A must stop for art lovers is the Folk Art Center in Asheville, featuring the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians. Shop the wonderful Southern Highland Craft Guild store (pic above) with a big variety of creations from hundreds of artists, browse rotating exhibitions in several galleries and watch an artist at work.
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 382 (near the US Highway 70 intersection, 8 miles from downtown Asheville), the Folk Art Center also hosts many events and has a library with many craft books and videos. Free admission!
Upstairs, see 250 works from The Guild's Permanent Collection "Craft Traditions" with crafts dating from 1850s. Adjacent, the Focus Gallery and the Main Gallery feature various artists throughout the year, so there's always something new to see.
The Folk Art Center is the most popular attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway, welcoming 250,000 visitors each year. It also houses a Parkway Store with National Park souvenirs and travel information. Just two miles south is the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center.
Hours
Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
January-March: 9 AM-5 PM
April-December: 9 AM-6 PM
Hiking
You can access the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from the parking area at the Folk Art Center. Also, they have a 1/4-mile trail that is designated as accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Allanstand Interiors features studio furniture and one-of-a-kind home accessories and artwork (pic above).
Daily Craft Demonstrations
March–December, 10 AM-4 PM daily
Members share their expertise and inspiration with visitors in the Folk Art Center lobby.
History
Chartered in 1930, the Southern Highland Craft Guild would grow to become one of the strongest craft organizations in the country. Second in age only to the Boston Society of Arts and Crafts, the Guild now represents 900+ craftspeople in 9 southeastern states. The craft shop is oldest continuously operating in the United States, dating back to 1897.
Events
Glass & Metal Day at Folk Art Center
Artists showcase the elements of metal and glass inside the Folk Art Center on Blue Ridge Parkway. Includes blacksmithing, glass blowing, knife making, bezeling, repoussé, copper etching, stained… read more
Fiber Day, Folk Art Center
Craftspeople at the Folk Art Center share their inspiration and expertise in a variety of textile arts. Saturday demos include quilting and appliqué, doll making, weaving, mixed media fiber arts,… read more
Guild Holiday Makers Sale at the Folk Art Center
,Get great deals on amazing art directly from the artists, offering over-runs, discontinued stock, and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere. And don't miss the special exhibits and main store at… read more
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
,Top art show! See and buy traditional and contemporary fine art and craft directly from members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with 200+ juried artists from mountain regions of nine states… read more
Wood Day at Folk Art Center
Join Guild woodworkers for an exciting day exploring various forms of woodcraft. Featuring the Annual Carve Off Competition. 10 AM –4 PM.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
,Meet 200 craftspeople that come together in downtown Asheville with their fine handcrafted items, while local musicians play live on the arena stage and craft educators share their knowledge.… read more
Heritage Weekend at Folk Art Center
This free festival features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight is the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday.
