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The dust has settled and every piece is in place. It took a year, more than 2 million dollars, and 100 artists to polish this one of a kind mountain gem.
The idea came from a non profit group and an Asheville builder. Together, they have created a mountain dream house designed to showcase and help market local crafts. The spec home is a 2 story, 4 bedroom showplace tucked in an Asheville development called The Ramble. It’s a collaborative project between builder Biltmore Farms and artists’ promoter HandMade In America.
“We’re building an economy on something we already do right and well. And something we’re really strong in. And our job really at HandMade is we’re providing the tools and strategies, the resources, the markets that support crafts people to do what they do, ” says Geraldine Plato, Executive Director of HandMade In America.
Biltmore Farms offered artists the canvas or blank walls in this case, to show off their work. Sculptor Julia Burr explains, “This partnership, what they’ve offered it’s a fabulous opportunity. It’s also fun, because here we are in western North Carolina doing something that I think hasn’t been done anywhere in the United States.”
The Parade of Homes has decorated builder Biltmore Farms with awards for innovation, craftsmanship and green building. “We wanted to build our credibility and start the handmade projects in the small towns in and around western North Carolina and show them how they can live and survive on their own,” says Jack Cecil, President of Biltmore Farms.
The local economy may be the biggest winner from the partnership. The home and furnishings are on display for all to see. “Even though I knew it was going to be something special, to come in here, now and see all the work, it’s just spectacular. It exceeds any expectations I had for the project,” says woodworker Ronno Cooke. His original design walnut slab coffee table graces the living room.
Some of the artists’ works like the fireplace mantle and bathroom sink are built in and come with the house. Potential homeowners have the option to purchase other furnishings.
In nearby Marshall, HandMade In America is helping rejuvenate the town.
Artist and investor Rob Pulleyn bought and renovated the old Marshall High School. “The locals here have watched this town go down for about 50 years. And each year one more business closes. I think it had hit bottom before people from the outside saw this sweet community and started to buy buildings.”
Today, the area has become an artists’ haven. The old school became Marshall High Studios.
Pulleyn says, “It was not necessarily a conscience goal, but it has allowed people to start small business which in our case is crafts and the arts. It’s a sense an entrepreneurial incubator.”
Jobs are scare in this area, but the mountain views and support from HandMade in America through Appalachian Women Entrepreneurs lured jewelry designer Deb Karash to the studios. “I sell my work all over the county. So I can make it anywhere. But being here in North Carolina the arts are so important here. It’s one of the few places in the country where there’s arts tourism,” says Karash.
HandMade in America wants rural areas and their artists to cash in on the opportunities through community and economic development. Long-time Marshall resident Jerry Plemmons adds, “HandMade has been great in the revitalization of the whole crafts industry in western North Carolina. I think the locals have certainly embraced that because it focuses a very positive energy on the utilitarian crafts the vibrancy of the arts community.”
“What I like are the changes are taking place within the historic cultures that have been here, 100 years or more and yet we see new people moving in,” says David Quinn, who coordinates the small Towns Program for the HandMade mission. “Keeping that character. That is so vital. For people who have been coming, they want the real thing. Small towns, that’s where it’s happening.”
Thanks to the non profit’s efforts, small towns and small business owners in western North Carolina are finding a way to survive, promoting craft and culture. Cecil adds this tip for other small communities. “Look around; look at your own community. Look at the strengths in your community. Once you discover those. You can build a project around what’s local, the modern word is sustainable. (And create) indigenous, place based economic development.”
HandMade in America
P.O. Box 2089
Asheville, NC 28802
Phone 828-252-0121
Fax 828-252-0388
info@handmadeinamerica.org
Interview with Desmond Suarez & Ronno Cooke
An interview with Becky Anderson