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Artisans Center of Virginia a treasure trove of creative work in Waynesboro. Date published: 5/3/2007 By Rob Hedelt WAYNESBORO-- What's inside is not Poke your nose in the door of this six-year-old, nonprofit institution created to "raise awareness of craft and its contribution to the culture of Virginia" and you see a spot alive with 3D art from the Virginia's best artisans and craftsmen. Large pieces of wooden furniture, brightly burnished desks and cabinets from the exquisite to the whimsical, border rows Wistful creations and shapes of ceramics, metal and more make you reconsider the boundaries of physics. There are baskets, quilts, instruments, briefcases, hats, jackets, plates, vases, pocketbooks, wall hangings, cabinets, necklaces, wind chimes. They join art created from paper, gourds and more by artisans from Wytheville to Montross. The best part of all this, for those who take a shine to a piece of art is that most of it here is for sale. Sometimes, even pieces that are part of special exhibitions. "Of course, you couldn't take a piece like that home until its exhibition was finished," said ACV executive director Michael B. Dowell. "Otherwise, it would end earlier than scheduled." The nonprofit ACV, now in a space roughly the size of a good-sized clothing store, grew out of an effort initiated by the state in the late '80s. The effort's focus was simple: find ways for the government and artisans groups to enhance the state's rich craft industry. The effort went through different incarnations before The Artisans Center of Virginia was created in the late '90s, soon getting that official designation from the state. Today, it has roughly 400 members, the lion's share of them juried craftsmen in different fields. Patrons, collectors, novice craftsmen and others can join as well. The ACV does research and collects data about artisans and spots where crafts are sold, offers classes for the public and artisans, provides educational exhibitions and operates the retail sales gallery for "quality Virginia craft." The gallery at the ACV site has a symbiotic relationship with its members.
Date published: 5/3/2007
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