Cherokee Gourd Artist Gathering

May 30 - June 2  11th Annual Gourd Artist Gathering   An event featuring exquisitely crafted gourd art. This year’s Cherokee Gourd Artists Gathering brings together collectors and exhibiting artists for a weekend of live demonstrations, classes, competitions and a spectacular art market offering stunning works of gourd art, materials, tools and supplies.

Come see how an inexpensive, traditionally utilitarian component of the Cherokee household is transformed into a piece of artwork. Admission is free.

For more information about Cherokee NC and Cherokee arts and crafts CLICK HERE.

Asheville City Market Open this Saturday

June 1   The Asheville City Open Air Market   will be open at the Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville NC and Town Square Blvd in Biltmore Park Town Square .  Find the the freshest, best-tasting food around and local artisan products in two locations for your convenience, downtown and South Asheville.EBT, credit, and debit cards are accepted.

Additional activities include live music, cooking demonstrations and food tastings from local chefs. The little ones will enjoy the  Kids Corner Market activities, and more.

Clay Day at The Folk Art Center in Asheville NC

June 1   From 10 Am - 4 PM  Clay Day at The Folk Art Center.   The the Southern Highland Craft Guild  celebrates ceramic arts with craft demonstrations and hands-on activities including the Annual "Make and Take" Raku Firing. Buy a $10 pot, glaze it and watch expert potters raku fire it for you.  Raku is a ceramic firing process which uses fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs.

Other demonstrations include clay sculpture, hand building, surface design and throwing on the potter's wheel. Volunteers from Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Department will be demonstrating and assisting visitors with a try at the potter’s wheel.  Southern Highland Craft Guild member Cindy Billingsley will lead a collaborative sculpture project.  Members Becky & Steve Lloyd will demonstrate sgraffito on porcelain and wheel throwing.

Participating Artists include:

Steven Forbes de Soule, raku

Gary Clontz, raku

Lynn Jenkins, raku

Jan Lee, raku

Cindy Billingsley, collorborative sculpture

Ann Gleason, sculpture

Rose Mueller, sculpture

Rodney Leftwich, folk pottery

Becky & Steve Lloyd, wheel throwing and sgrafitto on porcelain

Janice MacDonald, mixed media figures

Hugh Bailey, folk pottery

Haywood Community College, wheel throwing

Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, wheel throwing and surface design

The Folk Art Center is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 382 in Asheville NC.

Toe River Studio Tour next Weekend

June 7 - 9   Toe River Studio Tour   Grab the tour map and hit the road to visit over 100 artists in Mitchell and Yancey counties. This is one of the biggest and best Studio Tour anywhere, anytime.

Artists open their studios twice a year for the Toe River Studio tours. Enjoy meeting the artists in the premier craft destination in NC. 

NC Gold Festival includes Arts and Crafts

May 31 - June 1   NC Gold Festival  This annual event, features gold exhibits, gold mining techniques and demonstrations, treasure and scavenger hunts, geo-caching, gold panning, numerous vendors including arts and crafts, raffles, Friday night kicks off the festival.

Memorial Day in Art

Spring scene from Arlington National Cemetery

Open edition giclee mini Art De Joie print

Never to forget Poster  by donnythed 

Donald Curran Fine Art

 

Village Square Craft Show in Cashiers NC an Annual Memorial Weekend Event

May 26-27   Village Square Craft Show   Annual Memorial Day Weekend art and crafts show in downtown Highlands. The show features fine art and whimsical folk art, plus high-quality crafts such as fine wood work, metal work, quilts, birdhouses, and twig furniture. As usual, you will find one-of-a-kind baskets, pottery, and jewelry. The show has over 65 vendors.

Learn more about Highlands NC HERE.

Asheville Art and Crafts Studio Tour in Kenilworth a Memorial Weekend Favorite Event

May 25 -26   Kenilworth Art Studio Tour  Twenty-two artists invite you into eleven neighborhood studios and galleries. Browse and/or purchase original artwork from Asheville artists.

