A NOTE ABOUT EXHIBITION

Photo: Liz Moss

Dear Virginia Artisan,

The Alleghany Craft Network (A.C.N.) exhibition is an opportunity to introduce your work to a new market and network with other artisans not only in the A.C.N project but with many artisans across the commonwealth. It is also a way to measure your creativity and craftsmanship against your peers. I remember one of my professors gave me this bit of advice which was: “steal with your eyes”. The reference was not meant to encourage copyright or a theft of ideas, but we are all product of our experience. It is this experience we bring to our creative endeavors. Each person has a built in receiver that translates information gained with a unique perspective. That is what is so exciting about fine craft. Items can be functional, decorative or both and serve to enhance the quality of our lives.

The exhibition will be juried by Michael Dowell and me to ensure the high quality standards of the gallery are maintained. We hope to encourage new and old talent alike (no pun intended!) There are many established craftspeople, those who have dabbled for years, as well as emerging artisans trying to gain confidence as they achieve mastery of their craft. The important thing to remember in regard to the exhibition is… take the chance! Your effort may be rewarded with an award for Superior Craftsmanship. Not only will you gain a sense of satisfaction by seeing your work presented in a professional gallery setting but you will know that you have arrived at a point where your work is respected. Nothing to lose and everything to gain!

The exciting thing about the A.C.N. project for us at Artisans Center of Virginia is to be able to provide the opportunity to exhibit to you as an introduction to the gallery and the services we provide. We hope to be able to build a relationship with you that will help you in marketing and developing your full potential as a professional artisan and more importantly to welcome you into our extended family of Virginia’s finest craftspeople.

To ensure you work will have a chance to reach a buying audience, please use the "Exhibition" link above to download the exhibition application which is due May 15.

Elizabeth Moss
Director of Programs and Exhibitions
Artisans Center of Virginia
877-508-6069

Please direct questions pertaining to this new project to:

Stephen A. Clerico, Coordinator
Alleghany Craft Network
P.O. Box 192
Free Union, VA 22940
434-978-4109
E-mail