December 30, 2011

Heartwood Gallery Anniversary Sale Starts Januray 2, 2012

Heartwood Gallery is celebrating 27 years of 100% American crafts with an anniversary sale beginning Monday, January 2, 2012. Customers will receive $27 off all purchases over $100. Heartwood Gallery offers an excellent collection of pottery and a wide variety of artisans working in  handcrafted wood, jewelry, fiber, candles, glass, paintings, garden art and more.

Heartwood Gallery is located at 21 East Main Street in historic downtown Saluda, NC

December 29, 2011

HandMade in America Online Fundraiser

HandMade in America needs your support for our Online Fundraiser. Your support will allow HandMade in America to continue to provide services for craft artists through classes, online promotion, information and advocacy. It will allow HandMade in America to continue to build markets and opportunities to grow the craft economy in Western North Carolina and provide a model for areas in the nation that want to grow the impact of craft on their economies.
HandMade in America has been a leader and innovator in creative placemaking, a term that describes revitalization by creative initiatives that animate places and spark economic development.  This year HandMade educated over 300 craft artists, worked in 13 small towns, and supported over 100 Appalachian women owned businesses.

December 28, 2011

John C Campbell, the Year in Review

2011 at John C Campbell Folk School saw the success of longstanding annual traditions as well as several new events, such as the Culinary Collaboration dinner series. The June Gala and Benefit Auction raised roughly $20,000 and Fall Festival in October drew nearly 16,000 people. Many enjoyed the culinary expertise of our cooking instructors for the Springtime Folk School Feast and Harvest Feast.

Recently renovated Hill House provides five bedrooms with private bathrooms for students. Two new student houses have been added to the diverse collection of lodging options. The Cottage, a cozy 1940s home which is nestled beside Hubbell House, was purchased to provide two bedrooms with private bathrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, and welcoming porch.  Historic Hill House is also now open for guests. After undergoing renovation as part of the Capital Campaign, the 1930s home with connections to the original Brasstown Carvers now provides five bedrooms with private bathrooms.

Some of the studios also benefited from improvements and additions in 2011. The outdoor brick oven outside the Cooking Studio was put to use in January just in time for Emily Buehler's Science of Bread class, followed by Patryk Battle's Artisan Bread Baking class. Much to the delight of  jewelry and metals students and instructors, fundraising in the Spring allowed the size of the Jewelry and Metals Studio to double.  The 528 square foot addition provides students with more work space and better storage areas.

The Forging the Future Capital Campaign has reached $1,600,000 of the $2,000,000 goal. The School would  like to thank everyone who has already contributed to this important Campaign that allows  further progress of the Environmental Sustainability Initiative, preservation of the historic buildings, building the Clay Spencer Blacksmith Shop and Field House, and strengthening the Folk School endowment.

To make a donation to help reach the Capital Campaign goal, contact Reed Caldwell, Development Manager, at reed@folkschool.org.

December 26, 2011

Handmade in America Hosts Textile Study Group

Want to learn more about textiles?

The Textile Study Group is a way to explore information and history of various forms of textiles. It's open to anyone at HandMade in America at 5:30 each month:


2012 Schedule
January 18      Textiles and Natural Dyes in India, Catharine Ellis
Feb. 15           Tencel, Bamboo, Rayon, Modal...What are they? Karen Donde
March 21         North Carolina Mill History, Susie Wheelis
April 18           Felt, Vasanto
May 16            The Local, Sustainable Approach to Textile Manufacturing, Daniel Sanders
June 20           How old is fiber work?, Teena Tuenge
July 18            Egyptian Revival Textiles, Gwen Perkins
August 15        History of the spinning wheel, Eileen Hallman
Sept. 19          Starting a Spinning Mill in the 21st Century, Julie Jensen
October 17      History of Rag Rugs, Mary Jo Lanik
November 21   TBD
December 19   Destinies Drawn and Spun: “Images of Eve and Mary as Spinstresses”, Beth Johnson


Questions about the study group? contact:
Catharine Ellis,catharine@ellistextiles.com  or Susie Wheelis alpacasusie@gmail.com

December 23, 2011

Holiday Hours for Quilter's Quarters

Quilter's Quarters, 1510 Dellwood Road in Waynesville  NC, will be open Sat, Christmas Eve from 10:00-2:00 PM - Get those last minute stocking stuffers and gift certificates. The shop will be closed on Monday, December 26th, and will be closing at 5:00 PM now through the winter.

