Handmade in America last Minute Donations

a message from Handmade in America:

HandMade in America is close to the end of our Annual Fund campaign, and we are ALMOST at our $5,000 goal! There are only a few days left, and every dollar donated helps us get that much closer. You could make the difference - if 20 generous people gave $100, we would reach our goal in no time!

It is a scary, complex economic reality out there, with the recession, shifts in the economy, charged political environment, and increasing budget cuts. Government programs and funding are slashed every day. This shifting landscape affects us all; it impacts the availability of jobs, the businesses we interact with every day, and the towns we call home. We all want healthy, thriving, and exciting places to call home, but our region needs organizations that work to make this happen!
 
This is what HandMade does; we are in the business of you! We know what is good for the region is good for us all. Today we need your help. Your investment, through a year-end gift, will ensure our work continues to work for the good of all our lives. I ask you to donate today – and right now a matching gift means your donation doubles its impact!
 

DONATE TODAY 

 
Donating is easy: click the above link, visit our website at handmadeinamerica.org, or send in your donation to our office at 125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 101, Asheville, NC 28801. For questions or to donate over the phone, contact our Manager of Engagement Helene Herbert at hherbert@handmadeinamerica.org or (828) 252-0121 x306. You may also contact me at glenncox@handmadeinamerica.org or (828) 252-0121 x308. 

 

Thank you for your support of our work – it an investment in our region that is definitely worthwhile!

Glenn Cox

Penland School of Crafts Annual Donations

A Message from Gay  Smith

My experience of Penland is about connection: life, creativity, hands, heart, materials, mentors, students, colleagues, community, and friends, all connected in a beautiful web like the warps and wefts on Penland's looms.


I first came to Penland in 1985 with a studio assistant scholarship. It was a life-changing experience made possible by the generosity of others. Since then I have been a resident artist, an instructor, a community member, and a trustee, and I know that any amount we contribute to Penland's annual fund makes a difference. Our donations support everything from the not-so-glamorous water system to the priceless experiences of new scholarship students. They help create the fabric of Penland, and they strengthen our connection with this special place.

I invite you to join me this year as a donor to the Penland annual fund, and my deep thanks go to those who have already made a gift.

Sincerely, 

Gay Smith

LEARN HOW TO MAKE A DONATION HERE

Heartwood Gallery Holiday Hours

Heartwood Gallery, 21 East Main Street in downtown Historic Saluda NC - Holiday Hours:
Friday and Saturday, December 20 - 21 from 10 AM to 7 PM
Sunday, December 22 from 12 - 4 PM
Monday, December 23 from 10 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday, December 24 from 10 AM to 4 PM

Heartwood will be open regular hours through Monday, December 23. Christmas Eve Day, December 24 from  10 AM to 4 PM. They will offer coffee, cookies and refreshments with extra hands ready to make pretty packages for you.

Please remember their Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry fundraiser. This year they are offering a handmade "Be Joyful, Share Joy" pewter angel ornament - great for gifts and stocking stuffers. Every bit of the $14 price goes to  Polk County residents who need assistance.

Learn more about local attractions, lodging and events on the Saluda NC Visitor Guide. 

 

John C Campbell Folk School 2014 Catalog now Available

Explore your creative, adventurous side in the New Year. Experience the Folk School hands-on, non-competitive learning environment through a craft, music, or dance class. From basketry to writing, choose from over 800 week-long and weekend classes in 47 different disciplines. Settle down with a warm cup of tea, and take pleasure in browsing classes that will help enrich your life in 2014.

CLICK HERE to request a printed Catalog or view the Catalog Online

Pricing for tuition and lodging and meals remains the same for 2014. Also new for 2014, stay in one of our "Economy" priced houses and save. Stay in Bidstrup or Mill House and save on your housing and meals costs. View the Lodging and Meals Rates online or in the catalog.

Cherokee Visitor Center Hosts Holiday Homecoming

December 21   Holiday Homecoming   at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee NC.  This annual holiday event is an old-fashioned Christmas celebration in the Smokies with traditional music, holiday crafts, and cider and cookies. The event takes place from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Brevard Gallery Walk this Weekend

December 20   4th Friday Gallery Walk   Enjoy an evening of Art, Wine and Food in Downtown Brevard. Every 4th Friday of the month, from May through December. 5-9 PM. The December walk is a great opportunity for last minute Christmas Shopping.

Rediscovering Christmas at The Black Mountain Center for the Arts

December 19 at The Black Mountain Center for the Arts – Rediscovering Christmas Jim and Carol Anderson return to the Arts Center with their popular show, "Rediscovering Christmas." The show presents a series of original vignettes that range from the comedic tale of two blue-collar shepherds who are in the right place at the right time on Christmas Eve, to a piece about dealing with in-laws at Christmas, to a scene with an irrepressible Jamaican Wiseman who retells the Christmas story like you've never heard it before, and a comedy called “Minnesota Ice Fishing.”

