Asheville is known for a quite it’s ability to create. Whether that’s music, craft beer, or works of art, the creative minds that reside in this mountain city have helped make it one of the most popular places to visit in the Appalachians. If you want to experience the best of not only Asheville’s handiwork but most of the Southeast’s as well, then a trip to the Southern Highland Craft Guild is in order.
The Southern Highland Craft Guild: What to Do and See
What originally found its roots in a missionary’s work in the 1890s has blossomed into a thriving center for arts and crafts in the Southeast. The Craft Guild, located at the Folk Art Center, comprises multiple shops and centers throughout the area and is home to an impressive display of exhibitions, galleries, events, and more.
Exhibitions
Wood, metal, paper, or clay – no matter what it’s made of, it’s represented among the craftsmanship at the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The Guild is home to the Main Gallery Exhibition, the Focus Gallery Exhibitions, the Permanent Collection Library, and the Robert W. Gray Library Collection. These displays and collections feature beautiful works of art, past and present. On display at the Main Gallery Collection from Aug. 13 – Nov. 6, 2016 is “Fellowship,” an exhibit that features collaborations between artists. Both the Permanent Collection Library and the Robert W. Gray Library Collection honor the history of craftspeople in the Appalachians; the former with works of art spanning nearly 150 years, and the latter with over thousands of research materials.
Shops
The Allanstand Craft Shop, Southern Highland Craft Gallery, Guild Crafts, and Parkway Craft Center are all part of the Guild. The Allanstand Craft Shop is the birthplace of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, and according to the website, the oldest continuous craft shop in the nation! The other shops are located in or around Asheville. Addresses and hours can be found online.
Fairs
The 69th annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands comes to Asheville twice a year, with the Fall edition scheduled for Oct. 20-23, 2016. Held at the U.S. Cellular Center, the Craft Fair is a celebration of the work from some of the finest artisans of the Southeast. Visit the website for more information!
Visiting
The Folk Art Center is open year round, closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, according to the website. Admission is free. The Southern Craft Guild is located in the Folk Art Center at Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC 28805. For more information, call (828) 298-7928, or visit the Guild online.
Craft an Unforgettable Appalachian Getaway When You Stay at The Esmeralda
Less than an hour south of Asheville (and surrounded by the same mountain beauty) is The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant in Chimney Rock. Enjoy the same inspirational scenery that helps drive the region’s arts and crafts when you stay with us. Our spacious rooms and excellent amenities make for the perfect setting to enjoy the peace of Western North Carolina. Whether you’re exploring Asheville, visiting the Biltmore, or spending a day on Lake Lure, The Esmeralda is the best place to come back to. Download our free Chimney Rock vacation guide, then call us at (888) 897-2999 to book your stay with us today.