ALONG THE WAY
In Alderson , space for artisans
Alderson Artisans Gallery Director and artist Jo Perez poses near one of her pieces . The Alderson Artisans Gallery is a cooperative of local artisans selling jewelry , paintings , photography , pottery , quilts and more .
Story and photos by Jenny Harnish
Earrings by Jo Perez on display at the Alderson Artisans Gallery .
The Alderson Artisans Gallery in the old bank building on Railroad Avenue is a bright and inviting space , filled with color and talent .
“ We sell everything that Appalachian hands can make ,” said artist and director Jo Perez .
Paintings , photography , sculptures , pottery , fabrics , leather bags , jewelry , stained glass and greeting cards are just some of the items that can be browsed in the open rooms .
The non-profit co-op was started in 2015 by Alderson Main Street on the other side of the river in a smaller space with just a handful of artists . The idea was to give local artists a place to display their work .
They ’ ve been doing so well , they moved to the larger space in October 2023 , and they have a waitlist of artists wanting to show .
26 � SOUTH � SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER ’ 24