A missionary named Frances Goodrich traveled to the region and, finding herself in an impoverished but unique culture, set out to “bring about what’s missing.” She engaged the community by using sewing, mending and most significantly weaving. The origins of the Guild date back to 1895, when the Industrial Revolution disrupted the farming economy of the Appalachians, resulting in widespread poverty. What started as a way to bring together the area’s creativity and arts while boosting income - during the Great Depression the Guild cultivated commerce for craftspeople in the Appalachian region - has become an iconic fixture of the craft revival movement. Since 1930, the Guild has exhibited the handmade crafts of the people of North Carolina and the Southeast, and today is one of the strongest craft organizations in the country, representing just over 800 makers in 293 counties from nine states. HISTORY For nearly 90 years, the Southern Highland Craft Guild has been shaping the creative economy. Through our retail locations, demonstrations, craft fairs, and special events, we promote the purpose and appreciation of our makers and their craft. We educate the region and arts community on the importance of craft and its ability to impact the local creative economy. Since 1930 we have served as a visionary advocate to help generations value the design and function of traditional and modern crafts. The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an advocate for high quality craftsmanship and goods made, sold, and curated in the Southern Highlands. We are invested in helping members achieve their goals and providing them with the resources to refine and sell their craft. With a creative community of juried members spanning over nine states, the Southern Highland Craft Guild fosters opportunities for makers to build, market, and maintain their creative livelihood through continuing education, retail outlets, and mentorship. Cultivating the crafts and makers of the Southern Highlands for the purpose of shared resources, education, marketing, and conservation.
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