4th of July Event: Elkland Art Center's Liberty Parade

July   : Elkland Art Center's Liberty Parade   Elkland Art Center hosts an annual arts parade called The Liberty Parade. Participants become the parade by wearing costumes and carrying large puppets that represent the local environment, environmental concerns and current creative impulses. Each year community members add a segment or theme in workshops with local artists,

Arts and Crafts at the Annual Cashiers Mountain Music Festival

June 30 - July 1   Cashiers Mountain Music Festival 2013   The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Fourth Annual Cashiers Mountain Music Festival. Tickets are $25 per day or $40 for a two day pass, children 12 and under are free. Bring a chair or blanket. No coolers, pets or firearms.

Fireworks are planned at dark on Sunday, July 1. Arts, crafts, food, drinks and a children's zone. Musicians are encouraged to bring instruments for jamming in the park. There will be a local church barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, June 30.

Asheville Art in the Park this Weekend

June 29   Art in the Park   Artisans working in Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal show and sell in a public market setting in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park. 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.

10% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local art non-profit organization.

Maggie Valley Swap Meet includes Craft Show

June 28 - 30   Swap Meet and Car Show   Swap Meet, Vendors, Sponsors, Car Show, Food, D.J. and Craft Show. Fun for the entire family.

Asheville Open Air Market this Weekend

June 29   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.

Stecoah Valley Spring Artisans Drive About and Open Studios

June 28 - 29   Stecoah Valley Spring Artisans Drive About Visit the artisans' studios and galleries during the open house drive-about studio tour. Get up close and person with the artist and see numerous live demonstrations. The hours will be 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM both days. The Schoolhouse Cafe at The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center will also be open.

Learn more about Local events and lodging on the Robbinsville NC Visitor Guide.

Annual Mountain Artisans Summertime Art and Crafts Show This Weekend

June 29-30   CULLOWHEE, N.C. - Several of the top artisans and crafters in the Southeast will display their goods at the 24th annual Mountain Artisans Summertime Art and Crafts Show.  This two-day event features more than 100 exhibitors and takes place in the Ramsey Center arena on the campus of Western Carolina University.

Show coordinator Doris Hunter scours the region each year to locate authentic hand crafters who carry on the Southern Appalachian tradition of arts and crafts.  "Our shows are known for always having a large selection of original handmade art and crafts," Hunter said. "I leave no stones unturned in finding these special artisans."

The items displayed for sale include: fine art, woodworking, pottery, weavings, paintings, blacksmith items and gourd art. Heritage crafts such as shaker brooms, pine needle baskets and folk dolls are available, along with quilted wall hangings and heirloom fabric items. Soaps and candles are also popular, while master jewelers and bead designers delight attendees with a selection of accessories.

WCU's Liston B. Ramsey Center has served as the show's home since 2005. It provides 18,000 square feet of exhibitor space, wide aisles, surround lighting, and air-conditioned comfort.  Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $4 for adults, with children under age 12 admitted free. Free parking is available.

The show is produced by Doris Hunter of Mountain Artisans Show Promotions in Macon County. For show info, call Hunter at (828) 524-3405 or visit:  www.mountainartisans.net.

Cullowhee is located near Sylva NC. Get more information on the Sylva NC Visitor Guide or visit: www.mountainlovers.com.

4th Friday Gallery Tour in Brevard

June 28   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. Brochures for the Walk are available at the Chamber of Commerce or participating galleries.

Local Scholarships Available at John C Campbell Folk School

Check the John C Campbell Folk School website for some brand-new scholarships for full-time local residents. We try to keep the website listings current, and we also post scholarships without announcing them in a reminder email. Sometimes these go VERY quickly, so check back frequently for the latest offerings.  Get complete details HERE.
Remember: Local residents are always eligible to receive 50% off tuition on a space available, stand-by basis. To be considered local, you must be a full-time, permanent resident of one of the following counties:

North Carolina: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon or Swain
Georgia: Fannin, Towns or Union
Tennessee: Polk

Call the registration staff at 828-837-2775 to check availability and to be placed on the Local Wait List.

