Ceramic, enamel, glass, metal, leather, wood, natural and organic materials, paper and jewelry: the Virginia State Parks system is looking for new Virginia artists and artisans to feature in the Natural Bridge State Park Artisan Center. Matted and framed art and photographs, and value-added edibles will also be considered.
Register by Dec. 15 and entries will be juried Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 when artists will set-up their work on an assigned day between 8 and 10 a.m. presenting it until between 3 to 5 p.m. Artisans may display up to 10 items and are encouraged to bring promotional materials or brochures that describe the work.
The center currently sells the hand-crafted work of 27 artists exemplifying Virginia and the region.
“Our goal is to offer the work of 50 to 60 of the finest Virginia artists as part of our mission to introduce our visitors to Virginia’s diverse and interesting culture,” Jones said.
“Since assuming management of Natural Bridge in September 2016, we’ve been dedicated to representing the culture and history of Rockbridge County and the entire region,” said Park Manager Jim Jones. “We will now be able to showcase even more outstanding Virginia artists.”
To register, artists should send their name, type of artwork (medium), contact information (phone, email, mailing address) and preferred jury date to NaturalBridge@dcr.virginia.gov or to P.O. Box 57, Natural Bridge, VA 24578.
Space is limited, and registrations cannot be accepted on the jury day.
Items must be handmade without the use of kits, commercial molds or manufactured primary components.
Agricultural products including herbs, jams, jellies and other food products may be considered, but vendors must have a valid Virginia Health Department Inspection Certificate and on hand at the time of the jury session.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information or to receive an application, call 540-291-1323.