Handmade Holiday Exhibit and Sale at Desert Moon Designs

December 3 – January 7 annual Handmade Holiday exhibition at Desert Moon Designs, 372 Depot Street in Asheville NC 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 Designs Studios is a great place for holiday shopping and connecting with our local community. The gallery supports non-profits all year with each sale. 

Find links for more NC Christmas Shows and Sales on the NC Mountain Craft and Galleries. 

River Arts District Second Saturday this Weekend in Asheville

December 14   River Arts District Second Saturday Asheville’s River Arts District Artists open their studios for a day of family friendly fun, educational experiences, live demonstrations and to share their creations. Visit dozens of artists working in all types of media, available for viewing or purchase.

Get links for the River Arts District Second Saturday and other art and craft events in the mountains this weekend on the NC Mountain Craft Gallery Guide.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center

December  14    Indoor Holiday Arts and Crafts Show   Held at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center Gallery from 10 AM to 5 PM, just in time to finish  your Christmas gift shopping. The Center's cafe will be open all day.  Have breakfast with Santa for 9 - 11 AM and enjoy Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee for only $5.

The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is located at 121 Schoolhouse Road in Robbinsville (Stecoah Valley) NC.

Random Arts Celebrates the Season at Saluda's Hometown Christmas Stroll

December 13 - Stop by Random Arts from 5 PM - 8 PM during Saluda's Hometown Christmas Stroll this Friday. Enjoy seasonal refreshments along with festive munchies. Take this opportunity to see what Random Arts is all about and meet old friends or make new ones in this friendly and artistic space at Louisiana and Ozone in Saluda NC.

Random Arts is a unique workshop - studio - shoppe and creative space, opened in 1996 as a rubber stamp store. It has evolved into a special place, now called "random arts" for artists of all kinds to enjoy workshops for creating art books, traditional books, altered books, jewelry, decorative gourds, art dolls, artist trading cards, PMC jewelry, simple cards, exquisite art and more. The newly remodeled space is even more inviting than before. Supplies are also available for purchase online. 

Learn more about nearby lodging and attractions on the Saluda NC Visitor Guide.  

Cool Craft Market: Holiday Edition 2013 this Weekend in Asheville

December 13 - 16 Buy Handmade for the Holidays at the Cool Craft Market: Holiday Edition 2013.  You'll find variety of craft artists, artisan food, and natural product makers represented at this year's market. Come and support local artisans as well as Western North Carolina's economy.


Along with Blue Ridge Food Ventures, HandMade in America is partnering with Arts for Life, who will provide fun craft activities for kids while parents shop on Saturday and Sunday, and Smoky Mountain Living Magazine, who will be doing a subscription drive. For every subscription sold they will donate almost 50% of the proceeds to HandMade in America. 

The event is held at Handmade in America, 125 Lexington Avenue, Suite 101 in Asheville NC. Market hours are:  Friday 5pm-8pm;  Saturday  10am-6pm;  Sunday 10am-4pm. Free parking is available.

Holiday Tour of Artists’ Studios in Transylvania County and Brevard NC

December 14   Holiday Tour of Artists’ Studios   The Transylvania Community Arts Council will host its Holiday fundraiser with a Holiday Tour of Artists’ Studios from 10 AM - 5 PM. Tickets are on sale now at the TC Arts Council located at 349 S. Caldwell Street in downtown Brevard. Tickets are $20 and will also be on sale at the TC Arts Council on the day of the tour.

Proceeds will benefit the TC Arts Council youth programs including Arts In Schools, scholarships to Summer Art Camp and Pottery Camp and Kids Art Day. Find local art and crafts just in time for holiday gift giving. 

Final Guild Artist Holiday Sale this Saturday

December 14   Guild Artist Holiday Sale   Held on two consecutive Saturdays at The Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 on The Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. There will be a different group of craftspeople participating each Saturday. Find handcrafted jewelry, pottery, glass, fiber, wood and more by members of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild with 10 - 50% off regular retail prices.

Don't miss this final opportunity to find some of the best art and crafts in the mountains on sale at the year's best prices.

Heartwood Gallery Announces Christmas Fundraiser

Heartwood Gallery,  located at 21 East Main Street in historic downtown Saluda NC, is offering a Pewter Joyful Angel Ornament to raise funds for Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. This second annual fund raiser is under way with the "Be Joyful, Share Joy" pewter angel.

Angels are $14 and the entire amount will go to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry for the much needed assistance they provide those for the county. The ornaments are attached to a card that has information about the artist and the fund raiser. They fit nicely in a Christmas card and make a great gift.

Help Heartwood Gallery help those in need.

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Hosts Angel Tree

Now until December 16 - The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) in partnership with the Grandfather Home for Children, is hosting an Angel Tree in the atrium. Participants select a paper ornament, shop for items the children of Grandfather Home have requested on the ornament, and return the gifts unwrapped to the Museum.


Many of the children have requested art supplies but there is also have a list of basic necessities needed at Grandfather Home. You can help each of these deserving children receive a special gift this holiday season.

The deadline is December 16. So stop by the Museum to pick out an ornament or call 828-295-9099 for more information.

