| At a Glance
July 18-21 & October 17-20, 2013
10 AM-6 PM Thursday-Saturday
10 AM-5 PM Sunday
What: The Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands: More than 200 craftspeople fill two floors with fine handcrafted items, while local musicians play live on the arena stage, and craft educators share their knowledge.
Where: US Cellular Center (formerly the Asheville Civic Center), 87 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville
Admission: Adults $8, children under 12 free. Group discounts available
Don't miss our favorite craft show of the year. Every exhibitor is the artist (no salespersons selling someone else's art), and these artists are the finest in the South! For four days each July and October, the US Cellular Center in Asheville comes alive with fine traditional and contemporary crafts. The Fairs, a local tradition since 1948, showcase the work of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and feature craft demonstrations, regional music and entertainment.
Over 200 craftspeople fill the two levels of the Civic Center selling their works of clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry. As members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the exhibiting artists have passed a rigorous jury process to become a part of the organization. Membership is open to artists who live in the mountain counties of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and the Virginias.
While locals and visitors can find crafts at numerous galleries, the Fairs are unique in that they offer people the opportunity to connect with the artists by purchasing directly from them. The community this fosters is important to craftspeople and patrons alike. In an age of mass production and imports, the connection to fine American craft and the individual maker is more relevant than ever. The Fairs help the Southern Highland Craft Guild fulfill its mission to bring together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation.
Long known as an arts and crafts destination, Asheville offers architectural charm, eclectic restaurants and a wide variety of lodging near the Fair. Craft demonstrations are a highlight at the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. Watching and interacting with highly skilled craftspeople as they create is entertaining and educational. Throughout the show, visitors will have the opportunity to observe works by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and to learn about their inspiration and methods.
Also see the home of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, open every day with exhibits, demonstrations and a wonderful gallery shop.
See below for a list of artist demonstrations!
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