Holiday Crafts: West Jefferson Christmas Gallery Crawl

November 30    West Jefferson Gallery Christmas Crawl   Stroll the streets of an historic mountain town, enjoy the cool mountain breeze while listening to the sounds of street musicians and "popping" in and out of West Jefferson's many galleries. Open House in more than 15 art galleries and studios.

HandMade in America Exhibit: FLUX:A Craft Exchange

November 30 - February 22 at HandMade in America, 125 Lexington Avenue,Suite 101 in Asheville NC:

  

Opening Reception

Friday, November 30, 5:30pm-8pm

At HandMade in America

HandMade in America has been working with Flux Studios of Mt. Rainier, Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C., to exchange exhibits in an effort to share new ideas and demonstrate the importance for artists to stay abreast of national trends. Flux Studios resident artists will be exhibiting work at HandMade in America while artists from the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts will be showing at Flux Studios; these handcrafted items will travel nearly 500 miles.

 

Flux Studios is an arts space in Northeast DC that houses the studios of six professional sculptors, a large classroom space and an informal exhibition gallery. The underlying concept behind Flux is one of exploration, experimentation and dialog among its members and the greater arts community. Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts is an Asheville-based school and studio which promotes the understanding, appreciation and professional development in the ceramic arts. To find more about Flux Studios, click here

 

Novie Trump, founder of Flux and one of the residents featured in the exhibition says, “We are delighted to collaborate with HandMade in America on an exchange exhibition.  This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce artists and collectors in the DC area to the work of NC ceramicists.  In addition, the members of Flux are excited to present our work to the arts community in Asheville. This continues our tradition of exchange and our desire to engage in an active dialogue with artists and arts enthusiasts both nationally and internationally.”

Participating Artists

Jessica Beels
Andy Hamilton
Inga Hamilton
Jeff Herrity
Tamara Laird
Laurel Lukaszewski
Novie Trump
Elizabeth Vorlicek

Holiday Crafts Sale at the Folk Art Center in Asheville

December 1   Guild Artist Holiday Sale   The Southern Highland Craft Guild presents the annual Holiday crafts sale at the Folk Art Center from 10 AM - 4 PM, milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Choose from a variety of gift items - at special prices -  including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, paper, glass and wood. 

Buying from artists supports the local economy and promotes the mission of the Guild which is bringing together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation. An additional date is Dec 8 with different artists participating,
The Guild Artists’ Holiday Sale is held on December 1 and again on December 8. 70+ Members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be on hand in the center’s auditorium on these two Saturdays, with different artists each day,  to sell select work 10-50% off regular retail. 

While at the Folk Art Center, be sure to visit all three galleries showcasing the work of current Guild members and collections from the Guild’s history.  Member work is also available at Allanstand Craft Shop, the nation’s oldest craft gallery, located within the Folk Center.

Learn more about NC mountain crafts and artists on the NC Mountain Crafts Guide.

25th Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show

November 23 -  24   Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show    Mountain Artisans presents the 25th Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show. This mountain Christmas Tradition features original arts and crafts at a great price. It is held each year at the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee NC. Free parking is available.

Holiday Crafts at Beech Mountain Fair

November 24     Holiday Market Craft Fair  An annual Holiday Market at the Buckeye Recreation Center held from 11am-3pm. Spend the day with the family or get your holiday shopping done with the unique  arts and crafts that will be offered by local artisans.

Learn more about the Holiday Craft Market Fair and Beech Mountain on the Beech Mountain NC Visitor Guide.

Heartwood Gallery Celebrates Small Business Saturday

November 24 -  Small Business Saturday, celebrating its third year, falls between black Friday and cyber Monday on Thanksgiving weekend. Created in 2009 to recognize small businesses as the heart of the American economy and encourage customer support in uncertain economic times, Small Business Saturday has become a boon to independent retailers. Last year over 100 million consumers came together to "shop small" and celebrate all that small local businesses do for their communities.

Shop at Saluda's Heartwood Gallery on Small Business Saturday and accomplish the best of both the business and the art worlds: Shop locally and support NC art and crafts.

Heartwood Gallery offers handmade wearables, jewelry, paper, paintings, fine porcelain, stoneware, glass, metal and wood are just a few of the crafts on display. The Gallery is a destination well worth considering when you're looking for a special indulgence for yourself, your home or a friend. One of a kind describes not only the items found at Heartwood, but also the unique quality of the Gallery itself.  Heartwood Gallery is located at 21  East Main Street in Saluda NC.