Learn more about NC Art Museums on the NC Mountain Crafts and Galleries Guide.

Guild Artist Holiday Craft Sale at The Folk Art Center

 December  7 and 14    Guild Artist Holiday Sale    Held on two consecutive Saturdays at The Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 on The Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. There will be a different group of craftspeople participating each Saturday. Find handcrafted jewelry, pottery, glass, fiber, wood and more by members of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild with 10 - 50% off regular retail prices.

Over 50 artists will be participating over the course of the two sales, with a different group of artists each weekend. The annual holiday sale is an opportunity for artists to liquidate overstocks and 2013 items, try out new techniques, and sell studio seconds. And it provides buyers with exceptional Christmas and holiday gifts at the best prices of the year.

Art After Dark in Waynesville this Friday

December 6   Art After Dark   Downtown Waynesville transforms into into "an exquisite visual, culinary and performing arts center" with local galleries and studios remaining open until 9 PM. The evening features special openings, demonstrations, artist receptions, and music. 

Get links for complete visitor information on the Waynesville NC Guide. 

Asheville Art Walk this Weekend for Christmas Crafts and Gifts

December 6   Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk   Enjoy the fine art and craft of the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association and see on of the reasons Asheville has been voted #1 small city in the country by the readers of American Style Magazine 2 years running.

25 downtown venues participate with a complete Downtown Gallery Guide and a map available at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.

Annual Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show this Weekend at Western Carolina University

November 29 - December 30   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. The Show is held at the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee (near Sylva).  Parking is FREE.

Get links for local visitor information on the Sylva NC Guide. 

West Jefferson Hosts Tree Fest and Christmas Miniatures Art Exhibit

November 25 - December 27   Tree Fest and Christmas Miniatures Art Exhibit    Beautifully decorated trees with handcrafted ornaments, holiday crafts, gift items and miniature paintings and photography. The gallery shop is also full of handmade ornaments available for purchase. 

Learn more about West Jefferson and Jefferson NC HERE.  

 

Blue Ridge Artisans Show and Sale Begins this Week

November 26 - December 24     Blue Ridge Artisans Show and Sale  features crafts from local artisans, including woodwork, paintings, photography and various Christmas ornaments. The Show is held at the McDowell Arts Council Association Gallery, 50 S Main Street in Historic Downtown Marion NC. 

The McDowell County Arts Council was founded in 1976 and today continues to support local arts through encouraging area artists,  providing gallery space, a retail shop, teaching opportunities and theater space for the performing arts. More than 70 artisans are currently participating members in exhibits, the gift shop and special events.

Thanksgiving Weekend Events at The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

November 29 - Forget Black Friday at the mall. Make your post-Thanksgiving shopping a COLORFUL day at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum gift shop featuring art by local artists in partnership with The Art Cellar of Banner Elk, new exhibit merchandise from the latest exhibit - The Painted Song: Art of Wiili Armstrong - and unique books.  They will also be debuting NEW CHILDREN'S GIFTS including a variety of creative crafts, books, puzzles and toys.  You'll be able to find something for everyone on your list in one stop. The store will be open regular hours, 10 AM - 5 PM.

November 30, 3-4:30 PM - BRAHM Holiday Open House.  Following the Blowing Rock Christmas parade this free, family-friendly event features:

• Children’s chorus concert: Green Valley/Valle Crucis and Caroler and Cherub Choirs of Boone United Methodist Church
• Holiday crafts for kids
• Refreshments
• Angel Tree benefitting the Grandfather Home for Children
• Admission to Museum exhibits

The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is located at 159 Chestnut Street (corner of Chestnut and Main) in
Blowing Rock NC 

Glass Blowing Demonstration at The Grove Arcade

November 22 - 23 from 11 AM - 4 PM at Mountain Made Art Gallery in The Grove Arcade, 1 Page Avenue in downtown Asheville NC   Glassblowing Demonstration with Jason Probstein.  Glass is considered one of the most common yet mystifying substances used in both the ancient and modern art worlds. It remains one of mankind’s most fragile, delicate and yet most durable art mediums.

If you have ever wondered just how professional glass artists create all their art forms then you must see the Live Artist Demonstration by Jason Prostein at the Mountain Made Gallery inside the Historic Grove Arcade.

Random Arts November Events

November 19 - last Zen Doodle "drop in" of the year. Zen Doodle from 10 AM until noon on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays and everyone is welcome. NO pre-registration and NO FEE. Just show up and enjoy 2 hours of zen tangling in a stress-free environment.

November 22 -  Learn the "ever so popular" Gouache Resist technique for your holiday cards. From 10-2 you will delve into the 7 step process of this unique form of art. Pre-registration is necessary and the space is limited. $20.

November 23  - "Random Play Days".  It's a NO stress environment where others join in to work on their own projects on their own time. Holiday card rush? Finish them here. Need a large table to lay out a project? Do it here. Random Arts is ready, willing and eager to have you join them for a day of creative play. No pre-registration necessary.

