FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2025
Glass, Metal, and Clay Day at the Folk Art Center
Free Educational Event Showcases Craftsmanship & Strengthens WNC’s Craft Community
Date: April 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Folk Art Center Auditorium/Outdoor, Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC
Admission: Free
Asheville, NC — The Southern Highland Craft Guild is proud to launch its 2025 Educational Event Series with Glass, Metal, and Clay Day—a free, hands-on event that celebrates the resilience and artistry of Western North Carolina’s craft community. This year’s event, set for Saturday, April 5, is more than a showcase of master artisans; it’s an opportunity to honor and support a region rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.
By merging the Guild’s beloved Glass & Metal Day and (June) Clay Day, this special event highlights not only traditional craft techniques but also the enduring spirit of local makers who have kept these traditions alive through generations. Visitors will witness live demonstrations from over a dozen Guild members, including glassblowing, blacksmithing, knife making, raku firing, wheel throwing, metalworking, stained glass soldering, and more.
“As our region continues to recover, we want to remind the community that handmade traditions are a powerful force in rebuilding—both economically and culturally,” says Tamela Wells, Board President for the Southern Highland Craft Guild. “Our artisans are not just preserving craft; they are shaping the future of WNC’s creative economy. We invite everyone to come out, be inspired, and support local makers.”
The Folk Art Center, which has remained a beacon of creativity on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is open and thriving despite the challenges of the past year. Hosting Glass, Metal, and Clay Day in this space is a testament to the Guild’s commitment to preserving Appalachian craft traditions and uplifting the artists and communities that sustain them.
For nearly 100 years, the Southern Highland Craft Guild has championed the power of handmade art in the Southern Highlands, providing artisans with vital resources, marketing opportunities, and spaces to share their skills. This event is a chance for the public to connect with the craftsmanship behind their favorite handmade goods, deepening appreciation for the artists who create them. The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an educational nonprofit organization representing a community of 750 artists from the Southeastern region, with 80% residing in the areas of Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. Through exhibitions, demonstrations, and craft education, the Guild preserves handmade traditions while supporting artists and the cultural heritage of the region.
The Folk Art Center is open daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, featuring three galleries, a craft shop, a library, and a Blue Ridge Parkway information desk. Admission is free.
For event updates, visit craftguild.org/events or follow us on Facebook. Questions? Contact [email protected] or call 828-298-7928.
About the Southern Highland Craft Guild
Founded in 1930, the Southern Highland Craft Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the artisans of the Southern Highlands through education, community, and advocacy. By preserving traditional Appalachian crafts and providing platforms for makers, the Guild strengthens both cultural heritage and local economies. The Folk Art Center is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.