The Fall Cohort of the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Emerging Artist Program
The Guild is pleased to announce the six artists selected for the Fall 2025 cohort of its new Emerging Artist Program (EAP). The selected artists are Stacia Baldwin (mixed media), Robert Choe-Henderson (paper), Christina Covington (clay), Kimberly Obee (paper), Liam Sawyer (clay), and Rebecca Tolley (fiber).
Meet the Jurors
Pippin Frisbie-Calder’s work investigates ecosystems and presents scientific discoveries, while calling into question human culpability and responsibility. Working with Microbiologists, Ornithologists and Ecologists she creates large-scale installations and prints exploring issues of climate change, species extinction and environmental stewardship. Drafted and carved as woodcut, silkscreen, etching, painting, or paper cutting, her medium and process are flexible in order to best honor the natural spaces she depicts. The work she is happiest with always finds a balance between printmaking, science and draftsmanship, unifying to tell big picture stories about humanity's complicated relationship with nature.
https://www.esbjewelry.com/
Erica Stankwytch Bailey Growing up I was always elbows deep involved in some creative endeavor and from an early age I knew that I wanted to be a maker. After graduation from North Carolina School of the Arts with a diploma in the applied arts I attended East Carolina University where I received a BFA in Metal design in 2001. From the first metals survey course I was hooked on metal-smithing, enamored by the malleability of the metal. After graduation I began teaching metal-smithing and jewelry fabrication courses at the local community college. Teaching became an integral part of my creative life. In 2004 I decided to return to my roots as a maker and founded Erica Stankwytch Bailey Jewelry. In a tiny studio nestled in the backyard of my home in Fayetteville, North Carolina I became the owner, operator, designer and maker of my own handmade business, a dream come true. In the years that have followed my contemporary sterling silver jewelry has found its way around the world. The business is growing and the work is constantly evolving. In 2014 I was given the amazing opportunity to move my family to Asheville, North Carolina, where we now live happily enjoying the beautiful mountains that surround us. My life today consists of creative days in my studio, cherished time with my children, adventures on the road, and quiet moments reflecting on the inspirations found in the smallest of things.
The Southern Highland Craft Guild’s
Emerging Artist Program
Since 1930, the Southern Highland Craft Guild has championed fine craft across the Southern Appalachian region. We’re excited to launch our Emerging Artist Program, a unique opportunity for six promising artists to take the next step in their careers.
This program is designed to help you grow creatively, develop professional skills, and gain hands-on experience in the world of fine craft exhibitions. Selected artists will participate in the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands and receive valuable resources to elevate their business and artistic practice.
Program Benefits
Emerging Artists will receive:
- Participation in the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
October 16–19, 2025, in downtown Asheville, NC - 50% Booth Fee Discount
A reduced cost to help make your first fair more accessible - $150 Booth Grant
Funding support to help you create a professional and eye-catching display - Free Business Workshops
Skill-building sessions focused on marketing, sales, pricing, and presentation - Marketing Support
Featured promotion through SHCG’s social media, email campaigns, and advertising channels - Waived Membership Application Fee
If you apply to become a Guild member within one year of program participation - Peer Cohort Experience
Connect with fellow emerging artists and build lasting professional relationships
Whether you're fresh out of school or newly navigating the world of professional craft, this program is built to help expand your audience, sharpen your business skills, and grow your creative practice.
Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- Reside in one of the counties within the Southern Highland Craft Guild region
View eligible counties - Have completed a formal arts education program or apprenticeship within the last five years
- Not be currently enrolled in a college or university arts program
- Work in a medium represented by the Guild (e.g. fiber, clay, wood, glass, etc.)
- Have completed a formal arts education program or apprenticeship within the last five years; or are self-taught and have not been in business with your craft for more than five years
- Be 18 years or older
Key Dates
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The application for the 2026 Cohorts will open in early 2026.
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If you would like to be notified, enter your email below.