Local artists in all artistic disciplines and mediums are encouraged to participate in the Artisan Development Project. The Development Project was launched in 2006 to help increase the profitability of artisans across the region. It builds on ideas used in other parts of the country. The Development Project includes the Artisan Trail Guide as well as other efforts, such as a “Shop the PA Wilds” website, now in development. Future plans include regional retail facilities, gallery development and product marketing and branding.

Already, over 300 artisans in all artistic disciplines have been identified to join the Artisan Development Project. Artisan products can include: custom cabinetry, pottery, photography, woodturning, sculpture, quilting, folk music, weaving, and more. Of particular interest are items with intrinsic “Made in Pennsylvania” qualities.

Artisans who are interested in joining this network can apply in October or April. To learn more, click on the buttons below.

Tourists (and even many locals) would like to buy authentic, locally-made crafts when they visit the Pennsylvania Wilds, but where to find them?

The PA Wilds Artisan Trail Guide addresses that question. The guide highlights the location of more than two dozen stores and galleries across the 12 counties of the PA Wilds that specialize in locally-made artisan products.

Fifty thousand copies of the new guide have been published and are being distributed to artisan trail partners, visitor centers and tourism promotion agencies across the state, where tourists and residents can pick them up free of charge.