Random Arts is located at 481 Louisiana Avenue in Saluda NC. 

Penland School of Crafts Announces Spring Workshops

Penland School of Crafts Spring 8-Week Workshops:

METALS

Multiples: Fabrication Through Repetition with Sarah Loertscher 

(Above is a repeated image of Sarah Loertscher's Structure Neckpiece #13)

CLAY

Form Focus with David Eichelberger

 

HOT GLASS

Glass Smorgasbord with Amy Rueffert

IRON

Contemporary Thermodynamic Design with Mike Rossi

LETTERPRESS

Moving Pictures: Animated Letterpress with Rory Sparks

TEXTILES

Personal Cartography with Robin Johnston

WOOD

Make Do with What You Have, Take What You Can Get 

with Tom Shields

Workshops run March 9-May 2, 2014.

Read complete descriptions for each workshop here.

  

Spring Work-Study Scholarship Deadline: November 29

Please note: scholarship applications are due at Penland on this date. Overnight services often fail to make it to Penland overnight; please plan accordingly.
 

Christmas Ornament Festival in Burnsville Town Center

November 23    Christmas Ornament Festival in Town Center   An annual Christmas Ornament Festival featuring one of a kind gift items handmade by local crafters and artisans. Admission is free.

The Burnsville NC area is home to hundreds of North Carolina's favorite arts and crafters. This is your opportunity to make your holiday gift giving really special with a handcrafted piece from, the mountains.

Asheville Seed Company Features Local Artist Peter Loewer

Renowned Botanical Illustrator Peter Loewer collaborated with Sow True Seed for their 2014 Catalog Cover.  Sow True Seed, based in Asheville NC, offers exclusively open-pollinated, non-hybrid, untreated seed that remains true-to-type when saved and replanted. For their annual catalog Sow True Seed collaborates with a local artist and this year's cover art is based on the incredible pen and ink illustrations of Peter Loewer.

Peter is a well-known local writer and botanical artist. His book, The Wild Gardener, was named one of "the best 75 garden books of the 20th Century" by the American Horticultural Society. He has an Asheville-based garden call-in radio show, he's a contributing editor for Carolina Gardener and also a popular public speaker.  Peter also teaches illustration at AB Tech, the NC Arboretum and Montreat Elderhostel.

"This isn't just a list of seeds – it's a growing guide and gardening inspiration rolled into one!" says Carol Koury, Sow True Seed's Founder. "At events people always ask, 'Are these free?', and are surprised when we say YES!"

The 2014 Sow True Seed catalog is at the printers and the first run will be ready for pick-up by mid-December. Get yours, hot off the press, by signing up at www.sowtrueseed.com.

This is the second year that Sow True Seed has collaborated with a local artist to produce their catalog cover. In 2013 Jenny Greer, voted 2012 'Best of WNC' in graphic design, created a beautiful illustration for Sow True Seed's annual catalog cover art. The art went on to inspire Sow True Seed's t-shirt design and has attracted admiration in Asheville and across America.

Blue To Black Art Weekend - Gallery and Studio Strolls

November 15 - 17   Blue To Black Art Weekend   A self-guided tour of artist's studios from the Blue Ridge Parkway EAST to Black Mountain and Old Fort including an Art Stroll in downtown Black Mountain. This bi-annual celebration of art takes place in May and November.

The event kicks off with AnTHM Gallery at the Monte Vista Hotel featuring a reception for participating artists. The evening will also include an art show from the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League entitled "Fabulous Fakes". Exhibiting artists interpret famous works of art and will be on display through the New Year. Enjoy “Artini” drink specials, appetizers and live music. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday:
Studio Tours 10 AM - 6 PM    On Saturday BLUE TO BLACK Art Weekend continues when you visit Studio Artists (and visiting artists) as they showcase their work. This is a unique opportunity to visit, meet and obtain the knowledge and education of their particular media.

Art Stroll in Downtown Black Mountain  11 AM – 7 PM   Have lunch at any of Black Mountain's great downtown restaurants, then continue with a visit  to participating venues and galleries.

Sunday: 
Studio Tours 10 AM - 6 PM  On Sunday  BLUE TO BLACK Art Weekend continues when you visit  Studio Artists (and visiting artists) and make your way to the varied Art Collectives—from East Asheville, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, and Old Fort—as they showcase their work on into the weekend. From clay, glass, wood, fiber, paint, metal, and photography, there’s something for everyone on the Artist Studio Tour.

Art Stroll in Downtown Black Mountain  11 AM – 5 PM   The weekend continues on Sunday with more Studio Artist Tours, or visit those downtown shops you missed. Maybe purchase a Black Mountain T-shirt, or one of those hand crafted artisan mugs, t-pots or plates. Maybe even a painting or a memento of your visit.

Weekend Artist Receptions:
Held at a variety of participating Black Mountain Galleries and Venues. After your day of art exploration it's time to meet the artists and Gallery Owners for a refreshing glass of wine and possibly some hors d'oeuvres at those participating venues and galleries. To end the evening, check out the local music venues for the night such as White Horse Black Mountain, Trailhead Restaurant, the Monte Vista Hotel and Pisgah Brewing Company.