Friday Night Concert Series at John C Campbel Folk School

Friday nights at 7 PM enjoy lively concerts featuring diverse performers. Concerts will be held in the Festival Barn throughout the summer months.  Upcoming Concerts at The Folk School include:

June 21 - Steve Hickman and John Devine

June 28 - Women of Heart

July 12 - New England Contra Dance Tunes and More

July 19 - The Wilson Family

For a complete schedule and concert details CLICK HERE.   John C Campbell Folk School is located at One Folk School Road in Brasstown NC.

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Third Thursday Features UNC-TV's Shannon Vickery

June 20 at 4:30 pm in the Community Meeting Room at Blowing Rock Art and Hsitory Museum the Third Thursday Series features UNC-TV's Shannon Vickery.  Vickery is an instantly recognizable face to many in North Carolina, due to her nearly two decades with UNC-TV.  Vickery is currently the director of production at UNC-TV and this week the public will have the chance to see her outside of the small screen when she speaks as part of the Museum’s Third Thursday series. 

Vickery’s Third Thursday talk will focus on the important work that UNC-TV has done inspiring and enriching the lives of people in this state through educational programming and services.

Admission is $5 (free for members) and wine and refreshments will be provided.

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is located at 159 Chestnut Street in Blowing Rock NC. Get a link for the Museum on the Blowing Rock NC Visitor Guide.

John C Campbell Folk School Welcomes Youth to Special Classes

June 16 - 22   John C Campbell holds Little/Middle Folk School week, opening its doors to young folks aged 7-17 who are eager to enjoy classes created just for them. Youths can discover Appalachian culture and take part in many hands-on arts and crafts programs.

July 14 - 20   Intergenerational Week   Space is still available for this special week offering Youths ages 12 and up the opportunity to take classes side-by-side with a parent, grandparent, or other special relative or guardian.

Samples of this year's classes include:

Weave Your Own Time Machine with Geri Forkner
Expressive Glass Mosaics with Lynday Huneycutt & Niki Kordus
Paper Sculpture with Molly Marsh
Photo Fun with Richard Babb
Introduction to Metal Clay with Melanie Miller 

John C Campbell Folk School  is located 1 Folks School Road in Brasstown NC.

Find NC Arts and Crafts at the Wilkesboro Open Air Market this Friday

June 21   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. 

Plein Air Art Show and Reception a Part of the Crossnore Centennial Celebrations

June 21   2013 Crossnore Centennial Events: Plein Air Art Show and Reception Held at the Hugh Chapman Center at the Avery County YMCA .One of several area events held from May through October celebrating 100 years of bringing mountains of hope to children in need.

HandMade in America now accepting applications for North Carolina (NC) Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program grants

Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences.  Using a per capita based formula, the program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties of the state through partnerships with local arts councils.

For the 2013-2014 funding cycle, HandMade in America is serving as the NC Arts Council’s partner in awarding subgrants to local organizations for arts programs in Buncombe County.

Applications are available for non-profit organizations whose purpose is to promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Buncombe County.  Funding priority is given to qualified arts organizations (theaters, galleries, choral societies, festivals), arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists, and other community organizations that provide arts programs in the county.  (Grassroots funds are generally not awarded to arts organizations that receive funding through the North Carolina Arts Council’s State Arts Resources.)  Projects must occur between July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014.

Application forms and grant guidelines are available on HandMade in America’s website at handmadeinamerica.org, the NC Arts Council’s website at ncarts.org, or may be picked up at the HandMade in America office Monday – Friday between 10am-4pm.  HandMade in America will also mail applications and guidelines upon request.  Applications must be received no later than August 1, 2013.  Grant applications will be evaluated in August by a diverse panel of community members and voted on by HandMade in America’s Board of Directors; Awards will be announced in September, 2013.

HandMade in America is also hosting a Grassroots Arts Program Grant Workshop at the Asheville Area Arts Council to assist interested applicants in preparing competitive grants on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 from 5:30-6:30 pm.  New applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. 

Applications will be accepted now through August 1, 2013.  For questions or more information, contact HandMade’s Development Manager, Helene Herbert at 828.252.0121 x306 or by email at hherbert@handmadeinamerica.org.

Asheville's Art in the Park this Father's Day Weekend

June 15   Art in the Park   Artisans working in Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal show and sell in a public market setting in the center of downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. 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. 10% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local art non-profit organization.