Asheville Art Museum Holiday Hours

Special Holiday Hours at the Asheville Art Museum: Please note that the Museum will close on Saturday, December 24 at 2:00 p.m. and will re-open on Tuesday, December 27, at 10:00 a.m.

December 21, 2011

Asheville Art Museum offers Holiday Arts Extravaganza for Kids

Are you looking for enriching activities for your kids to enjoy over the holiday break? Extravaganza Campers will enjoy fun-filled afternoons creating art of all kinds during the Holiday Arts Extravaganza. Materials will be provided and pre-registration is required.

Children in grades 1- 4 are eligible for the Museum's Holiday Arts Extravaganza which takes place Tuesday, December 27 - Friday, December 30, 2011 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM daily. The fee is $18 daily for Members | $20 daily for non-Members

For more information and to register, contact Sharon McRorie at 828.253.3227 ext. 122 or email smcrorie@ashevilleart.org. 

December 19, 2011

Subscribe to WNC Magazine and Donate to the Asheville Art Museum

Through the end of the year, WNC magazine will donate a portion of subscriptions purchased to benefit Museum education programs and exhibitions.  

Each issue of WNC magazine explores arts, architecture, history, food, and entertainment throughout Western North Carolina - and our neighbors and tastemakers that make them all happen. Please consider giving to the Asheville Art Museum by purchasing a subscription to WNC this holiday season. More information about this offer can be found here.

1 year (9 issues) is $19.95
$5 will be donated to your Museum

2 years (18 issues) is $34.95
$10 will be donated to your Museum

3 years (27 issues) is $49.95
$15 will be donated to your Museum

December 18, 2011

Cloth Fiber Workshop 2012 Workshops Preview

The new 2012 schedule of classes are now posted or The Cloth Fiber Workshop website.   The year starts with illustrative embroidery with Betsy Archer, next Catharine Ellis will teach how to make an organic indigo vat and with Richard Caro there will be a hands-on approach to understanding quiltmaking in American culture. These are just a few of the great workshops you'll be able to take at Cloth in 2012.
For the complete summer/fall schedule and workshop materials lists and fees, please see the Class Description page.

Cloth Fiber Workshop is located at
122 Riverside Drive, Studio D in the River Arts District,   Asheville NC.

December 17, 2011

Henderson County Crafters Association Craft Show this Weekend

December 16-18     Henderson County Crafters Association Craft Show   The Henderson County Crafters Association will host a craft show at the Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville NC on  Fri and Sat 10 am-9 pm & Sunday 1-6 pm

December 16, 2011

FREE SHIPPING Today only, Dec 16, for Art Supplies

PLUS 10% off on orders of $119, December 16, 2011 only.
Exclusions apply.

Farm to Fashion Opening Reception Tonight

December 16, 5:30 PM - 8 PM - Farm to Fashion opening reception at  the HandMade in America offices at 125 South Lexington Avenue, Suite 101 in Asheville NC. Learn more about local textiles and see a special screening of “Farm to Fashion”; a documentary produced by film students at Western Carolina University.  Fiber farmers, custom mills and textile artists are ready to spread the word about the regional fiber economy by encouraging you to buy clothes and home furnishings that are locally raised and produced.

December 15, 2011

A Message from HandeMade in America

HandMade in America wishes to thank every supporter of the Western North Carolina's craft artists and communities.  Without the continued support and funding of the organizations and individuals, the work of HandMade would not be what it has been nor what it will become. Thank you!

How You Can HelpSupport HandMade in America in carrying out our mission: Please make checks or other gifts payable to: HandMade in America PO Box 2089 Asheville, NC 28802 - Or make a secure donation online by going to our website.

