Visitors will have the opportunity to meet artisans, like Christine Hilliard and Jessica Gamble, and learn how they create their handcrafts at "Artisan Days" throughout the year at Light's at Stone Mill.
ABINGDON, VA - With a combination of more than 100 years of service to the region, two of Abingdon's oldest businesses are partnering to offer residents and tourists an opportunity to step back to a time when every small town had a "general store" that merchandised a little of everything.
Light's at Stone Mill, with a 72-year history, and 41-year-old Holston Mountain Artisans will combine products, events, and their histories inside the Light's at Stone Mill location at 1080 West Main St.
Light Milling Company was started in 1940 by Roy Light. Originally a flour and feed mill located in the old Stone Mill in Abingdon, the operation was most recently relocated to its present location near Abingdon's Exit 14. With this move came an expansion of space and inventory including clothing, footwear and gift items.
Holston Mountain Artisans was founded in 1971 to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts of the region. Now one of the oldest arts and crafts cooperatives in the United States, the membership has grown to 140 members and covers a 50-mile radius of Abingdon. Once located at the Cave House Craft Shop, the artisans moved to 214 Park St., where they offer a retail store, classes, and events to showcase their members and the items they create.
With this partnership, Light's at Stone Mill will add to its inventory a combination of items found in the region's old fashioned country stores. In a room on the second level of Light's, locally handmade items will be offered by the juried members of Holston Mountain Artisans Cooperative.
Light's will continue to serve the local community as a farm and feed supply store as well as offer their lines of clothing, pet supplies and wild bird items. Likewise, Holston Mountain Artisans will continue to offer their handcrafts and events at their primary location in Abingdon. In addition to their selection of hand crafts, they will offer jams, jellies and sauces from Light's.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artisans and learn how they create their handcrafts at "Artisan Days" throughout the year at Light's at Stone Mill.
Light's at Stone Mill welcomes the opportunity to offer these artisan meetings and plan to offer a music venue also.
Light's at Stone Mill and Holston Mountain Artisans welcome visitors seven days a week at both locations.
More information can be found at their websites: www.holstonmtnarts.org and www.lightsatstonemill.com or you can call Holston Mountain Artisans Center at 276-628-7721 or Light's at Stone Mill at 276-676-1800.
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