Arts and Crafts Auction at the Annual Bluff Mountain Festival

June 15   18th Annual Bluff Mountain Festival   The event includes Music all day featuring some of the region’s best Traditional Old-Time and Bluegrass Music, ballad singing and clogging followed by an evening Square Dance until dark.

Bring the family and the lawn chairs to enjoy a day full of music under the shade trees. Food will be available from vendors and the event includes a local arts and craft silent auction and arts and crafts market.

Learn more about Hot Springs NC HERE.

Needled: Contemporary Needle Craft Opening Reception

June 14, 5:30 - 8 PM  at HandMade in America, 125 S. Lexington Ave, Suite 101 in Asheville NC - Exhibition Opening Reception for "Needled: Contemporary Needle Craft".  An evening of great craft, food, and drink.  Help open HandMade's newest gallery exhibit in style.

This exhibition will highlight contemporary artists pushing the limits of needle craft techniques by making cutting edge and conceptual pieces that cross the boundaries of craft, design, and fine art.  Food will be provided by Storm Rhum Bar & Bistro. Beer will be provided by Wicked Weed Brewing.

Foothills Arts and Crafts Festival in Tryon this Week

June 14-15  The  Foothills Arts and Crafts Festival is a juried fine arts and crafts show that has enjoyed a reputation for the range and quality of items for sale. With nothing manufactured or imported, this show is proud to offer our festival-goers a best of the best shopping experience. 

Exhibiting artisans come from as far north as New York, as far south as Florida, and as far west as Oklahoma to show their stuff at the Foothills Arts & Crafts Festival. Since each item must be handmade by the exhibiting artisan, the Foothills Arts & Crafts Festival presents a great opportunity for visitors to talk to the craftspeople and artists and learn about the artistic process. Many of the artists and craftsmen demonstrate their skills and will accept special orders.

The Show is held in conjunction with Tryon's Barbeque and Music Festival, one of the area's biggest annual events.

Arts and Crafts Fair in Beech Mountain this Weekend

June 15    Beech Mountain Arts & Crafts Fair   Come browse a selection of high quality craftsman ship from local NC artisans. Fine art, mountain crafts and hand made goods and products.

Learn more about Beech Mountain Art and Crafts HERE 

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Tryon Annual Blue Ridge Barbeque and Music Festival Includes local Arts and Crafts

June 14 - 15   19th Annual Blue Ridge Barbeque and Music Festival  The Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival is one of the area's biggest annual events with fantastic Barbecue, phenomenal music and incredible arts and crafts. Bring the kids, friends, family and more. No pets, no coolers. Held at at Harmon Field.

Get lodging information or learn more about Tryon NC HERE

Upcoming Events at The Asheville Art Museum

June 7 - 9   Special film screenings: Selected experimental, "cameraless" films screened in partnership with Mechanical Eye Microcinema:
Friday, June 7 screening at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 8 screenings at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 9 screenings at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
$5 Museum members; $6 + Museum Admission for non-members. Held in the New Media Gallery

June 11   Discussion Bound (monthly reading group):  The American Painter Emma Dial: A Novel  by Samantha Peale.  3:00 - 5:00 PM. in the Museum Library. The event is Free with membership or regular Museum admission.  In a New York Times book review, critic Deborah Solomon wrote of the author, "In her witty and impressively observed debut novel Samantha Peale has given us what is probably the first novel narrated by a studio assistant in New York in the 21st century." Peale, who was a studio assistant to sculptor Jeff Koons for four years, gives readers a cautionary tale and glimpse into a sought-after position in the art world.

June 15   Legacy: The Emily Fisher Landau Collection   This traveling exhibition of the Whitney Museum of American Art remains on view through September 8  OPENING RECEPTION: JULY 13, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.  Legacy: The Emily Fisher Landau Collection presents a selection of works from the historic gift of art pledged to the Whitney Museum of American Art in May 2010 by longtime Whitney Museum trustee Emily Fisher Landau. Considered one of the preeminent collectors of postwar art in the United States, Emily Fisher Landau's personal approach to collecting has long paralleled that of the Whitney, an institution similarly devoted to the art of its time.