Get links for local visitor information on the Black Mountain NC Guide.

Historic Carson House Holiday Crafts

November 15  Historic Carson House Luncheon and 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 holiday 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.

Learn more about Marion NC HERE.

River Arts District Studio Stroll Schedule

November 9 - 10     Schedule of Artist demos, featured activities and artists for River Arts District Studio Stroll:

Cara Steinbuchel will give a short presentation:
"Care of Hard Working Hands in Winter": 11 & 2 Sat

Jenny Buckner will demonstrate knife palette painting: 10-3 Sun

Jeff Pittman
Oil Painting: 10-6 Sat & Sun

352 Depot Street

Desert Moon Designs/Sutherland Handweaving Studio
Karen Donde
Hands-on floor-loom weaving demonstrations for kids and adults:
10-2 Sat; 2-6 Sun

372 Depot, Unit 20

Desert Moon Designs Studios & Gallery
Joan BernerHand Felting: 11–3 Sat

372 Depot, Unit 20

David Lookingbill
Jewelry Making: 12-3 Sat

Planet Art
Brandy Clements
Chair Caning: 12-4 Sat- Sun

375 Depot Studios & Gallery

Cotton Mill Studios
Eileen Black
Wheel Throwing : 10-6 Sat & Sun

Akira Satake/gallery mugen
Ceramics, Live Music: 10-6 Sat & Sun

The Hatchery
Julia Fosson
Encaustic: 11-5 Sat & Sun

Jonas Gerard Fine Art
Jonas Gerard
Live Painting Performance: 2-3:30 Sat & Sun

Odyssey ClayWorks
Throwing, Handbuilding, Paint Your Own Raku, Kids Activities:
12-4 Sat & Sun

Pink Dog CreativeAndrea Kulish, Studio A
Pysanky Egg making: 10-6 Sat & Sun

Judy Levine
Weaving and Felting: 10-6 Sat & Sun

Riverside Studios:

Artists at Riverside Studios
Ongoing demonstratios in Painting, Sculpture, Fiber and Mosaic:
10-6 Sat & Sun

Todd Frahm
Outdoor Stone Carving: 10-4 Sat & Sun

Julie Miles
artist demos throughout the day: 10-6 Sat & Sun

Wendy H. Outland
Free Drawing for Top 10 Art Biz Tips!: 5pm Sat & Sun

Riverview Station
MH Libman
Woodturning Demonstration: 11-2 Sat & Sun

The Village Potters
Wheel Throwing, Handbuilding and Sculpture:
10-2 Sat & Sun

Warehouse Studios
Shelley Schenker (#7)
Hands-on Mosaics for All Ages: 11-5 Sat & Sun

The Wedge, Whitespace, second floor
Cheryl Keefer
Oil Painting: Saturday afternoon

Stephen L Lange (Studio 2B1)
Weaving Holographic Art from Recycled Glass, Metal and Vinyl:
10-6 Sat & Sun

Joyce Thornburg & Vicky Pinney (Studio 2B2)
Painting, Working w/ Cold Wax: 10-6 Sat & Sun

Cheyenne Trunnell (Barbara Perez Gallery & Studio)
Painting: 10-6 Sat & Sun

 

Get a printable version HERE.

Market on Oak Offers Christmas Crafts and Holiday Gifts

Tj

The Market on Oak is located at
262 Oak Avenue in historic Spruce Pine NC

Cloth Fiber Workshop Offers two more Workshops for 2013

November 23 - Contemporary Rug Hooking with Yarn with Betsy Archer. Rug hooking! Learn to create contemporary designs with yarn on linen. First you'll prepare the linen for hooking and then transfer a pattern onto the fabric. Then you'll learn to color plan your project and use rug-hooking tools. Everyone will use the same pattern but you'll be able to change the design to make it unique. Level of Expertise: beginner/intermediate. Fee: $85 + materials.

December 7 - Shibori, Silk, and Sericin with Amy Putansu. In this one day workshop you'll explore a variety of traditional shibori techniques on silk organza. First you'll create resists with shibori then place the fabric into a silk-scour bath. The resisted areas will retain the crispness of organza while the areas left exposed will dissolve into a very fine sheet of silk. Next you'll over-dye the cloth with fiber reactive dyes resulting in a surface design pattern with lovely textural and visual effects.This process can also be applied to hand woven silk with sericin—examples of this will be discussed for those interested in weaving their own fabric. Level of Expertise: all levels. Fee: $85 + materials.

To register for workshops call 828.505.2958, register online or stop by the studio, Mon-Sat, 10 am - 4 pm.
Cloth Fiber Workshop is located in the Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Dr, #D at the River Arts District in Asheville, NC.

Foothills Holiday Arts and Craft Show in Marion NC

November 9 - 10    Foothills Holiday Arts and Craft Show    The area’s best talent will be showcased for two days  of art and crafts 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 in their work. The event will be set up inside and outside the Corpening YMCA and live music will add to the festive atmosphere.

