If you’ve begun to gift shop for loved ones this holiday season and are stumped or wanting something different, look no further! With the help of this guide, consider supporting the arts while also providing unique and meaningful artisan gifts by buying from an Appalachian artist! Note that the following list is nowhere near comprehensive, and there are hosts of talented artists from our region to support. Look to your local communities and find a talent to support if you can, but if not, feel free to use this list!
Mary Stitches
For the fiber art fiend amongst your friends/family, look no further than Mary Stitches’ embroidery work inspired by the natural beauty of our region!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/maryestitches/?etsrc=sdt
Rosalie Haizlett, Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains: An Artist’s Journey
For the art and literature lover in your life, consider Haizlett’s Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains!
“Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains features artist Rosalie Haizlett’s hand-drawn exploration of the region’s smallest creatures and plants–a celebration of biodiversity and an invitation to slow down and appreciate nature’s hidden wonders. It’s also an adventure travel story, the result of Haizlett’s journey throughout the Appalachian peaks, trails, and rivers from Alabama to Maine to Canada. Along the way, Haizlett looks closely at the earth, discovering luna moths, earthstar mushrooms, pickerel frogs, showy orchids, and more.”
https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/tiny-worlds-of-the-appalachian-mountains-an-artists-journey
Michael France, BrassOtterStudio
If you’re looking to provide your utilitarian loved one with practical tools and functional trinkets from traditional materials like leather, fabric, metals and wood, check out BrassOtterStudio! Featured products: Leather Foraging Hip Pouch, Decorative Copper Box, Canvas and Copper Folding Pouch, Otter Pouch.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/brassotterstudio/?etsrc=sdt
Laurel Ridge Studios
For a one of a kind, practical gift, check out Laurel Ridge Studios! Based in Southwest Virginia, Erin Simons crafts traditional Appalachian whisks and brooms by hand with a non-electric process using natural materials (most of which are found in the woods behind her studio).
Moonbow Artworks
For more beautiful art to share with a loved one this season, check out MOONbow ARTworks, based out of and inspired by Southwest Virginia!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MOONbowARTworks?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
Bellafina Chocolates
Satisfy a loved one’s sweet tooth with a box of truffles catered to a holiday, occasion, or even featuring the artwork of young artists! Additionally, 100% of profits are donated to children’s charities.The Bellafina team is almost entirely staffed by volunteers, plus the positions they created to help struggling women.
Greater Westmoreland Arts Coalition Art Trail
For a variety of artists, artisans, and resources, check out GWAC’s Art Trail featuring illustrators, media producers, sign engravers, architects, culinary artists, art educators, quilters, jewelry makers, florists, musicians, and so much more!
https://gwacoalition.org/artists/
Logan Schmitt
Wheeling, West Virginia based artist Logan Schmitt offers perfect illustrated prints and graphic-shirts for the music and nature lover in your life.
https://www.loganschmitt.com/shop
Berea College Student Crafts
If you’re looking for more artisanal crafts, don’t miss the opportunity to support a cultural heritage program by Berea College! Students are given the opportunity to connect to a folk craft and learn its practice, and the finished products are collected and sold by Log House Craft gallery.
https://www.bcloghousecrafts.com/student-craft
Survivor’s Journey – WNC Strong
Faustine McDonald, owner of Survivor’s Journey, is selling a special West North Carolina Strong collection of tees, hoodies, and sweaters this season, with all profits going directly to a non-profit in Jackson County, NC.
WV Mine Wars Museum Merchandise
Support the incredible WV Mine Wars Museum in Matewan and gift the Appalachian history buff in your circle some West Virginian and union made goods! We specifically love the Original Redneck Bandana, with hand drawn designs based on photographs of an actual bandana carried into the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain.
Turtle Farm Pottery
Support the Red River Gorge artists and crafters at Turtle Farm Pottery this season by getting a handmade ceramic for your loved one! The folks at Turtle Farm offer a plethora of products, and their attention to detail is unbeatable.
What artisan gifts did we miss?
We know there are thousands of talented artists, artisans, and crafters creating incredible work across the region. Share your favorite Appalachia gifts on our social media post below so we can add them to future gift guides, and be sure to share this post to spread the love for Appalachian arts.