Support the Resilience of WNC’s Craft Community
Western North Carolina’s artists, small businesses, and education centers are the heart of our region’s craft traditions. While our historic Biltmore Village shop was severely flooded by Hurricane Helene, we are committed to rebuilding—and you can be part of the recovery.
By shopping with us, attending our events, and supporting craft education, you help sustain both traditional and contemporary makers, ensuring that our region’s rich artistic heritage continues to thrive.
Explore & Support:
• Folk Art Center (Blue Ridge Parkway) – Open Daily, 10–5
• Tunnel Road Shop – Open Mon-Sat, 10–5
• Moses Cone Manor Shop – Open April–Nov
• Bi-Annual Craft Fairs & Community Events (See Event Dates)
Your support strengthens the artists, studios, and schools that make WNC a hub for craft. Make a Donation
Cultivating the crafts & makers
of the Southern Highlands
since 1930.
Visit our headquarters at the Folk Art Center in east Asheville, NC. OPEN DAILY, 10AM–5PM
With a creative community of juried members spanning over nine states, the Southern Highland Craft Guild fosters opportunities for makers to build, market, and maintain their creative livelihood through continuing education, retail outlets, and mentorship. We are invested in helping members achieve their goals and providing them with the resources to refine and sell their craft. The Southern Highland Craft Guild is headquartered at the Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Our Makers
For 95 years, the Guild has curated over 800 artisans, juried in based on their fine craftsmanship of twelve different mediums. These makers reside in the mountain regions of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, & West Virginia.
How to Join
Interested in joining our creative network of artisans? Learn about the benefits of membership and receive guidance on your application for the two-part jury to join the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Image Jury Deadlines:
March 17, May 19, November 7
Application Workshops:
February 22, March 29, September 6
Cultivating Fine Craft
The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an advocate for high quality craftsmanship and goods made, sold, and curated in the Southern Highlands. Since 1930 we have served as a visionary advocate to help generations value the design and function of traditional and modern crafts.
EXHIBITION EVENTS
Focus Gallery: A Natural Influence, Feb. 8–April 20
Main Gallery: A Legacy Worth Noting, Feb. 1–April 30
Upcoming Events
CRAFT FAIRS & SPECIAL EVENTS
May 3 and June 7 - Pop-up Mini Craft Fairs at the Folk Art Center
July 17-20 and October 16-19 - Craft Fairs of the Southern Highlands at Harrah's Cherokee Center-Asheville
December 6 and 13 Holiday Sale Markets in the Folk Art Center's auditorium
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
March 15 - National Quilting Day
April 5 - Glass, Metal, and Clay Day
May 10 - Fiber Day
August 9 - Wood Day
September 21–22 - Heritage Day
DAILY CRAFT DEMOS
Free craft demonstrations take place in the lobby of the Folk Art Center from March through December from 10 am-4 pm. A demonstration schedule will be posted closer to March.
Support Our Restoration Efforts
Our Biltmore Village shop, flooded by 16 feet of water during Hurricane Helene, is in need of restoration. Your generous donation will help us rebuild and restore this historic space, ensuring it continues to serve as a hub for local artisans and the community.
Support Our Staff Members in Need
Many of our dedicated staff members at the Folk Art Center lost their homes in the storm. Your donation will directly assist them in rebuilding their lives and provide much-needed support during this challenging time.
SHOP OUR FINE CRAFT COLLECTION ONLINE
Free Educational Events Showcase Regional Craftsmanship
The Southern Highland Craft Guild Offers Daily Craft Demonstrations at the Folk Art Center Free Educational Events Showcase Regional Craftsmanship…
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A Legacy Worth Noting
Two Check by Edwina Bringle Media Contact: Millie Davis, [email protected] | 828-298-7928 The Southern Highland Craft Guild Presents A Legacy…
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Jury Deadlines Announced
The Southern Highland Craft Guild Announces Jury Deadlines for Prospective New Members Each year, the Southern Highland Craft Guild anticipates…
Read MoreHistorical Collection
We invite you to walk through our permanent collection of historical, archived, Appalachian craft at the Folk Art Center. This exhibit of approximately 250 works features woodcarving, textiles, furniture, basketry, pottery, dolls, and other crafts of Southern Appalachia, dating from 1855 to the late 20th century. Many pieces date from the 19th century and were collected in the Asheville area by Frances L. Goodrich, a founding member of the Guild.
Our Permanent Collection also includes works from Berea College, Campbell Folk School, Penland School and other centers that have taught craft skills and connected makers to markets throughout the 20th century. These institutions also added their own patterns to the rhythms of mountain life, such as the Friday morning custom of local carvers coming to the Folk School to sell their latest works.