Get links for more information about Marion NC HERE. 

River Arts District Studio Stroll this Weekend in Asheville

November 9 - 10   River Arts District Studio Stroll   The first, 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.
 
An Information Booth will be located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from the Clingman Café. Free trolleys run approximately every 15 min, bringing visitors to gallery shows, kid's activities, and art demonstrations, such as glass blowing, wheel throwing, wood turning, and more. 


The River Arts District is open year around - meet 160+ artists in their studios, visit craft galleries and shops and stop to re-energize at one of the cafes or restaurants. Daily schedules are available online. Twice a year, every second weekend in June and November, Asheville’s River Arts District opens to the public for these two days of festivities known as the Studio Stroll. On SECOND SATURDAYS artists welcome you into their studios to talk with them, see their latest artwork, watch demonstrations, and experience for yourself the magic hidden inside the time-worn factories and warehouses along the French Broad River.

Get links for more information about Ashevile and Asheville galleries on the Asheville NC Guide.

Blacksmith and Fine Craft Auction at John C Campbell Folk School

Lighthouse w/Light Keeper's House Carved
in Cottonwood Tree Bark by Tom Gow

November 2 from 1-4 PM John C Campbell Folk School holds its annual Blacksmith and Fine Craft Auction.  Many Folk School Instructors, Resident Artists, and local artists have donated amazing pieces to support the Folk School's craft programs.

This annual fall fundraiser, set for the Keith House Community Room at The Folk School. Enjoy bidding for more fine craft pieces at the eBay auction site, held from October 28 through November 7.

John C. Campbell Folk School  provides experiences in non-competitive learning and community life that are joyful and enlivening. Located in scenic Brasstown, North Carolina, the Folk School offers year-round weeklong and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing.  The school also hosts concerts, festival and a variety of cultural events.

Get local visitor information on the Hayesville NC Guide.

ArtsMart this Weekend in Old Fort

November 2  ArtsMart    Locally created arts and crafts displayed inside the historic downtwon 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.

John C Campbell FOlk School Launches Fine Craft eBay Auctions

On October 28, 2013 John C Campbell Folk School launched a fine craft eBay auctions. The eBay auctions run through Thursday, November 7, and enable you to support the Folk School even if you cannot attend the Blacksmith and Fine Craft Auction, held on November 2, 2013..

Browse the eBay auctions to find a handcrafted work of art for yourself or for a gift. All eBay auction proceeds will help improve the Folk School's 16 on-campus studios and further our mission.

Featured Item: Handcrafted 15-foot Skiff with Motor :

 

The estate of Jim Grant has donated a beautiful, handcrafted 15- foot skiff to our Live Auction. Jim Grant built this boat in 2005 in a class taught by Dana Hatheway, a local custom woodworker.
Jim carefully fiberglassed the entire body of the skiff. He added gorgeous pine running boards, floorboards, transom, oars, seats, and oar locks. The skiff comes equipped with a Briggs & Stratton 5 horsepower motor and a customized 16-foot trailer. The boat has all of the necessary paperwork and title.
To help facilitate this auction, and ensure that we reach the reserve price, on this item we will be accepting bids via phone prior to the auction. If you would like to bid on this item, call Reed Caldwell, Development Manager, at 828.837.2775 (Monday- Friday 9:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Featured Artist:

Harry Hearne has been a full-time raku artist for 20 years, working out of his own Turning Point Clay Studio near the Folk School campus.

In addition to teaching classes in his studio, Harry taught for five years at the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts. He has conducted workshops at various colleges, universities, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and at the Folk School since 1995.

Featured Artist: 

Paul Garrett is a full-time artist-blacksmith who has been working with metal since 1978. The owner & operator of Ironwood Forge, he has experience in projects ranging from architectural to functional to artistic. He is our Resident Artist in Blacksmithing and has taught and taken many classes at the Folk School.

In 2009, Paul took a study trip to Europe, where he and teammate Matt Jenkins received an Honorable Mention in the World Forging Championship in Stia, Italy.

Visit the auction site to view more artists' work.  

 

Ooh La La Holiday Bazaar this Saturday in Asheville

October 26   Ooh La La Holiday Bazaar   The Summer's Curiosity Markets are continuing with into fall with a great selection of local art and crafts for holiday gift-giving and celebration. Held in downtown Asheville's Pritchard Park from 10 AM to 4 PM.

The Holiday Bazaar will feature works by local painters, fabric artists, jewelry makers, potters , up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. The market will also feature live local music with three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts.

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair this weekend in Asheville

October 25-27   Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair   Hosted by the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, in the McGough Arena, This event includes 100’s of animals, crafters, workshops and demonstrations.  See spinning, knitting, weaving, felting and much more. 

Join a workshop class to improve your skills or just enjoy browsing and shopping the beautiful and unique apparel and wearable art at SAFF.  Friday and Saturday 9:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 9:00AM-4:00PM.  Admission  is  $3per person and youth under 13 years old are free.

