Demo by John Tuner at the 2023 Craft Fair.
Katherine Caldwell will be demonstrating Wheat Weaving upstairs during all four days of the fair.
Demo by Valerie Berlage.
Demo by Odyssey Clayworks
Mike Lalone will be downstairs demonstrating wheel-thrown pottery.
Local Cloth spinning demonstration, 2023
Cheryl Mackey Smith demonstration clay
Pam Granger Gale's marbling demonstration
Brandy Clements of Silver River Chair Caning (Education Center of the Guild) demonstrating.

The Southern Highland Craft Guild Offers Daily Craft Demonstrations at the Folk Art Center
Free Educational Events Showcase Regional Craftsmanship

Asheville, NC — The Southern Highland Craft Guild invites the public to explore the rich tradition of handmade craft with its daily craft demonstrations at the Folk Art Center, running from March through December. Each day, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, two Guild members—specializing in different mediums—will showcase their skills, offering an in-depth look at their craft. These free, educational demonstrations are open to all and provide a unique opportunity to engage with local artisans and learn about the techniques that bring their work to life.

Visitors can watch the creative process firsthand, interact with the artists, and ask questions about the materials and techniques used. Educational materials will be displayed at each booth, allowing guests to deepen their understanding of the craft’s history, significance, and impact. Attendees will also have the chance to purchase a one-of-a-kind piece directly from the artists, gaining a tangible connection to the craftsmanship that defines the region.

“The Guild’s daily demonstrations are a great way for visitors to see the artistry behind the crafts we love,” says Janet Wiseman, Events Coordinator at the Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild). “This is not just about showcasing finished work; it’s about sharing the process, fostering appreciation for handmade craft, and supporting our local artists and creative economy.”

These demonstrations are part of the Guild’s ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting the region’s craft traditions. The Folk Art Center, located on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, serves as the Guild’s headquarters and a vibrant educational hub for both locals and visitors. By providing these free opportunities, the Guild hopes to inspire curiosity and spark conversations about the value of handmade art, as well as its role in the local economy.

This is a volunteer-driven initiative, made possible by the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s dedicated members, who share their time and talents to educate the public about the importance of craft in shaping both culture and community.

About the Southern Highland Craft Guild
Founded in 1930, the Southern Highland Craft Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the artisans of the Southern Highlands. The Guild provides shared resources, education, marketing opportunities, and advocacy for craft preservation. As an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, the Guild works to cultivate a deeper appreciation for handmade craftsmanship while boosting the creative economy of the region.

The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just north of the Highway 70 entrance in Asheville, NC.