HandMade in America Introduces North Carolina’s First Community Supported Art (CSA) Program
July 5, 2013
Handmade in America (HIA) Community Supported Art (CSA) program shares are for sale until the end of August. The Community Supported Art program, modeled after the popular agricultural CSA, enables shareholders to make an investment in their local craft community and receive reasonably priced, special edition crafts in return. Based on successful models elsewhere in the US, HIA’s Community Supported Art program offers shareholders six pieces of special edition art by regional craft artists for a $200 share.
Well-known Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs have become a popular way to receive fresh healthy food and support local farming. In the arts model, the objects have been crafted especially for the Handmade in America CSA program and represent a variety of craft disciplines.
“Community Supported Art is a groundbreaking idea that’s a perfect fit for Western North Carolina,” says Greg Walker Wilson, HandMade’s Interim Executive Director. “With the wealth of talent in the region, we have the opportunity to help independent artists grow their customer base and gain production skills as they recreate a single design for a number of shareholders. Shareholders bring beautiful handmade objects into their lives at an affordable price. It’s a win-win situation.”The consumers are brought further into the lives of the artist by supporting these artist’s careers and our local vibrant arts community. In addition, HIA will extend an invitation to two pick-up events this fall that will feature food and entertainment, as well as an opportunity to meet the CSA artists in person.
Each share will comprise of the following: Christopher Perryman – serving board from a mix of domestic hardwoods; Sue Grier – thrown and altered mugs with custom mixed glaze; Greg and Carla Filippelli – sculpting small, twined, open-weave garlic baskets; Suzanne Q Evon – 100% recycled, acid-etched metal pendant; Ben Elliot – hand-blown pint glass; and Mary Carol Koester – leather-bound book with blind embossed covers. Read interviews with the artists
Be on the lookout for HandMade in America at the River Arts District Second Saturday Studio Strolls and the North Asheville Tailgate market this summer! For more information about HandMade in America’s Community Supported Art program and its other programs go to handmadeinamerica.org. For any questions/image requests, contact Megan at 202.549.8277 or mkirby@handmadeinamerica.org.———–
HandMade in America grows economies through craft, transforming both individuals and communities through education, entrepreneurship and economic development. HandMade in America has a 19-year tradition for pioneering innovative ways to empower the people and towns of Western North Carolina through programs that educate and facilitate the needs of creative entrepreneurs and communities. Additional information is available online at handmadeinamerica.org or by calling 828-252-0121.