December 14, 2011

Pincu Pottery Announces Winter Thowing Kids in WNC

Just Scheduled: Children's Wheel-Throwing Classes this winter! Choose Thursday or Friday after school (3:30-5 pm) or Saturday morning (10 am - noon) for a 2-hour per week class. Four weeks will get your kids started in making pottery on the potter's wheel. Everything is included - tools, clay, glaze, firing costs.... $11.25 per hour.
Pincu Pottery is located at  80 Highway 28 South Bryson City, NC

December 13, 2011

50% Off Sale at Random Arts

50% off  ALL Holiday Card Supplies - ALL holiday card making adhesives, stickers, rub-ons, Tim Holtz papers etc. Now through Dec 31st.   Random Arts is located at 481 Louisiana Avenue, Saluda NC

December 12, 2011

Final HandMade Craft Lab for the Year

December 13:  How to Complete an Exhibition Proposal. HandMade in America hosts juried exhibitions in the HandMade office. In order to have your work shown, an exhibition proposal must be submitted. Learn what
juries are looking for and how to increase your chances of being selected.

Craft Labs are offered the 2nd Tuesday of each month at HandMade in America's offices in Asheville at 125 S Lexington Avenue, Suite 101.  Please RSVP by calling 828-252-0121 or emailing Kari Rinn.

December 11, 2011

Santa's Palette Holiday Show and Sale in Brevard

Now through December 16 - Have you finished your Holiday shopping yet? The Transylvania Community Arts Council invites you to finish that holiday shopping at their Santa’s Palette - Holiday Show & Sale  This art sale features high-quality hand-made items created by local artists. Artwork featured includes paintings, wooden bowls, cards, jewelry, hand-woven Christmas Stockings, fiber arts, CD’s, baskets, photography, hand-dyed wearables, mixed media, paper mache, country sippers, home-made dog collars and much more.


A reception will be held on December 16
from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, 349 South Caldwell Street in Brevard, NC

December 10, 2011

Visit Waynesville Galleries during a Night Before Christmas

December 10    A Night Before Christmas  Come share this holiday tradition downtown. Live music, and caroling, Santa Claus, old-fashioned wagon rides, storytelling, poetry, hundreds of luminaries and more! Shops, galleries, and restaurants remain open until 9 PM. Historic Downtown Waynesville NC

December 9, 2011

Penland offers Holiday Gift Ideas

Here are some fun gift ideas for the Penland fans and craft lovers on your list:
To purchase items, call the school store at 828-765-2359 ext 18. Or you can visit in person - we'd love to see you! The store is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call for holiday hours.  North Carolina sales tax (6.75%) will be added to all purchases.   All purchases ship via Priority Mail in US, charges range from $4.95- $11.95.


Introducing...
Penland gift packages for Christmas 2011!  Delightfully packaged in stylish Eco bags:


"The Penland Painter"
Bag includes: watercolor stack set, travel brush washer,
set of 3 brushes, Artist Survival kit, 9 well flower palette,
9x 12" water color pad, wooden art box, small faux leather sketch book,
4 itty bitty canvases (2.5x 3.5"), and a Penland logo pen
$47.38
gift bag drawer

"The Penland Drawer"
Bag includes: charcoal set, woodless graphite set,
3x 4" chamois cloth, magnetic moveable mannequin, pencil pod,
Kum pencil sharpener, Flip and Sketch book, Staedtler eraser,
4 itty bitty canvases (2.5x 3.5"), Sugarcane lined note book,
and a Penland logo pen
$47.38

ballcap 

Baseball Caps
(Port & Company, 100% cotton)
Stonewashed blue, olive, charcoal, maroon
$11.90

Military Caps
(District Threads, 100% distressed cotton)
Black, khaki, chocolate
$16.75


Large Messenger Bag
(District Threads, 100% cotton canvas)
Olive
$45.99


small messenger bags


Small Messenger Bags (District Threads, 100% cotton canvas)
Stone, Charcoal, Olive   $32.20