June 18, 10:30 AM  Enjoy Tot Time in the Museum's Art PLAYce for Children. This event occurs monthly on the third Tuesday of each month.  Free with membership or regular admission (ages 5 & younger admitted free).   Parents with pre-school age children are invited to bring their youngsters to the Museum's interactive Art PLAYce for Children for a new monthly series called "Tot Time", featuring a new guided art activity designed especially for tiny tots each month. Discover the art of play through this new Education program of the Museum! Participating children must be accompanied by an adult.

June 21,  12:00 - 1:00 PM   Lunchtime Art Break Aaron Siskind: Abstract Expressionist Photographer. This event is Free with membership or regular Museum admission.  Enjoy a guided tour and discussion of Aaron Siskind.

June 22, 6:00 - 9:30 PM   Night at the Museum: A Black & White Soiree to benefit the Asheville Art Museum.  $125 per person. Reservations are required online of by calling  (828) 253-3227.  Cocktail Hour / Fine Dining / Live Auction To Support Great Art. Great Experiences.

June 24, 10:00 - 11:00 AM    New Public Program:  Laughter Yoga at the Museum.  $5 members / $8 non-members. Held in the  East Wing upstairs gallery.  What better setting for Laughter Yoga than alongside works in the new Museum exhibition, PLAY? Lisa Harris, LCSW and Certified Laughter Yoga Leader will lead class participants through an hour of laughter games and yogic deep-breathing techniques.  Advance registrations is recommended. Call 828.253.3227.

The Asheville art Museum is located at 2 South Pack Square in Downtown Asheville NC.

Dillsboro hosts Rafters and Crafters this Weekend

June 8  Rafters and Crafters Festival   Celebrate traditional mountain crafts and enjoy lively regional musicians, dancers and storytellers at historic Dillsboro’s Rafters and Crafters Festival. In addition to Dillsboro’s unique shops and studios, Front Street is lined with tents featuring all kinds of art and fine crafts including basketry, pottery, weaving, quilting, woodworking, jewelry, stained glass, painting, photography and more.

Learn more about Dillsboro NC HERE.

Bi-annual Toe River Studio Tour

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

The Toe River Arts Council offers the Toe River Spring Studio Tour as a way to explore the innovative and productive world of the working artist. For those who appreciate and collect art, this is an opportunity to meet NC mountain artists in their own environment and observe the inside operations of the artist studio. The variety and quality of the art and crafts put forward on the Tour is unparalleled. Artists in virtually every media offer a broad selection of works in all price ranges.

Tour participants will also be exhibiting at the Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery, 269 Oak Avenue, from May 11 through the final day of the tour. A meet-the-artist reception will be held from 5 to 7 PM on June 7, the tour’s first day with a sampling of participant/gallery pieces geographically displayed. 

Annual John C Campbell Folk School Gala this Weekend

June 8   Annual John C Campbell Folk School Gala   This event is held from 5 PM till 8 PM at the Kieth House. Heavy hors d' oeuvres, drinks and wonderful live music. During this time bidders can socialize and enjoy the Folk School atmosphere while they peruse the wide array of silent auction items. 

Join auctioneers Bob Grove and Tim Ryan as they lead spirited bidding for fine crafts and artwork. Savor delicious hors d'oeuvres from a gourmet menu curated by Nanette Davidson and Steve Cipriano. 
 
Enjoy not only a great opportunity to purchase art and other items, but also a time of togetherness and camaraderie that helps the Folk School grow and thrive. The auction will take place at the culmination of the evening's festivities. 

Purchase your $20 advance tickets at the Craft Shop or here online. Tickets are $25 at the door. 
If you can't attend the Gala and Benefit Auction in person, you can still support the Folk School by bidding on fine crafts and artwork on eBay. The eBay auction proceeds will further the Folk School's mission and improve the 16 on-campus studios.   View The Folk School eBay listings here.

Exhibits Opens at HandMade in America

June 14 - September 13, 2013 at HandMade in America, 124 S Lexington Avenue, Suite 101 in Asheville NC    Needled: Contemporary Needle Craft.  This exhibition will highlight contemporary artists pushing the limits of traditional needle craft techniques by making cutting edge and conceptual pieces that cross the boundaries of craft, design, and fine art. 

There will be an opening reception on June 14 at 5:30 P.

Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk this Weekend

June 7   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.

20+ 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.