SWVA Artisan Conference kicks off in Abingdon

ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL)—After nearly a year of planning, the ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network is presenting the Southwest Virginia Artisan Conference Thursday through Saturday.

Artisans from the area will showcase their work, participate in discussions with other artists and possibly make professional connections. The conference also offers various workshops for artists to engage in. According to a release, the following workshops will be offered:

• Using Your Cell Phone to Elevate Your Craft Product Photography
• How to Sell with Your Brand Story
• Galleries & Exhibitions: Knowing Your Audience and Your Voice
• The Art of Social Media
• Wholesale From Stressed to Success
• Tax Help for Creatives
• Crafting Confidence: Strategies for Artists and Makers
• Sales and Customer Service for Creative Introverts

The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace, located at 1 Heartwood Circle, Abingdon, VA, is hosting the conference. Tickets must be purchased to attend the conference. A full schedule of events and tickets are available for purchase here .

“We are honored to host the Southwest Virginia Artisan Conference,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network. “We feel incredibly fortunate to reside in a region steeped in the rich heritage of Appalachian craftsmanship, and we take immense pride in celebrating it.

Johnson City’s Jason Flack will be Friday’s keynote speaker, who will talk about art in Appalachia and the importance of local artists.

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