The Kenilworth Artists Association is a community of artists in one of Asheville's oldest neighborhoods, with a lovely mix of grand homes, modest bungalows and mature gardens. Over forty aspiring and professional artists live in the five square mile neighborhood just minutes from downtown Asheville. Each year, many of these artists open their doors to the public for a festive tour that attracts shoppers and art lovers alike. 10 AM - 5 PM both days.

Get more information about Asheville art galleries, craft shops and events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Garden Jubilee Festival in Hendersonville Memorial Day Weekend

May 25 - 26   20th Annual Garden Jubilee Festival   The Garden Jubilee features more than 200 vendors selling thousands of plants, arts and crafts, garden talks and clinics, garden accessories, and food. This downtown festival covers 8 blocks of Main Street from Sixth Avenue-Caswell Street.

Local and regional nurseries will be selling 1000s of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard-to-find plants on every block of the festival. The festival is always held during the Memorial Day weekend.

Learn more about Hendersonville Lodging, restaurants and attractions HERE.

Heritage Festival in Bryson City Includes Mountain Arts and Crafts

May 24-25   Swain County Heritage Festival   This two day festival has it all. Friday night entertainment is loaded with local talent featuring an emphasis on old time gospel music. Saturday entertainment is classic country and bluegrass, clogging and Indian hoop dancing.

In addition to music, the festival offers local arts and crafts, food, games for the kids, a log-sawing contest and fun for the whole family. The event takes place form 6 PM - 9 PM Friday and 10 AM to 6:30 PM on Saturday at Riverfront Park on Mitchell Street in downtown Bryson City NC.

Banner Elk Herb Festival Offers a Variety of Mountain Arts and Crafts

May 25-27   Banner Elk Herb Festival   The annual Banner Elk Herb Festival takes place at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School. The Herb Festival offers a vast selection of herbs you' won't find elsewhere. There will be well over 5,000 herb plants for sale, a fantastic fragrant “sea of herbs. All the herb plants are organic and planted in biodegradable pots. About 60 vendors sell their products at the festival. In addition to herbs, arts, crafts and food items will be available.

Attendees can purchase pottery, fine art, portrait photography, goat cheese and homemade herb bread to name just a few items. A “kid zone” includes a petting zoo, old-fashioned games, spin art, a putt-putt course and a dunking booth where festival goers can dunk a fireman. The festival raises money for the volunteer firefighters of Banner Elk. Attendees can purchase a Banner Elk Community Supporter Sticker for any amount, and all proceeds go to the firefighters. The festival will also feature live music.

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has "Back of the Dock" Fund Raiser Sale

May 24, 10 AM - 5 PM   BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art and History Museum) is having a Back of the Dock sale with all proceeds benefiting the Museum. Visit the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum's lower level parking deck for some items you just can't live without, including  furniture, surplus office supplies, "artsy" things, and other merchandise. Cash and carry terms. The Museum is located at 159 Chestnut Street in Blowing Rock NC.

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Lake Lure Artists Show

May 25-27   Lake Lure Artists Show  Foothills artisans present their "Art at the Beach" Fine Arts and Crafts Show and Sale. The event begins at 10:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM. Enjoy browsing and shopping through a wide selection of original paintings, drawings, photography, prints, fine crafts, jewelry, pottery and sculpture.

4th Friday Gallery Tour in Brevard

May 24 -  4th Friday Gallery Tour   An evening of Art, Wine and Food in Downtown Brevard. Every 4th Friday of the month, from May through December. 5-9 PM.  Visit 14 craft galleries and shops, art centers and museums plus enjoy downtown restaurants and shops as they stay open late for this monthly event.

Japanese Art of Flower Design at the North Carolina Arboretum

May 18 - 19    Ikebana Exhibit   The Japanese art of flower design, as presented by the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International, will be on display. A trio of quilts, crafted by students of chapter member Norma Bradley's ikebana and tea ceremony residency at Black Mountain Elementary, will also be featured in the exhibition.

