About Us

The HeART of Nelson Artisan Market opened its door at 611 Front St, Lovingston, Virginia in Dec, 2020. Yes, in the middle of the Covid Pandemic. But it actually had its birth a year earlier when a group of local talented artisans met to brainstorm a way to bring the diverse artists together, under one roof, to better serve the local community and also the growing tourist trade. We held a Holiday Arts Market at the county’s community center, The Nelson Center. Success was found in bringing more artists together! More local markets were to follow when the pandemic struck so we were put on hold for quite a while. Not to be deterred, one of our fearless leaders was Randi Brown, a silver smith and jewelry maker. She had her eye on a small retail space in the Village of Lovingston, the sleepy County Seat of Nelson County. It was undergoing extensive repair and renovations at the time so we waited as it slowly approached the finish line. Seven of the original artisans agreed to take the plunge and open the brick and mortar shop together as a collective. We are forever grateful to Randi for her vision and undying determination. She was battling breast cancer through it all and we sadly lost her in Jan 2023. In her memory we vowed to push forward and make this little local shop thrive and that we have done.  The collective has grown to 15 artisan members, selling local crafts, fine arts, handmade gifts, jams and honey products, coffee roasted right down the street and more. We love the natural surroundings of the Eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge and strive to be a sustainable locally sourced eco-friendly business in this quaint vintage, but growing, Village. Come for a visit! You won’t be disappointed!