The U.S. craft industry—a collection of small businesses with a large network
of guilds, membership organizations, schools, suppliers, shops, galleries,
and publications—is growing into a vibrant economic sector.
| Craft is defined as a "(three dimensional) object made primarily
by hand in Appalachia, distinguished by the materials used in their creation.
These objects can be contemporary, traditional and/or decorative."
(Source: HandMade in America) |
Personal income and national revenue from craft are
substantial. National craft sales are approximately $13 billion a year.
And the median household income of full-time craftspeople is $50,000 a year—26
percent above the national median of $39,657, according to a 2001 national
economic impact study of 80,000 craftspeople, conducted by the Craft Organization
Directors Association.
A demographic profile revealed that 79 percent of craftspeople work in a
studio located on or in their residential property. In addition, 64 percent
of craftspeople worked alone in a studio, 18 percent with a partner or family
member, and 16 percent with paid employees. Moreover, craftspeople with paid
employees have three times the household income and ten times the sales and
revenue of those that work alone.
Craft Income Comparisons By State
| State |
Median
Household Income |
Median Craft
Household Income |
| Alabama |
$35,478 |
N/A |
| Georgia |
$39,003 |
$60,000 |
| Kentucky |
$35,226 |
$45,000 |
| Maryland |
$50,630 |
$75,000 |
| Mississippi |
$30,628 |
N/A |
| New York |
$38,479 |
$58,450 |
| North Carolina |
$37,057 |
$42,000 |
| Ohio |
$38,970 |
$50,000 |
| Pennsylvania |
$38,938 |
$52,000 |
| South Carolina |
$35,376 |
$53,000 |
| Tennessee |
$34,393 |
$48,000 |
| Virginia |
$44,844 |
$55,000 |
| West Virginia |
$28,420 |
$40,000 |
| National Average |
$39,657 |
$50,000 |
Source: The CODA Survey: The Impact of Crafts on the National Economy
ARC states have a unique role in the craft industry. Appalachians
developed functional crafts to serve the needs of frontier settlers, and continued
developing crafts through the Industrial Revolution to the first Arts and
Craft Movement of the early 1900s, to World War I and II, and to the second
Craft Movement of the 50s and 60s.
Several ARC states have begun to recognize and document the affect of this
"invisible industry." In 1996, an economic impact study of craft in Western
North Carolina, conducted by HandMade In America (located in Asheville, North
Carolina), found that craft contributed $122 million annually to the Region's
economy. In 1993, Kentucky conducted an economic impact study that tracked sales
in the state, wholesale figures, reinvestment in the community, and other revenue
generators. The University of Kentucky is updating these figures, with the decade
of comparison due out in late 2003.
Other states, such as West Virginia and Pennsylvania, have long recognized
craft's connection to tourism—they established craft shops at strategic locations
on the interstate highway system.
Appalachia is a leader in producing handmade goods. Appalachia housed
the earliest guilds, craft organizations, and artisan schools in the nation.
The Region's industrial base in paper, furniture, wood, fibers/textiles, and
ceramics all grew from handmade efforts. And the region's natural beauty and
wealth of raw materials offer a setting craftspeople need to create and thrive.
Schools of craft in the Region are expanding. Appalachia's community
colleges and independent craft schools draw many people seeking careers in the
handmade industry. Appalachia already has an educational foundation on which
the craft industry can grow and thrive. Kentucky and Ohio are creating schools
of craft that will include business and marketing courses as part of their regular
curriculum.
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Who Buys Locally Made Craft?
"History and Parks" tourists devote time to planning trips
and enjoy exploring scenery, contemplating a sense of place, and photographing
the experience. These tourists visit gardens, historic sites and museums,
and state and national parks, in addition to buying crafts, postcards, collectibles,
local food, and books about the area and its history. And they particularly
like to display crafts in their homes.
Craft buyers in urban destinations are typically "Ethnic, Arts
and People" travelers who tour ethnic communities, enjoy community festivals,
attend concerts and theatre, visit art galleries and museums, and interact
with local residents. These tourists prefer to buy ethnic crafts, folk art,
designer craft, jewelry, and traditional crafts of the region—many of which
can be used or displayed at home.
Source: North Central Regional Extension Publications, in cooperation
with the US Department of Agriculture.
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Tourism Development
State Tourism Contacts
Economic Effects of Tourism in Appalachia
Key Trends Affecting Tourism
Profiles of Potential Target Markets
Growing Appalachian Economies Through Craft
Report on Tourism and Craft
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