Allie Tote   (Port Authority, 100% garment washed cotton)
Orange, sangria, shock lime, turquoise  $31.05


black apron


Penland Water Tower Apron
White, yellow, fuschia, teal New black apron w/silver Water Tower!
D ring adjustable neck, two pockets  $17.00

Water Bottles Stainless steel - 18oz
Red, turquoise, lime, rust  $13.30 

Dual Grip Travel Tumbler
  Stainless steel lining
Blue, deep red, silver  $12.75
 
sketch books


Penland School of Crafts Spiral Bound Sketchbook
5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 75 pages, letterpress-printed cover by John Horn at Possum Printin'
Cinnamon, green, purple, sienna, yellow  $6.50


Penland School of Crafts Spiral Bound Pocket Notebook
4-3/4" x 2-1/2", 35 pages, letterpress-printed cover by John Horn at Possum Printin'
Cinnamon, green, purple, sienna, yellow  $2.00
clay t-shirt
Penland "Clay" Vintage Photo T-shirt

S, M, L, 100% cotton, short sleeve   $16 
Penland "Iron" Vintage Photo T-shirt
S, M, L, 100% cotton, short sleeve   $16


Penland "Glass" Vintage Photo T-shirt
S, M, L, 100% cotton, short sleeve  $16


Penland "Textiles" Vintage Photo T-shirt
S, M, L, 100% cotton, short sleeve   $16


wagon t-shirt


Penland "Travel Log" Vintage Photo T-shirt
S, M, L, 100% cotton, short sleeve   $16





Penland Gift Certificates and Tender Cards

Gift Certificates are available for classes (covering tuition and/or other fees) or for gallery purchases. Electronic gift certificates can be delivered to your recipients by e-mail within one business day of your order. We can also send a paper certificate if you prefer. (Individuals redeeming gift certificates for the cost of classes must follow normal application and registration procedures including the lottery.) 

Click here to purchase Penland gift certificates, or you can order by phone at 828-765-2359 ext. 15.


Questions about purchasing or redeeming a Penland gift certificate? Contact the Registrar's office by phone at 828-765-2359 ext. 15, or by email at registrar@penland.org.
Penland Tender Cards are like paper credit cards (or gift cards)--students and instructors use them so they don't have to carry cash while they are at Penland. However, anyone can use them anytime at the supply store, the coffee house, and the Pines dining hall. They are available for $10, $15, $25, or $50.  It's a perfect gift for anyone who lives near Penland, visits Penland, or is planning to take an upcoming class. To purchase tender cards, call the supply store.    



Penland Books  
Gift From the Hills  Lucy Morgan with LeGette Blythe
This memoir by Penland's founder, Lucy Morgan, tells the remarkable story of Penland's beginnings and early history.  Paperback, $13.95

The Nature of Craft and the Penland Experience
Produced in 2004 as part of the celebration of Penland's 75th anniversary, this book contains a short history of the school, nine essays on craft by scholars and writers from a variety of fields including poetry, anthropology, chemistry, folklore, and material culture. The writers are Galen Cranz, Ellen Denker, Ellen Dissanayake, Robin Dreyer, Roald Hoffmann, Lewis Hyde, Elieen Myles, Norris Brock Johnson, Michael Owen Jones, and Patricia C. Phillips.
Hardback, $34.95

The Lark Books Penland Series
Each of these books contains essays and intermediate level, hands-on techniques from ten artists affiliated with Penland School of Crafts. Each chapter is rounded out by examples of work by the artist/author and by other artists who use similar techniques. These books are inspiring, beautiful to look at, and filled with useful technical information.

The Penland Book of Handmade Books:  
Master Classes in Bookmaking Techniques
Hardback, $34.95
Paperback, $19.95

The Penland Book of Jewelry:  
Master Classes in Jewelry Techniques 
Hardback, $34.95

The Penland Book of Woodworking:  
Master Classes in Woodworking Techniques 
Hardback, $34.95

The Penland Book of Glass:  
Master Classes in Flameworking Techniques
Hardback, $34.95 



studio protector
The Studio Protector
This fun-to-use, indispensable wall guide and companion web site, www.studioprotector.org, is for artists who want to cover their A's (art, assets, and archives, that is) in the event of an emergency.

