Around The Cracker Barrel - Nan Clarke and The GVR Artisans Shop - The Gem Worth Exploring! (Aired 11/21/2025)

This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley sits down with Nan Clarke, Director of Publicity for the GVR Artisan Shop, to highlight one of Green Valley’s most vibrant creative hubs. Nan shares the rich history of the shop—originally known as La Tienda—which became an official GVR club back in 1981 and has since grown to nearly 70 members. Located in the inner courtyard of the West Center, the shop serves as the premier retail outlet for GVR artists, offering everything from pottery and fused glass to woodworking, textiles, fine art, and an impressive array of handcrafted jewelry.Nan walks listeners through the shop’s unique vetting process, the benefits of membership, and the recent expansion that doubled the floor space to make room for even more handcrafted treasures. She also explains that while artists must be GVR members, the shop itself is always open to the public, making it a beloved spot for shoppers seeking quality, locally made pieces.A major focus of the episode is Novemberfest, the shop’s two-day holiday art festival happening this weekend at the West Center Auditorium. Featuring about two dozen artists, Novemberfest includes live meet-and-greet opportunities with creators, a huge bake sale, raffle prizes donated by artisans, and a popular “Last Chance Table” filled with deeply discounted, retired pieces. With rain in the forecast, Nan reassures listeners that everything is indoors—warm, dry, and perfect for early holiday shopping.Nan also shares her own creative journey—from stained glass to lapidary (cut short by her aversion to open flames!)—before landing on her 25-year passion: making lightweight, beautifully sealed jewelry using hand-rolled paper beads. Her work is featured in multiple outlets, including Tubac and Tohono Chul, and under her brand Barefoot BOOTIQUE at many local festivals.The episode wraps with a look at the shop’s future, including new double doors planned to improve visibility and foot traffic, plus a reminder about navigating Tour de Tucson road closures during the festival. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, stunning local art, or simply a fun outing at the West Center, Nan and Guy make it clear—the GVR Artisan Shop is a gem worth exploring.