Lake Eden Fall Art Festival begins today in Black Mountain NC

October 17- 20    LEAF - Lake Eden Art Festival   LEAF is one of the treasured traditions for families and friends across the southeast. Held annually at  at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, a weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multi-cultural music, arts, dance, and outdoor adventures journey to "recharges your batteries". A few aspects that make LEAF popular is the family friendly atmosphere, the diverse sampling of arts and music, the beautiful setting, and the intimate size.

Learn more about Black Mountain NC events, rentals, inns and attractions HERE.

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Third Thursday

October 17  The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) hosts this season's last Third Thursday lecture. Photographer Doug Holstein will present a slideshow on his trip to Africa and answer questions about getting started in photography. The talk begins at 4:30 pm in the Community Meeting Room and is followed by a reception. Free to BRAHM members; $5 for non-members.

Learn more about Blowing Rock NC HERE.

 

NC Fall Leaf Event: Franklin NC hHosts the 20th Annual Smoky Mountain Fall Art and Craft Fest this weekend

October 19-20   20th Annual Smoky Mountain Fall Art and Craft Fest   100 of the most unique, skilled artisans in Western North Carolina. Enjoy great good and the opportunity to win100 free hand-crafted door prizes. There will also be alpacas and an animal rescue petting zoo. Also held on Oct 25-26.

Get links for lodging and attractions on the Franklin NC Visitor Guide. 

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands Begins this Week in Asheville

October 17-20   Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands    This 65th annual event includes over 200 exhibitors, craft demonstrations, and live regional music and entertainment. Both levels of Asheville's downtown Civic Center (Cellular Center) are filled with artisans selling their works of clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry.

The Fair showcases the work of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and includes craft demonstrations and, beginning on Friday, local musicians performing traditional and bluegrass mountain music live on the arena stage.

Get complete local visitor information on the Asheville NC Guide. 

The Art of Bonsai at the WNC Nature Center

October 12-13   Carolina Bonsai Expo   The juried work of bonsai enthusiasts from bonsai clubs in a six-state region of the United States is on exhibit. Every year the Expo includes free educational programming, workshops, a bonsai marketplace featuring plants, pots, tools and books for sale, ikebana displays and a live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items.

Western North Carolina Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region whose mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences. WNC Nature Center strives hard to meet the needs of our adopted 'critters' and our community. Each year 100,000 are welcomed - of which 30,000 are school children attending the Nature Center in conjunction with their classroom curriculum.

The WNC Nature Centure is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville NC.

The Center for Craft, Creativity and Design Announces New Location

The Center for Craft, Creativity and Design
Relocates to Downtown Asheville
submitted by Stephanie Moore, Executive Director

 

Over the past two years, the Center's board and staff have considered and discussed our core purpose - who we are and what we would like to accomplish in the future. During the planning process, it became most evident that the Center needed to relocate in order to increase our visibility, as well as strengthen and expand programs. Last August the Center purchased 67 Broadway, our new home in downtown Asheville. As we move forward, the Center would like to extend sincere appreciation to the residents and organizations in Hendersonville that supported our mission for eighteen years.

Western North Carolina has historically been, and continues to be, a vital center for craft production in the United States. This permanent location provides us assurance towards the future - a place to be, to dig deep, and to grow. A gift from the Windgate Charitable Foundation made this purchase possible. Subsequent gifts we received from Fleur Bresler and The Bresler Family Foundation will allow us to open our renovated space debt free. We are forever grateful.

With this change also comes the separation from the University of North Carolina, which has provided foundational support since the beginning. The Center will continue to prioritize craft in higher education, as well as the scholarship of American craft, both in the region and beyond. Our mission to advance the understanding of craft through research, critical dialogue, and professional development remains steadfast.

We are excited about the plans ahead and look forward to opening our doors in early 2014. As always, keep us informed of the things in craft that matter to you most and we will do the same.

Stephanie Moore 

The Center's new home at 67 Broadway Street, Downtown Asheville

7th Avenue Bazaar and Motorama Car Show this Weekend in Hendersonville

October 12   7th Avenue Bazaar   Held at the Historic Depot Plaza, the Bazaar is a street festival with a variety of art and crafts, entertainment, food and more from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Also enjoy the car show, Motorama on Main Street, with automobile dealers displaying their new 2014 models, antique, classic cars and street rods show. Motorama is sponsored by the Great Smoky Mountain Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

Mountain Glory Festival in Marion NC

October 12    30th Annual Mountain Glory Festival   The festival covers the court house lawn and 3 blocks of downtown Marion. Browsers and shoppers looking for original handicrafts or handspun enjoyment will find plenty of choice among more than 125 artists, crafters and food booths and a variety of entertainment, from local bluegrass bands playing traditional mountain music to haunting melodies of Native American music. 9:30 AM - 5 PM. 

Get links for local visitor information, lodging and a map on the Marion NC Guide. 