Learn more about Saluda NC HERE

HandMade in America Exhibition and Opening Reception

November 30 - February 22 2013 FLUX:A Craft Exchange

 

Opening Reception - Friday, November 30, 5:30pm-8pm at HandMade in America

 

HandMade in America has been working with Flux Studios of Mt. Rainier, Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C., to exchange exhibits in an effort to share new ideas and demonstrate the importance for artists to stay abreast of national trends. Flux Studios resident artists will be exhibiting work at HandMade in America while artists from the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts will be showing at Flux Studios; these handcrafted items will travel nearly 500 miles.

 

Flux Studios is an arts space in Northeast DC that houses the studios of six professional sculptors, a large classroom space and an informal exhibition gallery. The underlying concept behind Flux is one of exploration, experimentation and dialog among its members and the greater arts community. Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts is an Asheville-based school and studio which promotes the understanding, appreciation and professional development in the ceramic arts.

 

Novie Trump, founder of Flux and one of the residents featured in the exhibition says, “We are delighted to collaborate with HandMade in America on an exchange exhibition.  This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce artists and collectors in the DC area to the work of NC ceramicists.  In addition, the members of Flux are excited to present our work to the arts community in Asheville. This continues our tradition of exchange and our desire to engage in an active dialogue with artists and arts enthusiasts both nationally and internationally.”

 

Participating Artists

Jessica Beels
Andy Hamilton
Inga Hamilton
Jeff Herrity
Tamara Laird
Laurel Lukaszewski
Novie Trump
Elizabeth Vorlicek

For more about HandMade in America information, visit the website at handmadeinamerica.org or contact Yoko Morris at ymorris@handmadeinamerica.org.

The Center for Craft Creativity and Design New Exhibit

New Exhibition: Harvey's Legacy: The Next Generation of Studio Glass in Western North Carolina   

The year 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the development of studio art glass in America. To celebrate this milestone, The Center for Craft,Creativity & Design presents "Harvey's Legacy: The Next Generation of Studio Glass in Western North Carolina", an exhibition of work by studio glass movement founder Harvey K. Littleton as well as exceptional glass artists of generations X and Y who are working in the region. Western North Carolina's Toe River Valley was home to Littleton, who settled there after his retirement, and now includes a growing community of over 50 notable glass artists. 

Opening Reception: Thursday, December 6th, 5-7 PM
The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design
1181 Broyles Rd. Hendersonville NC 28791  

Support the featured artists by purchasing an item from the gallery. Buy a pint glass at the opening and get a free beer courtesy of Asheville's Highland Brewing Company.

Join the raffle at the opening to win hot shop and flameworking classes at the Asheville Glass Center, private lessons from exhibitors Kathryn Adams and Hayden Wilson, vases, ornaments, and more. A portion of proceeds from the raffle and gallery sales will go towards subsidizing the first glass course at Warren Wilson College as well as future programming by The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design.

Live Glassblowing Demonstrations: Saturday, December 8th, 10-6 PM at the Asheville Glass Center, 140C Roberts St. Asheville, NC.  On Saturday, December 8th, join the Asheville Glass Center staff and exhibitors Kathryn Adams, Ben Elliot, Ben Greene-Colonnese, Justin Turcotte, Hayden Wilson with special guests Alex Bernstein, Penland Resident Artist Micah Evans and exhibition curator Lauren Pelletier for exciting glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations to be held at the Asheville Glass Center in the River Arts District.  

John C Campbell Folk School Holiday Events

At John C Campbell Folk School the December calendar is filled to the brim with concerts, dances, parties, and activities. Learn to make a wreath, buy gifts from local artists, enjoy holiday pageantry, music, and merriment. For details about the following events visit the Folk School website, email or call 828-837-2775.

Wreath Making
Nov. 29, 7 p.m. Community Room. Free. Spaces fill up fast.
Decorating Day
Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-12p.m. Community Room. Free. Spaces fill up fast
Fireside Sale 
Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Keith House and Davidson Hall. Free.
Holiday in the Mountains Week
Dec. 2-8. Space is still available.
Ancient Carols with David Vowell
Dec. 3, 7 p.m. Community Room. Free.
Beginner Contra & Square Dance
Dec. 4, 7-8 p.m. Community Room. Free.
"A Christmas Carol" Reading by Bob Grove
Dec. 5, 7-8 p.m. Community Room. Keith House. Free.
Brasstown Morris Dancers' Performance
Dec. 5, 8 p.m. Community Room. Keith House. Free.
Smokie Mountain Melodies
Dec. 6, 7 p.m. Community Room. Keith House. Free.
Brasstown Ringers Holiday Concert
Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Community Room. Keith House. Free. Donations welcome.
Kids' Party
Dec. 15, 1-3 p.m. Community Room. Keith House. Free.
Holiday Contra Dance
Dec. 15, 8 p.m. Community Room. Keith House. Free.
Winter Dance Week
Dec. 26-Jan 1, 2013. Space is still available.

