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Appalachia
Creating Conditions Favorable for Community Life
Andrew Massey to Play Intimate House Show on Nov. 15 at Grassroots Appalachia
Nov. 1, 2026
Grassroots Appalachia, which had been closed since mid-October for some essential building repairs, has reopened. Our Art Exhibit, “The Spirit of Appalachia” has been updated and expanded and will be on display through the holidays.
In celebration of Grassroots Appalachia’s reopening, Lenoir musician Andrew Massey will be playing an intimate house show on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Andrew Massey is a cofounding member of the band Sycamore Bones as well the leader of the band Andrew Massey & the Midnight Americans. He facilitates a songwriting class monthly at the Patrick Beaver Public Library in Hickory and is the current organizer of the long running Caldwell Musicians Showcase. – M. Barrick
What is Grassroots Appalachia?
Grassroots Appalachia is people. It is people that share a spirit and grit that guides them through tough times; it is also the source of creative energy and passion for beauty and bounty of the mountains in which we live. Indeed, Lenoir and the entire Western North Carolina region has an abundance of artistic and creative people. We are thrilled that we are fortunate enough to collaborate with many of them. For the people, we are an Art Gallery, Fair Trade Arts & Crafts Store and Listening and Gathering Space.
Calendar
‘Spirit of Appalachia’ Art Exhibit
Tuesday, Oct. 13 @ 7 p.m. thru Nov. 14: Art Exhibit – “The Spirit of Appalachia” Our current Art Exhibit – “The Spirit of Appalachia” – opened on Oct. 13. It runs through the holidays. While we were briefly closed for building repairs, we updated and expanded the exhibit. The purpose is to explore – and offer – what Appalachian Artisans believe are the conditions favorable for community life. It includes stunning art, fascinating history and devoted craftsmanship.
Exhibit Artisans
Painters
- Vannah Aldridge (3 works)
- Kathy Rosenberger (3 works)
- Rhonda B. Smith (7 works)
- Tonja Smith (8 works)
- Matthew Strawn (4 works)
Writers
- Alen D. Baker (3 titles)
- Michael Barrick (1 title)
- Thomas Blanton (5 titles)
- Karin Seuren Davidson (1 title)
- Tony Deal (3 titles)
- Gretchen Griffith and collaborators (8 titles)
- Lou Perez (1 title)
- Tonja Smith (2 titles – for children)
- Carol Starr (1 title)
- Lucy Wilkes (2 titles)
- Foothills Writers (2 titles)
Craftspeople
- David Anders (Fly-tying)
- Karin Davidson (Shawls, shawl pins, fingerless gloves, Goat Milk soap, pin cushions)
- Amber Shoemake (Jewelry)
- Barbara Volk (Tinctures and Ointment)
Sculptor
Joseph Bigley (4 pieces)
Woodworker
Allyn Barrick (4 tables and more)
November 18 – December 23:
Fair Trade Arts & Crafts Sale. Details to follow.
Hand-Crafted Appalachian Gifts
When you shop at our Appalachian Fair Trade Store, you are not only purchasing outstanding art and crafts made by the hands and heart, you are helping a neighbor. Virtually every item you will find here is made in Appalachia. Following is a sampling of what is in stock. Check back regularly, as we are adding hand-crafted items on a regular basis.
Listening and Gathering Space
We have room for people to gather for song circles, homeschooling, folklife workshops and community gatherings. There is no charge for use of the space. Contact us to learn more.
Contact Us
If you are a creative or performing artist, author or craftsperson and wish to utilize our space or have your creations at Grassroots Appalachia, call 828-383-4606 or email michaelbarrick56@gmail.com.
Art
Books
Gretchen Griffith books: Called to the Mountain, Dr. Jane Carswell (with Kenneth Roberts) Separated by Oceans but Connected by Love, The Physician and the Forester, and With God and My Mother’s Prayers.
FOOTHILLS WRITERS: Carol Starr, Ripples (poetry); Karin Seuren Davidson, I Walk Through Silent Woods (poetry); Lucy Wilkes, Trev Tracker and Cackle, Packle and Friends; Thomas Blanton, On the Other Hand, Sermons Preached in a Country Church, The Unintentional Gospel, Ridge Runner and Who Killed Me?; and, the Foothills Writers: Our Foothills Vol. IV and Things That Haunt Us.
Tony Deal’s modern fable, But that’s not true is available, as are his two other books, Prostate Humor and Bouquet’s Hadn’t Been Invented Yet; so is Michael Barrick’s Fractured Sanctuary.
Fiber Arts & More
Karin Davidson can generally be found here on Thursday for a few hours demonstrating her weaving skills. You can take a turn as well! She also has shawls, shawl pins, pin cushions, fingerless gloves and goat milk soap for sale.
Fishing Flies
We are pleased to now be carrying fishing flies made by David Anders.
Jewelry
Amber Shoemake offers a wide arrange of colorful and unique bracelets, earrings and necklaces. It is displayed on a Purpleheart wood table by Allyn Barrick.
Tinctures & Wood Products
More About Us
Calendar of Events
“The Spirit of Appalachia”
October 13 – November 14: Art Exhibit
Monday, Nov. 9, 6 -7:30 p.m. Andrew Massey Song Circle — This is for newcomers and veterans alike. Bring an instrument and a few songs to share. If you don’t play an instrument bring a poem. If you don’t have a poem sit and listen and ask questions. All are welcome. Hope to see you there.
Sunday, Nov. 15:, 6 p.m. Andrew Massey Intimate House Show in celebration of our reopening following building repairs.
November 18 – December 22: Fair Trade Arts & Crafts Sale
Our space is available at no charge.
Fair Trade Arts & Crafts
We offer a mix of retail products, partnering with local and regional artisans, authors and craftspeople so that Appalachians can exhibit their talents and earn money.
Our partners wish to pass on vital Appalachian traditions and folkways to subsequent generations. The intention is to create opportunities for cottage industries to emerge to the benefit of Appalachian communities.
Our space is available at no charge. We pay a 70 % commission to creators. For Christmas we will pay 75%.
Contact us if interested in displaying your hand-crafted items for sale.
Listening and Gathering Space
Our space is available at no charge.
Teachers, musicians, artists, poets, actors, potters, fiber artists, woodworkers, sculptors and others involved in the creative and performing arts are essential for a vibrant, energetic community. We are committed to helping established and emerging creative and performing artists have the listening and gathering space suited to demonstrate their talents.
Ticket/Recording Policy for Performance Arts
Consistent with our philosophy to operate as a Fair Trade venue, we do not charge for events, except in rare cases. Admission is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. We accept donations. In this way, those able and generous can help others that otherwise would not be able to enjoy our performers. We prohibit the use of recording devices unless arrangements are made in advance. This is to ensure our performers and patrons enjoy the experience without interruption, and to protect the intellectual property of the performers.