Cashiers Leaf Festival Features local Art and Crafts

October 11-13   Cashiers Leaf Festival   Each year, the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association (known locally a GCAMA, or G-comma) sponsors the Cashiers Leaf Festival. This 3-day event celebrates the beauty of the season that's particularly unique to this area.

Featuring arts and crafts from local and regional artisans, food from area restaurants, music from a variety of bands on two main stages, and activities for all ages at various locations throughout the Cashiers Valley, the Cashiers Leaf Festival serves as the centerpiece of the area's Leaf Season.

Get links for complete local visitor information on the Cashiers NC Guide.

Gallery Crawl this Weekend in West Jefferson

October 11   West Jefferson Gallery 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.

Get links for complete visitor information on the West Jefferson NC Guide. 

 

Best of the Blue Ridge Art Show in West Jefferson

October 9 - November 21  Best of the Blue Ridge   The Annual juried exhibit begins this week and includes artists from six counties. The exhibit is held at the Ashe Arts Center. 336-846-ARTS.

The Artist reception is October 11 from 5-8 PM. The Ashe Arts Center is located at  303 School Ave. in West Jefferson NC. 

October Leaves Craft Show in Maggie Valley

October 12-13   October Leaves Craft Show   It’s October and that means it is time for cool mornings and beautiful fall colors. Come and spend the day at the October Leaves Craft Show enjoying the panoramic view of the mountains in Maggie Valley.

The craft show will be held Saturday from 9 AM - 5 PM and Sunday from 9 AM - 4 PM at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Admission is free and there is plenty of free parking.

A variety of fine handmade crafts created by artisans from throughout the Southeast including furniture, jewelry, knitting, pottery, quilted items, painted shirts, floral arrangements, leather work, scroll work, crochet, soaps and more.

Food Vendors will be on hand with hot dogs, hamburgers, Italian Sausage, funnel cakes, kettle corn, lemonade, milk shakes, coffee, and other taste treats. Plan on eating with them while enjoying the music of Dave Seratt and the many Christian music groups he brings.

The event will also be hosting a food drive to benefit the local community. The Show has joined with the Maggie Valley Methodist Church Food Pantry to replenish their shelves. With every donation you will receive a raffle ticket. This ticket will give you the opportunity to win a handmade craft donated by one of the talented artisans or a gift certificate donated by one of Maggie Valley’s merchants. You do not have to be present to win. The Drawing will be held Sunday afternoon.

Get complete local visitor information on the Maggie Valley NC Guide.

Art on Main in Hendersonville NC

October 5 - 6   Art on Main   A fine arts and fine crafts show held in Historic Downtown Hendersonville. The Downtown area is transformed into a giant outdoor art gallery featuring the finest artists and artisans from the southeast. Art on Main attracts 3,000-4,000 art lovers each year.

Find links for complete local visitor information on the Hendersonville NC Guide.

 

Asheville Art in the Park this weekend in Asheville

October 5   Asheville Art in the Park   The finest handcrafted art i the area on display and sale at Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Find some of the finest artists in the region at this market series now in its fifth year. The event takes place on three consecutive Saturdays each June and October.

Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is they are local. Muddy Knees Design and Production hosts this opportunity to connect these excep0tion artists with the public in Asheville‘s Pack Square Park.

Get links for complete local information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Brushy Mountain Apple Jam One of the Largest Arts and Crafts Festivals in the Southeast

October 5   Brushy Mountain Apple Jam   This event is one of the largest one-day arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast and features a large variety of arts and crafts, food and entertainment. Events begin at 8 AM and continue until 5 PM. There will be live entertainment at the corner of 10th and Main Streets. Open jam. 

The festival is sponsored annually by the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club and have been held on the 1st Saturday of October since 1978. 

Over 100 civic, church and other non-profit organizations participate in this FREE festival. Music and entertainment venues include: Bluegrass in the Park, Americana, Gospel a  the J.P., and Dance on the Deck.

Get links for complete visitor information on the Wilkesboro NC Guide

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Premieres Keepsake Exhibition Book

October 3 - Blowing Rock Art and History Museum  hosts  the premiere of their keepsake exhibition book, Art Among Friends: Four Collections of American Art.

There will be the first purchasing opportunity, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and wine. The party is from 6 PM until 8 PM. Remember that this is the last month for this exhibit of American impressionism--Art Among Friends closes on November 2. There will be a guided tour of the exhibit prior to the premiere.

Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk

October 4   Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk   Enjoy the fine art and craft of the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association and see on of the reasons Asheville has been voted #1 small city in the country by the readers of American Style Magazine 2 years running.

25 downtown venues participate with a complete Downtown Gallery Guide and a map available at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.

American Craft Week in Asheville

October 4-13   American Craft Week   A celebration of the wonders of American craft and its contribution to the culture and economy of the country. Dozens of participants in Western North Carolina host special events from open studios to major gallery exhibits.

This year's Keynote Speaker is Christopher Benfey - Survival 101: Keeping Education Alive at Black Mountain College. Saturday, October 12, 5:30pm-6:30pm. 6:30-7:45 reception.. Get a complete list of participants and events on the website.