Blue Ridge Country....

MountainMade: Shop W.Va Arts in Historic New Shops

Since opening for business in late-2000, the MountainMade concept has been so successful that they recently expanded to a second retail location. Located in Thomas, West Virginia, MountainMade features original handmade art and fine crafts created by in-state artists and offered for sale online, through a seasonal catalog, and, now, at two retail locations.

The new Country Store is situated on Front Street in the historic coal mining town of Thomas, which is convenient to Canaan Valley and Blackwater Canyon.

“Folks who visit this area are always looking for unique souvenirs to take home,” says Pamela Grandstaff, executive director of MountainMade.

A new Country Store is located in the renovated Peacock Building, which has served as residential apartments, saloons, and mercantile operations. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features original cast iron balconies and decorative brick work.

The new location is an ideal complement to the MountainMade’s Artisan Gallery nearby. Located in a former coal company-owned store, this large gallery features an expanded collection of MountainMade wares, including handmade furniture, sculpture, stained glass, quilts, and more.

One of the many unique things about the MountainMade concept is that artist’s works are bought outright, rather than on consignment. This accelerates the economic impact for individual artists, helping them to develop their craft and businesses without needing to wait for a consignment piece to sell.

For more information: www.mountainmade.com and www.virtualcountrystore.com, or call (877) MTN MADE or (304) 463-3355.