Paper engineer Carol Barton and a team of artists designed this disaster readiness kit for studio artists, photographers, and media artists. It features two spinning wheel charts that explain how artists can plan ahead for emergencies and reduce the impact of a fire, flood, hurricane, or tornado. In addition, five pocket protectors or pullout guides provide detailed information about what to do in the minutes before a disaster strikes, how to clean up after a calamitous event, and how to salvage fire and water damaged items.
$16.00

December 7, 2011

Blowing Rock Art and History (BRAHM) Celebrates the Holidays

December 11, 2 PM - 4 PM at the BRAHM, 159 Chestnut Street (corner of Chestnut and Main)
Blowing Rock, NC -  BRAHM celebrates the holidays with a community Open House with FREE Admission to the Museum and light seasonal refreshments, including stolen from Stick Boy Bread Company.

A Gingerbread House Workshop ($10/$9 for members) will begin at 2:30 in the Education Center. Houses will be no-bake with a graham cracker base and all materials will be provided. Pre-registration for the workshop is required by December 8. For more information or to register, call (828) 295-9099 ext. 3006 or e-mail lou@blowingrockmuseum.org.

December 6, 2011

Buy HandMade for the Holidays

Visit the Stecoah Gallery in the Stecoah Valley Center for the Cultural Arts for your Handmade Holiday Gifts. The Gallery will be open 10-5 Mon-Sat through Dec 23 and 10-2 on Christmas Eve. The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is located at 121 Schoolhouse Road in Stecoah (Robbinsville) NC.

December 5, 2011

Zen-doodle Tomorrow at Random Arts

Dec 6 from 10 AM - 12 PM at Random Arts, 481 Louisiana Avenue in Saluda NC  - join the creative minds at Random Arts for ZEN- Doodling this Tuesday.  It's fun, stress free and easy to do...oodle. All you need is a pen and paper to create in this carefree atmosphere in our cozy studio.  No pre-registration necessary, just come on down!

December 4, 2011

ArtMart will be open next Saturday in Old Fort

December 10   ArtMart  Locally created arts and crafts displayed inside the historic Old Fort Depot. Stop by to chat with the creators of these one of a kind items while you shop for yourself, family or friends. Something for everyone including baskets, paintings, woodwork, wreaths, candles and live demonstrations. Sponsored by Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League.

December 3, 2011

Complimentary Shipping from Gallery Minerva

Featured artist at Gallery Minerva: Tenessee artist, Jason Jackson  finds inspiration in the world of vintage toys. Beautifully framed, these oil paintings are available just in time for the holidays. Priced from $400-1000., these are guaranteed to make Santa smile.  Image shown is:  "Just Digging In", 12"x16", Oil on Linen

Now thru December 20th the gallery will be offering complimentary shipping via UPS to any US address. Give the gift of Art this year and save on shipping.

Gallery Minerva is located at 16 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville NC.

December 2, 2011

Fireside Sale this Sunday at John C. Campbell Folk School

December 4   Fireside Sale at John C. Campbell Folk School  10 - 5 PM.  Stroll through the beautifully decorated Keith House. Cozy up to the fire in the Community Room and shop for holiday gifts made by local and regional artists. John C Campbell Folk School is located at  1 Folks School Road in Brasstown NC.

December 1, 2011

Christmas Shop the Big Crafty in Pack Square this weekend

Dec 4   ASHEVILLE   The Big Crafty  The Asheville Art Museum's family-friendly FREE event returns from 12-6PM. Shop local, handmade and fun at Pack Square in downtown Asheville.  This festive event featuring local artists and crafters, food, music and fun for the entire family.

Art After Dark in Waynesville this weekend

December 2    Art After Dark    Stroll downtown Waynesville's numerous galleries and studios the first Friday of each month, May thru December. Enjoy demonstrations, artist receptions, music and refreshments