Our Mission

We are dedicated to cultivating the crafts and makers of the Southern Highlands through shared resources, education, marketing, and conservation.

A Makers’ Guild

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is a community of over 800 juried artisans from nine states. We provide our members with the tools to succeed through education, retail outlets, mentorship, and opportunities to grow their businesses.

Cultivating Fine Craft

Since 1930, we’ve championed high-quality craftsmanship, from traditional to modern pieces, showcasing the talent of the Southern Highlands. We aim to inspire the appreciation of both design and function in all types of handcrafted goods.

Impacting the Creative Economy

The Guild plays a vital role in the region’s creative economy. Through craft fairs, retail locations, live demonstrations, and educational events, we promote the value of handmade goods and support our local artisan community.

Our History

For nearly 90 years, the Southern Highland Craft Guild has been a cornerstone of the Southern Appalachian craft movement. We represent over 800 makers across nine states and continue to advocate for handcrafted goods made in the Southern Highlands.

The Guild began in 1930 during the Great Depression as a way to unite local artisans and provide them with opportunities to sell their work. Inspired by figures like Frances Goodrich, who began the Allanstand Cottage Industries in 1895, and Olive Dame Campbell, who founded the John C. Campbell Folk School in 1925, the Guild’s roots are deeply tied to the craft revival movement.

In the 1940s, the Guild expanded its outreach by organizing the first Craft Fair in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Today, our Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands takes place twice a year in Asheville, North Carolina, showcasing hundreds of artisans and providing direct connections between artists and consumers.

Along with our Craft Fairs, we operate four retail locations throughout the region, where visitors can find a variety of handmade work from our talented members.

Join Us

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is more than just a resource for artisans—it's a community. Our mission has remained strong for nearly a century: to support makers, promote the craft movement, and preserve the traditions of the Southern Highlands.

Come visit us at the Folk Art Center in Asheville to experience the finest in Appalachian craftsmanship, browse our galleries, and enjoy live craft demonstrations. Whether you're an artisan looking to join our Guild or a visitor exploring local craft, we welcome you to be part of our story.

Why Visit?

• See fine traditional and contemporary crafts
• Learn about the rich history of craft in the Southern Highlands
• Support local artisans by purchasing handmade goods directly from the makers.