Grassroots Appalachia is our effort at creating conditions favorable for community life by:

Social Enterprise

We operate by the Social Enterprise model, meaning simply that we measure success by the impact that we and our partners have upon people, communities and the earth that sustains us. Naturally, we need revenues to exceed expenditures to sustain ourselves; yet, our ultimate “bottom line” measurement is evidence of improved lives for those people and communities we work alongside. To accomplish our mission, we sell Appalachian Fair Trade Arts & Crafts and provide gathering space. Additional details are below.

Fair Trade Arts & Crafts

We offer a mix of retail products, partnering with local and regional artisans, authors and craftspeople so that Appalachians can exhibit their talents and earn money. Our partners wish to pass on vital Appalachian traditions and folkways to subsequent generations. The intention is to create opportunities for cottage industries to emerge to the benefit of Appalachian communities.

Listening and Gathering Space

Teachers, musicians, artists, poets, actors, potters, fiber artists, woodworkers, sculptors and others involved in the creative and performing arts are essential for a vibrant, energetic community. We are committed to helping established and emerging artists to move towards establishing their own cottage industries.

We operate out of Lenoir, N.C. Learn more here.