Arts and Crafts at Wilkesboro Open air Market this Weekend

May 17   Wilkesboro Open Air Market   The Regular Friday markets will happen every Friday and will feature the freshest produce and handmade crafts of the surrounding area.   Third Friday Markets also include downtown merchants, food vendors, local wineries, musicians, regional farms and produce, arts and crafts, demonstrators, as well as non-profit and civic organizations are open from 4 PM - 9 PM..

Each Third Friday Open Air Market will be themed with live music, children's activities, contests, and more. The Regular Friday markets will happen every Friday and will feature the freshest produce and handmade crafts of the surrounding area.

Saluda Arts Festival this Weekend

May 18 - The Saluda Art Festival - This year's festival includes nearly  90 artists and craftspeople, lively and award winning music, the children's art tent, several art and craft demonstrators and delicious food from our local restaurants.

A highlight of the Festival is the dedication to artist Johnny Waddill who graciously permitted the festival's organizers to use his painting to brand the Saluda Arts Festival. He died on March 1, 2013, and to honor Johnny Waddill's love for art, the Saluda Business Association is dedicating the 10^th Annual Saluda Arts Festival to his memory. There will be a special exhibit displaying his work during the festival at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville St., Saluda, NC. The Saluda Center will also be open as a "comfort station" for festival goers. 

Entertainment Schedule

 (McCreery Park Pavilion) 

11am- Magician and TV personality, Jack Roper, will entertain the audience. 
11am - Spring Concert from the Dancer's Extension at Saluda School
Students from The Dancer's Extension will perform their Spring Concert.
12pm - Sol Driven Train - Children's Concert
1pm - Clay Ross Band, guitarist, vocalist, composer, and songwriter with Brazilian-style rhythms.
3pm - Sol Driven Train, versatile 5-piece band, based in Charleston, SC, features rotating lead vocalists, and multi-instrumental talent spread across horns, strings, and percussion.
Music for the Saluda Arts Festival is funded by the Polk County Community Foundation's Saluda Fund Grant. This grant is a major reason that the Saluda Arts Festival can bring high-caliber, talented musicians to the festival each year. 

Chimney Rock Spring Celebration Includes Arts and Crafts

May 18   Spring-GO!    Kick off Spring with a mountain parade, an acoustic band, cloggers and fun for the whole family. Start with a delicious Pancake Breakfast from 7:30-9:30 AM, then snag a spot to view the Main Street Parade from 10-10:30 AM.

There'll be music, arts and crafts, great food and more from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Gathering Place in the heart of Chimney Rock Village. Come try your luck at Cow Pie Bingo and celebrate spring.

Blowing Rock Art in the Park This Weekend

May 18     Art in the Park   A juried arts and craft show featuring 90 artists held in the picturesque downtown park once a  month from May through October.  Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more.

Find links for Blowing Rock Lodging, restaurants and attractions HERE.

 

Waynesville's Whole Bloomin' Thing Spring Festival Features Nature-Inspired Crafts

May 11   The Whole Bloomin' Thing Spring Festival - The 11th Annual Festival is held in Waynesville;s Historic Frog Level. This is Haywood County's premier spring festival, kicking off the growing season with beautiful flowering baskets, vegetable and herb starts, berry bushes, and potted ornamental plants to jumpstart your garden.

Local artisans will offer a wide range of nature-inspired gifts and crafts- from baskets and birdhouses to soaps and stemware, pottery and jewelry to metal sculptures and flower planters, and dozens of other handmade creations. Enjoy fresh cheese, homemade preserves and jellies, BBQ and burgers, veggie wraps, ice cream and desserts will be available all day long. Live music and entertainment will be provided throughout the day by local musicians and dancers. 9 AM - 4 PM.

