCH & LEARN
Bring your lunch, your friends and our questions! ABOUT VIRGINIA'S MIDDLE PENINSULA Virginia’s Middle Peninsula offers an unforgettable natural experience along our creeks, rivers and bays. Experience our time-honored history and traditions up-close and personal and find something for everyone - nature lovers, artists, history buffs, boaters, and wanderers alike. All enjoy breathtaking vistas and the simple pleasures of nature that river country has to offer. 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 ArtisanTrailNetwork.org 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 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. |