Education Program Expansion

Abingdon, Va. (October 25, 2011) – ’Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Network recently received funding from the Virginia Tobacco Commission and the Appalachian Regional Commission to expand its educational programming to benefit both members and the Southwest Virginia artisan community.

The educational programming will provide the artisan community opportunities to improve their entrepreneurial and craft skills as well as highlight teaching opportunities for ‘Round the Mountain artisans in the service area.

A major function of the Education Coordinator will be collaboration with organizations whose educational missions and goals are similar to that of 'Round the Mountain, such as The Crooked Road, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Statewide Partners Program, the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center’s Cultural Heritage Project and the local community and 4-year colleges. “We’re very pleased to be able to add this very important component to 'Round the Mountain’s offerings. Neva will be vital in developing our educational plan and working with the local and regional arts and educational entities to offer the artisan community the education opportunities they are looking for,” said Diana Blackburn, executive director, 'Round the Mountain.

Neva Bryan, of St. Paul, Va., has been named education coordinator for 'Round the Mountain and will develop and manage the planning and execution of the educational programming.

Bryan's experience ranges from program development to public relations and joins the 'Round the Mountain team with a M.A. in Professional Writing from Chatham University.

About 'Round the Mountain

'Round the Mountain is a non-profit organization created in 2004 to develop an artisan initiative in Southwest Virginia to continue developing the region as a major cultural and heritage destination. The organization works to promote sustainable economic development of the region by aiding local artisans with marketing, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. 'Round the Mountain represents the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties as well as the cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton and Radford.