For a lot of folks, one of Webster County's best kept secrets is the immense variety of unique products that can be found at the Addison Visitors Center and Gallery located on Main Street in Webster Springs, just a stone's throw away from the Courthouse.
Opened in May of 1995 with grant assistance, the Gallery has evolved into a self-sufficient operation, according to Gallery manager Evon Snyder. Owned by the City of Webster Springs, the Gallery was initially funded by the City, which bought the items on display and paid the payroll and other operating costs. "That was several years ago," Snyder said. Now, while some of the items are bought by the Gallery, most are consigned for sale.
"We have over 200 artisans with items here, with at least 75 percent of the items either made by West Virginians or about West Virginia," Snyder added. Snyder is one of two paid employees at the Gallery, but she credits the volunteer helpers with keeping the Gallery going.
Big sellers at the Gallery include primitives, flower arrangements, candles, books, and recently, the new addition of consigned antique furniture. Working at the Gallery is a "labor of love" for Snyder, and she credits mostly locals and some tourists with the Gallery's financial success.
In this gift giving time of year, a shopper would be hard pressed not to find an item to buy at the Gallery given its wide variety of offerings (as shown in the video accompanying this article). Yes, they even have "ramp salsa" for sale, along with everything else imaginable made with ramps.
The Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. The Gallery can be contacted at 304-847-5404.
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