Tamarak - An artisan showcase Written and Photographed by Erika Szabo
What better way to explore a state’s character, style and
culture than to shop at its most notable tourist attraction? Tamarack
- Beckley, West Virginia’s one-of-a-kind artisan showcase
- welcomes half a million visitors annually. From an aerial view,
Tamarack resembles a starburst quilt pattern, appropriate in a
state known for its tradition of quilting. On foot, it resembles
West Virginia’s rocky terrain. Tamarack offers something
fresh and different to new and seasoned visitors alike.
Take a stroll through Tamarack’s in-the-round complex and
you’ll find yourself enchanted by the dizzying array of
state-made goods. Stroll 360 degrees to see them all. Ever seen
jewelry made of cactus fly larva or trendy leather-tooled shoes
with soles made from recycled tires? How about a cedar chest carved
in the shape of an Angus bull? Your answer is as good as any.
I try to spot a find that sparks the question I love most after
returning home from vacation: Where did you get that?
Tamarack has come a long way from its origin as a premeditated
goal. After governor Gaston Caperton (now president of the College
Board in New York) spoke of a way to boost West Virginia’s
economy at his first inaugural address on January 16, 1989, the
West Virginia Legislature challenged the new Parkways Economic
Development and Tourism Authority to cultivate West Virginia’s
tourism industry, create new jobs and enhance West Virginia’s
image. That October, the Parkways Authority issued a $143 million
bond. The majority of the money was used to develop a 100-acre
tract of land alongside the Beckley rest area. The remainder went
to upgrading rest areas along the West Virginia Turnpike; the
concession revenues from these were to help fund tourism and economic
development projects.
Not until Cela Burge was hired, the director of Economic Development
and Tourism, did the idea of selling indigenous products in the
new service plazas start coming into view. During the grand opening
of the Princeton Welcome Center on October 1992, Governor Caperton
told David Dickirson, a member of the Parkways Authority’s
Board of Directors that he wanted to develop not just another
service plaza, but an artisan showcase full of music, food and
entertainment. Ideas for Tamarack were soon to be born. Though
Tamarack didn’t open until 1996, much thought and energy
was put into the construction of this artisan showcase. West Virginia’s
bold experiment was to become a success.
Thanks in part to location and being open everyday but Christmas,
Tamarack has become not just a well-known tourist attraction,
but also a major economic contributor. With over 2,800 artisans
from all fifty-five counties contributing, gross revenues have
topped $78 million while purchases for goods and services have
exceeded $65 million. Want to know why Tamarack is a cut above
the rest? As the first statewide collection of “handmade
crafts, arts and cuisine” in the United States, Tamarack
allows everyone to engage in new experiences. Watch six resident
artisans work daily in observation studios to demonstrate textiles,
glass, metal, wood and pottery. Check out Tamarack’s large
variety of juried artisan wares including apparel, wood, metal,
toys, music, books, pottery, jewelry and glass. Glimpse striking
works of art in Tamarack’s David L. Dickirson Gallery (Gallery
shows change every eight weeks and features twelve to fifteen
West Virginian artists). Enjoy a Fried Green Tomato Sandwich (Tamarack’s
specialty) at A Taste of West Virginia food court for
an affordable price. It is managed by West Virginia’s world-famous
resort in White Sulphur Springs, The Greenbrier. Discover live
music, theatre, dance and storytelling performances, as well as
West Virginia films at Tamarack’s intimate 178-seat theater,
plan group meetings at the Tamarack Conference Center, or even
attend food tastings held throughout the year.
Tamarack, named after the strong and versatile tree of the same
name, bravely calls itself “The Best of West Virginia”,
and it’s hard not to agree. The one-stop-shop for West Virginia
culture, heritage, handcrafts, fine art, regional cuisine and
music employs a thorough jurying process to ensure product quality
and authenticity. Artisans who were once selling their goods at
state fairs and county fairs didn’t have a chance to practice
their art to the degree they could. Now they make their living
by selling their wares at Tamarack where they are also trained
and educated. From their hands come beautiful examples of carvings,
weavings, jewelry making, pottery, furniture building, glass blowing
and quilt making – along with jams, spices, herbs, candy
and other edibles. These artisans offer their finest creations
to those looking for memories that will last a lifetime. Tamarack:
The Best of West Virginia has it all.
More Information: Location
1 Tamarack Park
Beckley, WV 25801
304-256-6843
1-88 TAMRACK (1-888-262-7225)
Free Admission and Parking
For more information visit www.tamarackwv.com
What’s nearby? New River Gorge National River and National Park
This scenic gorge is home to what was once the longest steel-arch
bridge in the world. Horseback ride or hike through breathtaking
views, the choice is up to you. A must-see stops for anyone looking
for natural beauty on their vacation. www.nps.gov/neri.
Erika Szabo
is a Michigan based freelance writer who has traveled all
of her life from the Pueblo, Colorado to Budapest, Hungary.
Along with her love of travel, she enjoys foreign films, sushi,
videogames, electronica and comic books. Erika writes reviews
for antimusic.com, destroythecyb.org and culturevulture.net.
You can contact her at erikatszabo@gmail.com.
