Hurricane Helene had a heartbreaking impact on our team at the Folk Art Center of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Two of our beloved employees lost their homes and are facing unimaginable challenges as they begin to rebuild their lives. Others on our team have suffered severe damages and losses as well. Please consider helping us reach our goal to aid these members of our team in their recovery.
With a creative community of juried members spanning over nine states, the Southern Highland Craft Guild fosters opportunities for makers to build, market, and maintain their creative livelihood through continuing education, retail outlets, and mentorship. We are invested in helping members achieve their goals and providing them with the resources to refine and sell their craft. The Southern Highland Craft Guild is headquartered at the Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway..
SHOP OUR FINE CRAFT COLLECTION ONLINE
Impacting the
Creative Community
We educate the region and arts community on the importance of craft and its ability to impact the local creative economy. Through our retail locations, demonstrations, craft fairs, and special events, we promote the purpose and appreciation of our makers and their craft.
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Cultivating Fine Craft
The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an advocate for high quality craftsmanship and goods made, sold, and curated in the Southern Highlands. Since 1930 we have served as a visionary advocate to help generations value the design and function of traditional and modern crafts.
EXHIBITION EVENTS
Our Makers
For 90 years, the Guild has curated over 800 artisans, juried in based on their fine craftsmanship of twelve different mediums. These makers reside in the mountain regions of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, & West Virginia.
How to Join
Interested in joining our creative network of artisans? Learn about the benefits of membership and receive guidance on your application for the two-part jury to join the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Upcoming Events
View the Event Calendar to see all upcoming events.
CRAFT FAIRS & SPECIAL EVENTS
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
DAILY CRAFT DEMOS
Free craft demonstrations take place in the lobby of the Folk Art Center from March through December from 10 am-4 pm. A demonstration schedule will be posted closer to March.
News & Stories
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands – post Helene
It is impossible to replace the in-person experience at the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in downtown Asheville, NC.…
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A Natural Influence
A Natural Influence, Focus Gallery ExhibitionNovember 15-May 26, 2025 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2024 Contact: Millie Davis…
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44th Annual Heritage Weekend
44th Annual Heritage Weekend at the Folk Art Center Event: 44th Annual Heritage Weekend Dates: Saturday-Sunday September 21-22, 10am-4pm both days Location: Folk…
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Craft Thinking & Making: Craft Studies Conference
Craft Making & Thinking: Craft Studies Conference Presented by the Southern Highland Craft Guild March 1-3, 2024 at the Folk…
Read MoreHistorical Collection
We invite you to walk through our permanent collection of historical, archived, Appalachian craft at the Folk Art Center. This exhibit of approximately 250 works features woodcarving, textiles, furniture, basketry, pottery, dolls, and other crafts of Southern Appalachia, dating from 1855 to the late 20th century. Many pieces date from the 19th century and were collected in the Asheville area by Frances L. Goodrich, a founding member of the Guild.
Our Permanent Collection also includes works from Berea College, Campbell Folk School, Penland School and other centers that have taught craft skills and connected makers to markets throughout the 20th century. These institutions also added their own patterns to the rhythms of mountain life, such as the Friday morning custom of local carvers coming to the Folk School to sell their latest works.