Learn more about Waynesville NC HERE

Franklin Gem Show This Weekend

May 10-12
NC City: Franklin
Event:   11th Annual Mother's Day Gemboree  A Gem show featuring dealers from across the United States. Rough and cut gemstones, minerals, lapidary equipment and much more. Sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce.

Learn more about Franklin NC HERE.

Fiber Weekend at The Folk Art Center

May 11-12   Fiber Weekend at The Folk Art Center   A celebration of textile arts. Throughout the weekend, craftspeople will be sharing their inspiration and expertise as the Southern Highland Craft Guild hosts Fiber Weekend 2013.

Educational craft demonstrations on Saturday will include: natural dyeing, sheep shearing, weaving, tapestry, and surface design. Southern Highland Craft Guild members Sandra Rowland and Jan Morris will host activities designed especially for children.

The folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville NC.

Tryon Gallery Trot this Mother's Day Weekend

May 11  Tryon Gallery Trot   From 5-8 PM downtown Tryon comes to life with galleries hosting opening receptions, late hours, or featuring special events. The Tryon Gallery Trots are evenings where the arts are the primary focus with an open invitation for all to attend and enjoy.

View new art exhibits, meet and talk with artists and craftspeople, or authors and illustrators during the Trots, to enjoy light refreshments, and enjoy art demonstrations and music performances.

Get links for Tryon NC lodging, restaurants and attractions HERE.

Lake Eden Art Festival this Weekend in Black Mountain

May 9-12    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.

Blue to Black Art Weekend Studio Tours This Weekend

May 3-5     Blue to Black Art Weekend   More than 40 studios/art venues/galleries will open their doors to the public this spring. A variety of media is represented including glass, fiber, clay, metal, photography, painting, woodworking – and more. The route extends from the BLUE Ridge Parkway at Highway 70 to East Asheville, Fairview, Swannanoa on to BLACK Mountain and Old Fort at the newly opened Arrowhead Gallery Studios (AGS). AGS features the work of more than 30 artists as well as on-site studios for several.

BLUE TO BLACK Art Weekend includes the E.A.S.T. Studio Tour, now in its 7th season,  and the new BLUE to BLACK Art Stroll in its 1st season. The weekend kicks-off Friday, May 3, from 5-9 PM. with an artist reception and preview of featured works at the historic Monte Vista Hote. The event continues throughout the weekend. On Saturday, E.A.S.T. Studio Tour hours are Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM with extended hours Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM (as offered per individual artist).

Black Mountain art venue/gallery hours are 10 AM - 7 PM with Open House-Artist Receptions at each participating downtown art venue/gallery from 5-7 PM.  Black Mountain art venues/galleries are open additionally on Sunday from 11AM to 5 PM.

Blue Ridge Craft Show

May 4-5   Blue Ridge Craft Show -  Enjoy local and regional Appalachian crafters as they showcase their talent. The weekend event is held at Owl Produce on 889 Old Asheville Highway in Canton NC, just west of Asheville. 

ArtsMart This Weekend in Old Fort NC

May 4   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.

Find more NC Art and Crafts Shows, Festivals and Markets on the NC Galleries and Crafts Guide. 

Waynesville Art After Dark and Saturday Stroll

May 3   Art After Dark and Saturday Stroll  Downtown Waynesville galleries remain open for Art after Dark featuring demonstrations, artist receptions, and special music. Enjoy the Saturday Stroll from 6 PM - 9 PM with live music and great food. Free admission. 

Learn more about Waynesville NC HERE. 

Murphy Art Walk Resumes this Weekend for the 2013 season

May 3   Murphy Art Walk   The Art Walk takes place each first Friday, May through November from 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM. Stroll through historic downtown Murphy for an exquisite visual, culinary, and performing arts experience with more than 20 businesses participating including Art Galleries. Enjoy  Music, Fine Dining, Live Demonstrations and Performances. 

Learn more about Murphy NC HERE.