Wilkesboro Area Added to the New Blue Ridge Craft Trails

Contact: Leslie Hartley Communications Manager

828-398-9383 (mobile) [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2021

195 Hemphill Knob Road Asheville, NC 28803

(828) 298-5330

www.blueridgeheritage.com

Wilkesboro Area Added to the New Blue Ridge Craft Trails

Seven Wilkes County Artists and Galleries Featured in Curated Trail

WILKESBORO, N.C.– The arrival of spring brings a new way to explore Wilkes County in the High Country of North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Craft Trails has landed in the Wilkesboro area, highlighting seven artists and galleries.

The Blue Ridge Craft Trails is an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) and celebrates the Western North Carolina region as a vibrant center for traditional and contemporary handmade crafts through the promotion of craft artisans, arts organizations and heritage tourism.

The addition of Wilkes County to the trails is the latest step in the project which aims to increase income for craft artists and businesses, enhance cultural tourism, and improve economic opportunity for 25 Western North Carolina counties. The region-wide marketing initiative guides consumers to craft artists in their communities and aligns the marketing efforts of these craft institutions and craft businesses.

Over the next year, the Blue Ridge Craft Trails will be a system of drivable trails throughout the region featuring 200 craft sites. Also, travelers get tips on rounding out their experiences with nearby foods, breweries, distilleries, wineries, music, outdoor activities, and scenic views.

“We’re excited to have Wilkes County’s skilled artists and outstanding galleries on the trails now,” said Executive Director Angie Chandler. “The community is wonderful to work with and is a true model of what is we are developing in other counties across Western North Carolina. This is a grassroots effort, and we’re grateful for the invaluable partners making it a success.”

A suggested itinerary and the profiles of participating sites are on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails website, BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com. The itinerary recommends stops in Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro, Boomer, Traphill, and Millers Creek. Each craft site has a Blue Ridge Craft Trails logo emblem on their window or door to welcome visitors.

The seven selected artists and galleries on the trail are: Betsy Brey with Brey Quality Crafts (bark basketry and natural material creations), Mary Freas with Sunset Fiber Works (fiber art), Susan Roath (glass artistry), Taupe Gallery (hand-crafted art from Western North Carolina), Wilkes Art Gallery (exhibits plus classes), Wilkes County Hardware (1940s hardware store with handmade craft and food), and two Ben Long frescoes at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in North Wilkesboro.

Funding for the project was provided by Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority, Appalachian Regional Commission, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, designated by Congress in November 2003, works to protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of Western North Carolina for the benefit of present and future generations, and in so doing to stimulate improved economic opportunity in the region. National Heritage Areas are locally governed institutions that encourage residents, non-profit groups, government agencies, and private partners to work together in planning and implementing programs that preserve and celebrate America’s defining landscapes. The views and conclusions contained in this news release are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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