Artisans center is feasible study says

An artisans center is a possibility for Alleghany County, but only if an individual or an organization is willing to step forward and run it.

"The bottom line outcome of the study is that we believe having an artisans center in Alleghany County is feasible," said Leanne Murray, Alleghany Chamber of Commerce executive director, concerning the recently released study data.

The study was conducted by Kate Irwin and paid for with a portion of a $10,000 grant that was awarded to the county through Western Carolina University's Center for Regional Development.

The study was done at the behest of the chamber and the Sparta Revitalization Committee. "The chamber can't start a new business or non-profit and the SRC can't start one either," Murray said. "This study is designed as a rough outline of steps that would be needed for someone interested in making this happen." Without specific information on funding the center or knowing how it would be run, Murray said the study could only go so far in preparation.

SRC Chair Sandy Rost said she found it interesting that the study changed directions early on. "We thought it would be a cooperative, but while we had lots of artist support, they didn't feel like they could give up their time to man a co-op," Rost said.

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