HandMade Holidays Exhibit at Desert Moon Designs Studios & Gallery

Anita Walling pinch pot

November 3 - January 5 at Desert Moon Designs Studios & Gallery, 372 Depot Street in the River Arts District, Asheville NC   The annual juried Handmade Holiday Exhibition celebrates a season of giving handmade.  From jewelers to ceramicists, clothing to handmade soaps, you will  experience local hand-crafted artisan works that are unique and affordable. With some amazing one-of-a-kind gifts, Desert Moon is a great place for holiday shopping.  Open 7 days a week.

Holiday Open House at Waynesville Galleries

November 18     Holiday Open House   Spend the afternoon enjoying the sights, scents and sounds as the holiday season begins in festively decorated shops and galleries. Enjoy holiday music offered by area Church groups and elementary school choruses. Visit with Santa as he strolls the sidewalks and sample tasty refreshments offered by the local bed & breakfasts on the Cookie Tour.

Learn more about Waynesville Galleries HERE.

Holiday Crafts: Foothills Holiday Arts and Crafts Show

November 17-18   Foothills Holiday Arts and Crafts Show    Find unique gifts during this year's pre-Thanksgiving arts and crafts show in Marion at the YMCA. The area's best talent will be showcased for two days including oil, pastel and watercolor paintings, drawings, wood and metal works, textile arts, jewelry and much more. Commercial vendors are not allowed at this event.

You'll find regional artists with unique points of view exhibited in their work. Vendors will be set up inside and outside the Corpening YMCA. Enjoy live regional music during the show. The Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League of Old Fort and the McDowell Arts Council have partnered to bring you this special event.

Show Hours are Saturday, November 17th between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Sunday hours are 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Get information about Marion cabin rentals, mountain inns and nearby attractions on the Marion NC Visitor Guide.

HandMade for the Holidays

The Stecoah Artisans Gallery is open 10 AM to 5 PM,  Monday through Saturday with hundreds of locally hand-crafted items for everyone on your holiday list.

The Gallery showcases the work of 135-plus artisans including the 40-plus members of the Stecoah Artisans Guild, a juried membership organization, as well as the Associate Artists of the Guild. A majority of the artisans are self-taught, while some are academically trained. Also featured are many talented Cherokee Indian artists whose beadwork, pottery, masks and other artworks are produced today in the traditional ways of their ancestors.

The Gallery is located in The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, 121 Schoolhouse Road in Robbinsville (also known as Stecaoh)  NC.

Reminder: River Arts District Stroll This Weekend

November 10-11 in Asheville NC:  River Arts District Studio Stroll   The largest and most walkable tour of working artists' studios in the region, the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes place in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River. There will be artists' demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the weekend.

Shop handmade and "Give a Gift of Art," this holiday season. Browse through over 200 different artist studios within a 1 1/2 mile stretch.  There are family friendly festivities for all ages.  Enjoy artists demonstrations, hands-on activities, music, food and more at the River Arts District Studio Stroll. 10 AM  to 6 PM both days.  Get your stroll on...

The Stroll is easily accessible by car from Downtown, West Asheville and Biltmore Village, and there is plenty of parking. Catch the trolley at Riverview Station or any of the stops listed on the map. An Information Booth is located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from the Clingman Café.

HandMade in American Annual Appeal Campaign

HandMade in American has announced its Annual Appeal Campaign, entitled Building Economies Through Craft.  The campaign is running two ways this fall, as it did last year:
 

Those of you who are on the mailing list will receive a letter, and those who are not will receive an email asking you to support HandMade via our indiegogo website.  Because the membership program launches in January 2013,  including a membership with your end-of-year donation would be extra incentive for you to donate to HandMade.

 

HandMade has had a very successful year, but can’t continue doing their great work without the support of individuals like you.  In the past 18 years, HandMade has been 94-98% grant dependent and has never charged for any services. Neither of these are viable business models, so for HandMade to keep doing great work they must  move toward a more sustainable, healthy means of operation.

 

After an in-depth evaluation process and establishing a business plan, a fee-for-services business model has been created. 

