The Holston Mountain Arts and Crafts Cooperative began in 1971 with the mission of preserving and promoting the arts and crafts heritage of our region. Now one of the oldest Cooperatives in the country, we serve that mission well, representing the creative works of over 100 local artists. Organizers Rees and Kathy Shearer and Eric Reese, supported by a group of churches and the community action agency in Washington County, Virginia, brought local craftspeople and artists together to sell their work for fair prices. Before that time, a hand-pieced quilt might sell for $25.00, an oak split basket for $10.00. Other facets of the co-op's mission were to educate the public about the value of locally-produced traditional and contemporary crafts, and to train craftspeople to produce high quality work.

The co-op’s first sale was in a booth at the first Virginia Highlands Festival Flea Market, held on the Barter Green. There they were spotted by Barter Theatre director Robert Porterfield, who recognized the great potential of the local craft movement, and offered them the use of his property, the historic Cave House, for a retail shop. Member volunteers worked for many weeks to repair and renovate the empty house. The Cave House Craft Shop opened in the fall of 1971. From this base the member-controlled cooperative has sold crafts, put on public demonstrations, offered classes, and attended craft fairs around the country.

In 2010, we will continue our mission to promote the arts and crafts of the region in a new home at 214 Park Street in Abingdon. Through a partnership between Washington County and the Town of Abingdon, we will continue in the historic Jailhouse, just a block from the Cave House. Our new home is handicapped accessible and has an extra building perfect for more exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations. We anxiously await our grand re-opening in the spring! Please watch for the date and plan to join us!