| serving the artisans of the 18 counties of the yadkin river watershed region.

Based in Elkin, this initiative will serve a broad regional community of makers across North Carolina—including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Davie, Davidson, Forsyth, Iredell, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties—as well as neighboring counties in Virginia, including Carroll, Grayson, and Patrick.

| our mission, purpose, & plan

  • To support, promote, and connect fine craft artists of the Yadkin River watershed by providing access, visibility, and opportunities that honor tradition while advancing contemporary practice.

  • The Foothills Craft Center exists to create a sustainable and inclusive home for fine craft in our region—one that lowers barriers, expands visibility, and equips artists with the tools, community, and resources needed to thrive in today’s evolving marketplace.

    We aim to:

    • Increase year-round visibility through a centralized artist registry and digital platforms

    • Provide pathways to exhibitions, representation, and professional growth

    • Foster community by connecting artists to one another and to the public

    • Support both emerging and established makers through education, collaboration, and shared resources

  • We begin with what matters most:

    The Artists.

    Phase 1: Build the Foundation

    • Establish the Foothills Arts Center as a developing school of fine craft instruction. To date, we’ve launched fine craft semesters in clay, violin-making, and traditional woodworking, with glassblowing and metalsmithing currently in development.

    • Establish a tiered membership model that supports both emerging and established artists.

    • Open membership registration to create a comprehensive searchable regional artist directory. (Spring 2026)

    Phase 2: Activate the Center

    • Craft Center launch at the Foothills Arts Center. (Fall 2026)

    Phase 3: Grow Visibility & Opportunity

    • Establish semi-annual craft fair schedule. (2027)

    • Develop an annual studio tour. (2028)

    • Build an online arts marketplace to support year-round sales and exposure. (2029)

    Phase 4: Establish Regional Identity

    • Develop the Yadkin Valley Craft Trail connecting studios, galleries, and cultural sites. (2030)

    • Position the region as a recognized destination for fine craft, rooted in both heritage and innovation.

| membership options

    • Members must reside in—or operate a studio within—the 18-county Yadkin River Watershed region, including Carroll, Patrick, and Grayson counties in Virginia, and Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties in North Carolina.

    • The digital application form is completed as part of the registration checkout process.

    • Memberships are valid for one year, beginning on the official opening date of the craft center.

    • Members are expected to uphold professional standards of craftsmanship and presentation.

    • Members are expected to support and promote the mission and integrity of the Foothills Craft Center through their work and within their communities.

  • Open Enrollment

    For emerging, part-time, non-juried artists seeking connection, visibility, and growth opportunities.

    Benefits:

    • Artist profile in the Foothills online registry.

    • Access to workshops and networking events.

    • Eligible for member pop-ups and community shows.

    • Eligible for educational or studio support scholarships.

    • Early access to juried membership opportunities.

    Annual Dues: $25

  • Juried Review Upon Submission

    For established makers seeking representation, exhibitions, and promotion.

    Benefits:

    • All Emerging Member benefits.

    • Eligible for exhibitions, craft gallery representation, and (future) e-commerce features.

    • Access to cooperative marketing and photography support.

    • Eligible for scholarships with a focus on new series development, expansion, experimentation or instruction development.

    • Participation in advisory committees and jurying committees.

    Annual Dues: $45

    Jury Process:
    Review is based on craftsmanship, consistency, and professionalism.

    If you are creating cohesive bodies of quality work and actively market yourself as an artist through a website or designated artist social media site, this is the membership tier for you.

  • Invitation Only

    Invitational Members represent the highest level of craftsmanship and achievement within the Foothills Craft Center community.

    This complimentary membership is extended to artists whose work demonstrates exceptional quality, a strong and recognizable voice, and meaningful contribution to their field. These artists often bring regional or national recognition, a sustained record of professional accomplishment, and a commitment to advancing both tradition and innovation in fine craft.

    In addition to Established Member benefits, Invitational Master Members may receive featured promotion, priority exhibition opportunities, and invitations to participate in leadership, mentorship, and program development.

    Invitational Members help set the standard for excellence and serve as ambassadors for the Foothills Craft Center and the broader creative community of the Yadkin Valley.

    If you believe yourself to fall within this tier, you may complete registration within this category.

    When submitting your images via email, please also attach your artistCV.

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