Exhibition Features Five Renowned Guild Members Celebrating Craftsmanship and Patience
Exhibition Dates: April 26–July 13, 2025
Location: Focus Gallery, Folk Art Center, Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC
Admission: Free
Asheville, NC — The Southern Highland Craft Guild is proud to present a new exhibition in its Focus Gallery: "Patience Makes Perfect." This exhibition, which runs from April 26 to July 13, 2025, features the work of five Guild members who exemplify the patience, precision, and dedication required in their crafts.
The featured artists—Michael Hughey (calligraphy), Eileen Hallman (fiber-textiles), Heidi Bleacher (fiber-felted sculpture), Bill & Pam Clark (clay), and Rita de Maintenon (fiber)—each bring their own unique approach to their medium, resulting in stunning works of art that highlight the skill and patience involved in their creative processes.
As Western North Carolina continues to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the theme of "Patience Makes Perfect" also resonates as a reminder of the time and effort required for the region’s artistic community to rebuild and thrive once more. Artists and makers, just like the region they call home, demonstrate the resilience and strength that patience provides.
Michael Hughey’s calligraphy demonstrates how patience and precision are key to mastering the art of hand lettering. His beautifully crafted scripts showcase the timeless beauty of traditional calligraphy, where each stroke is carefully considered with attention to detail. Eileen Hallman’s fiber textiles explore the depth and texture possible through woven and hand-dyed pieces. Heidi Bleacher creates felted sculptures that capture the fluidity of natural forms. Bill & Pam Clark bring their collective expertise in clay to create functional yet artistic pieces that highlight the meditative process of working with the earth. Rita de Maintenon uses various fiber techniques to create richly textured wearable art that showcase the infinite possibilities of fiber manipulation.
This exhibition invites visitors to slow down, appreciate the intricate work behind each piece, and experience firsthand the patience that is an essential part of the creative process. The display will feature a variety of mediums and approaches, offering a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and forms for visitors to enjoy.
About the Folk Art Center
The Folk Art Center, located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, serves as the headquarters of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The center features three galleries, a craft shop, a library, and a bookstore, offering visitors the chance to explore and purchase high-quality handcrafted goods by regional artisans. The Folk Art Center is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is free.
For more information about the “Patience Makes Perfect” exhibition, visit craftguild.org/events or follow the Guild’s social media channels. For inquiries, contact the Folk Art Center at [email protected] or 828-298-7928.
Contact for Questions and Participants:
Valerie Berlage | Exhibitions Curator
[email protected] | 828-298-7928
Artists: Eileen Hallman, [email protected], Michael Hughey, [email protected]
About the Southern Highland Craft Guild
Founded in 1930, the Southern Highland Craft Guild is a non-profit, educational organization that preserves and promotes the handcrafted traditions of the Southern Highlands. Through resources, education, marketing, and advocacy, the Guild supports artisans and shares the region's rich craft heritage with the public. The Guild is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.