 

Costs will include:

• Listing on our new Craft Registry: $24/year
• Craft Labs: $20 each
• One-on-one consulting: $35/hour
• Small Town Conversations: $30 each
• Small Towns Summit: $75 each
• Entering an exhibition: $10 each entry
• AWE program participation: $30/year

 

If you chose to join as a member, you get free or discounted rates and privileges to participate in other wonderful opportunities for members only. If you can’t afford to join as a member,  our services will still be available with an “a la carte” style menu.  Membership payments are also available, if you are unable to pay the whole amount up front.

 

The Membership Program officially launches January 2013, but for a limited time if you donate before December 25, 2012, your donation will include your membership.  Whether you join online at our indiegogo campaign or send in your check via the mail, you will also receive the other wonderful perks that can be found at indiegogo.com/handmade.

 

HandMade is moving into a new era like the rest of the world.  This recession hasn’t been easy for anyone, and HandMade still had lots of great work. With the new Membership Program, the future is assured.

Market on Oak Announces Final editions of Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree products

The Market on Oak (formerly The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree) has announced that all of their limited edition Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree handmade products will be retired on December 31st.  All of the handmade items featuring images from the book The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree,  will no longer be available after December 31st. The Market will still offer our hundreds of beautiful handmade products, local foods, music and books....but those special colletibles will no longer be available.

These items are no longer in production by the Market artists and supplies are limited. So ANY ITEM featuring images from the YPCT book will retire. Items include Marquitta Holtsclaw glass art plates, Linda Sharpless pottery plates and mugs with tree, greeting cards featuring scenes from the book, Ruthie Dolls and more.  If you;re a fan of the book or these products, you are encouraged to act quickly to make sure that you don't miss this opportunity to add to your collection or find a "perfect" gift..

The Market on Oak, now in its 9th year, is located at 262 Oak Street in Spruce Pine North Carolina.   Online shopping is also available for some of the Market's products.

Van Wingerden International Open House this Weekend

November 10    Van Wingerden International Open House  10:00 AM-3:00 PM See acres of poinsettias in full bloom.  Staff will be on hand to share how the plants are grown using environmental friendly technology and answer questions.

The greenhouses located on Highway 191 (Haywood Road) between Asheville and Hendersonville. Enjoy the ocean of Christmas Poinsettias and other flowering plants before they are shipped to retail stores for the holidays.

Holiday Bazaar at the Historic Carson House this Weekend

November 9    Historic Carson House Holiday Bazaar   Held at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish House from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM. St. John's Parrish House is located at 289 S. Main Street in downtown Marion. Join members of the Carson House Partners to purchase crafts, baked goods and peruse a white elephant sale. Enjoy a soup and salad lunch from 11:00 AM. - 2 PM. All of the proceeds from this bazaar go to benefit the Historic Carson House.

River Arts District Studio Stroll this Weekend

November 10-11   River Arts District Studio Stroll  The flargest and most walkable tour of working artists' studios in the region, the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes place in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River. There will be artists' demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the weekend.


The Stroll is easily accessible by car from Downtown, West Asheville and Biltmore Village, and there is plenty of parking. Catch the trolley at Riverview Station or any of the stops listed on the map. An Information Booth is located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from the Clingman Café.

Gallery Minerva Presents Anne Bachelier

Gallery Minerva has announced that internationally acclaimed figurative artist, Anne Bachelier, will be joining the gallery on Saturday, November 10th, from 6pm - 9pm  to celebrate her latest body of paintings, drawings and the first edition release  of her most recent book, 13 Plus One. 

"Les Silences du Vent", 20" x 20", Oil on Canvas

 

13 Plus One is an anthology of short stories and poetry by Edgar Allan Poe, profusely illustrated by Bachelier. This first edition release includes a Standard Edition of the book as well as a very limited Collector's Edition. Please contact the gallery for details.

 

WNC Pottery Festival today in Dillsboro

November 3  WNC Pottery Festival This event Showcases the work of more than 40 highly skilled potters from 13 states. A variety of clay art styles will be presented. |

Works by festival organizers and Dillsboro potters Joe Frank McKee & Travis Berning of Tree House Pottery, and Brant Barnes of Riverwood Pottery who has been featured on HGTV will be highlighted. The event is juried and the lineup of potters is impressive. $3 ticket includes a chance in a raffle; kids under 12 admitted free

Learn more about Dillsboro NC HERE

ArtsMart this Saturday in Old Fort

November 3   ArtsMart   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.

Ooh La La Curiosity Market this Weekend in Asheville

November 3    Ooh La La Curiosity Market   An outdoor market in Pritchard Park featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts.