Founded in 1971, Holston Mountain Artisans (HMA) began with a shared vision: to bring Appalachian craftspeople together, provide a place to showcase their work, and preserve the rich traditions of handmade artistry for future generations.

Our early story is closely connected to Robert Porterfield, the beloved founder of Barter Theatre and an important champion of Abingdon’s cultural community. Recognizing the value of the new artisan cooperative, Porterfield offered the historic Cave House on East Main Street as its first permanent home. In exchange for the artisans’ work repairing and maintaining the building, the cooperative was able to establish a welcoming space where handmade crafts could be displayed, sold, and demonstrated.

The Cave House became much more than a shop. It was a place where visitors could meet artisans, watch traditional skills in action, and discover the time, talent, and care behind each creation. For decades, it helped HMA build connections between makers and the community while strengthening the presence of Appalachian arts in Abingdon.

After many memorable years at the Cave House, HMA eventually moved to Park Street in 2010. There, our cooperative continued its mission of supporting local artisans, sharing regional craftsmanship, and bringing people together through handmade work. Although our location changed, our dedication to preserving Appalachian traditions never wavered.

Then, in 2025, a long-awaited chapter began: Holston Mountain Artisans came home to Main Street.

Our return to downtown Abingdon is more than a move to a larger space. It is a homecoming to the place where our story took root—a celebration of our history, our artisans, and the community that has sustained us for more than five decades. Our new location provides expanded room to showcase unique handcrafted work, offer classes, and create new opportunities for people to connect with the arts.

Today, Holston Mountain Artisans remains a member-owned cooperative built on collaboration, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the handmade. Every piece we share represents the skill and individuality of its maker and helps keep the cultural heritage of our region alive.

As we begin this next chapter on Main Street, we invite you to visit, discover the work of our talented artisans, and become part of our continuing story.

We have come home to Main Street—and we look forward to keeping Appalachian craftsmanship thriving here for generations to come.