Our market features handcrafted pottery, woodworking, organic foods, Appalachian goods, and one-of-a-kind artisan creations. Our artisan market is open year-round, with extended hours during the Farmers Market season (March–September). We prioritize sustainability and locally made goods, supporting small businesses and eco-friendly practices.
With decades of experience in watercolor, oil, and acrylic painting, Elliot “Eli” Hawthorne brings the beauty of the Appalachian landscape to life with every brushstroke. His work captures the rolling hills, quiet streams, and ever-changing skies of North Carolina, blending traditional techniques with modern expression. A passionate instructor, Eli offers workshops for all skill levels, creating a welcoming space where beginners and seasoned artists alike can explore color, texture, and technique. When he’s not teaching or painting, you’ll find him wandering the market with a sketchbook in hand, always ready to share a story and inspire creativity. Find his art in the White Pony section.
A true steward of the land, Hank Lawson has spent his life working the soil and sharing his passion for sustainable living. With deep roots in Appalachian farming, he specializes in organic vegetable growing, permaculture, and homesteading techniques that have been passed down for generations. At Level Grove Market, Hank leads hands-on workshops that teach visitors how to grow their own food, tend to backyard gardens, and cultivate a deeper connection to the land. With a wealth of knowledge and a no-nonsense, down-to-earth teaching style, he makes gardening approachable for everyone—from first-time growers to seasoned green thumbs. Whether he's leading a class, swapping tips at the Farmers Market, or tending to his own crops, Hank is always eager to share what he knows and help others embrace the rhythms of nature. Find his organic plants and bonsai trees in the Dolphin section.
With a deep respect for tradition and a passion for self-sufficient living, Lina Cho brings a wealth of knowledge to Level Grove Market. As a skilled potter, she shapes clay into timeless, functional pieces, blending Appalachian and East Asian influences in her work. Beyond the pottery wheel, Lina teaches canning, food preservation, and sustainable living practices, helping others reconnect with time-honored skills that nourish both body and soul. Her workshops offer a hands-on experience where students learn not just the craft, but the patience, care, and mindfulness that come with it. Whether she’s firing up the kiln, leading a canning class, or sharing stories about living in harmony with the land, Lina is always eager to inspire others to create, preserve, and sustain. FInd her hand-crafted pottery in the Dolphin section.
After a lifelong career in the arts, Jessica Nessbaum has found her true calling in the dance of fire and glass. A retired artist with decades of experience, she now spends her days at Level Grove Market crafting intricate stained glass designs and teaching the delicate, mesmerizing art of glassblowing. Her work is a fusion of light and color, inspired by the Appalachian landscape and the ever-changing seasons. With a patient and encouraging teaching style, Jessica guides students through the magic of shaping molten glass, helping them create everything from delicate ornaments to bold, expressive pieces. Whether she’s at the torch, leading a workshop, or chatting with visitors about the history of glass art, Jessica brings warmth, wisdom, and creativity to every interaction. Find her creations in Ladybug Corner.
As a new college graduate, Sadie Whitmore has already made a name for herself as one of Level Grove Market’s most passionate potters. Drawn to the craft for its blend of artistry and function, she creates beautifully imperfect, earth-toned ceramics inspired by the rolling hills and rivers of Appalachia. Whether she’s shaping a mug on the wheel, experimenting with new glazes, or guiding beginners through their first clay creations, Sadie brings an infectious energy to the pottery studio. She believes that pottery isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about slowing down, getting your hands dirty, and finding joy in the process. When she’s not at the wheel, you’ll find her exploring local trails, sketching new designs, or sharing her love for handmade art with visitors. Find her pottery in the White Pony Section.
With a ball of yarn and a heart full of creativity, Polly Thompson has been weaving warmth into every stitch since she was a child. Now 30, she shares her love for knitting and crocheting at Level Grove Market, teaching others how to turn simple threads into timeless handmade pieces. Whether guiding beginners through their first scarf or helping seasoned crafters master intricate patterns, Polly’s patient and encouraging teaching style makes fiber arts accessible to all. She believes that knitting and crocheting are more than just crafts—they’re a way to slow down, connect with tradition, and create something meaningful. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her designing new patterns, experimenting with natural dyes, or curled up with a cup of tea and her latest project. Find her clothing in the Froggy section.
With a passion for fresh, local ingredients and a love for Appalachian flavors, Chef Eric Gray brings years of culinary experience to Level Grove Market. A firm believer that good food should be simple, seasonal, and made with heart, Eric teaches hands-on cooking classes that range from traditional Southern recipes to farm-to-table techniques. Whether he’s leading a workshop on bread baking, perfecting cast-iron cooking, or sharing the secrets of homemade preserves, he makes the kitchen a welcoming space for all skill levels. His approach is equal parts technique and storytelling—every dish comes with a history, a lesson, and a dash of humor. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find Eric foraging for wild herbs, experimenting with new recipes, or swapping stories at the Farmers Market. Find his recipes in the Froggy section, and his mobile food truck Holler and Fork.
Megan R., Happy Guest
Set up your stall, connect with fellow creators, and watch your business flourish in our lively, artisan-focused marketplace!
