This Golden LEAF grant will provide funding to Pocosin Arts Folk School to create a Craft Metals Business Incubator with an emphasis on ‘up-cycling’ locally available materials into original artwork. Participants in the incubator program will develop both their craft skills and business skills. The College of the Albemarle School of Professional Crafts and the East Carolina University School of Art and Design will provide studio support, teachers, and advisors. Member sites of the Historic Albemarle Trail will contract with incubator participants to create metal charms for sale in gifts shops and take advantage of visitors’ interest in purchasing locally made products. In the short term, the project expects to train twelve artists and create on-line markets for them to sell their products resulting in new business creation and employment for the region.
