This Week at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum 
Christmas Sing-Along at  (BRAHM)

Come sing in Christmas at BRAHM with the wintertime sing-along. Enjoy cider while sharing carols and other Christmastime tunes. Host Saro Lynch-Thomason will teach a few songs from English wassailing traditions, a practice going back to medieval times in which peasants would sing for cider, gifts and food at the homes of nobles. Participants are welcome to bring seasonal songs good for singing in groups.

Exhibits now open at BRAHM:

 

EVERYMAN JACK: STORIES and ILLUSTRATIONS BY GAIL E. HALEY - December 3, 2016 - March 25, 2017

Image Credit: Gail Haley. Original illustration from Jack and the Bean Tree. Mixed media on wood panel. Private collection.

“Everyman Jack” takes a detailed look at over one hundred original prints and illustrations created by Gail E. Haley for several of her books, including “My Kingdom for a Dragon,” “Mountain Jack Tales,” “Birdsong,” “The Green Man,” and “A Story, A Story.” Haley is best known today as an artist, illustrator, and writer of children’s books. She has written and illustrated close to 50 books throughout her career. She is the only person to have received both the Caldecott Medal and the Kate Greenaway Medal for art. Haley’s original prints and illustrations from 10 of her books make up this exhibition. Many more of her books are available to read within the gallery. 

ANDY WARHOL: SIX SILKSCREEN PRINTS - November 19, 2016 - April 8, 2017 

 American artist Andy Warhol (1928-1987) was the leading figure in the Pop Art movement during the 1960s. He launched his career with his well-known Campbell’s Soup can paintings. He is recognized for the work he and his assistants developed in his Warhol Factory in New York City, where printmaking, painting, photography, and film were employed to churn out thousands of works of art. Warhol redefined the artist’s role in the creation of artwork, the art market, and the recycling of popular imagery as high art. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, established in 1987, completed years of planned giving through the donation of his unsold work to educational institutions around the world, including the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone, NC. This exhibition features six original silkscreen prints from the Turchin’s permanent collection that are out-of-edition. This means that they were created during the original print run, but did not make the cut when Warhol decided what would be included in the final print release. 

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum  is located at 159 Chestnut Street in Blowing Rock NC.

Pianoforte with Grace Lee Concert Sponsored by the Asheville Art Museum

November 20, 3:00 PM - Pianoforte with Grace Lee. Museum and Biltmore UMC Members: $8 + tax ($7 children). Non-Members: $16 + tax ($15 children). Biltmore United Methodist Church, 376 Hendersonville Road in Asheville NC.

Lee is an avid performer, educator, and conference lecturer across the U.S. She holds a doctorate of musical arts in piano performance and a post-master’s certificate in music theory pedagogy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; a master of music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music; and a bachelor of music and artist diploma from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 

She has performed in master classes of internationally renowned pianists Kevin Kenner, Boaz Sharon, William Westney, Simone Dinnerstein, Jacques Després, Pascal Rogé, Jeremy Denk, Dror Biran, Joel Hastings, André Watts and Byron Janis.

River Arts District Fall Studio Stroll this Weekend in Asheville NC

November 12 - 14, 2016    River Arts District Fall 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.

Find more Asheville Crafts, Studios and Galleries on our
Asheville NC Visitor Guide. 

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair this Weekend in Asheville NC

 October 28 - 30, 2016     Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair  Hosted by the  Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, in the McGough Arena in Asheville NC.  The 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 - choose from dozens of subjects -  or just enjoy browsing and shopping the beautiful and unique apparel and wearable art at SAFF. 

Fri. and Sat. 9:00AM-6:00PM, Sun. 9:00AM-4:00PM, Admission $5 per day10 for all 3 days, Youth under 13 yrs. old free.

Penland School of Crafts Resident Artists "Rock Stars" Earn Prestigious Fellowships

Penland’s resident artists spend three years living on campus and working as self-supporting artists in their field. Their time at Penland is designed as an opportunity for them to deepen their studio practice, push technical and conceptual boundaries, or explore entirely new directions in their work.

The pieces that come out of each of the resident studios at The Barns are amazing, and the School takes pride to have such talented artists calling Penland home. Recently, three residents were recognized for their outstanding work with prestigious fellowships.

Annie Evelyn, “The Scotty,” aluminum, collaboration with Scotty Albrecht

Annie Evelyn
2016 John D. Mineck Fellowship by the Society of Arts and Crafts. The $25,000 award is presented “to encourage and support a young-in-career furniture artist… who demonstrates skill and commitment to their craft.” Annie plans to use the award to purchase tools to outfit her shop post-Penland. She envisions the space as a well-equipped communal studio that will also serve as a venue for community workshops, exhibitions, and events. “Annie’s spirit of community, generosity, and mentorship shined in her application, and will serve her well as she leaves the Penland community and establishes her studio,” the Society of Arts and Crafts stated. Annie is known for her explorations into hard/soft surfaces and applying traditional upholstery techniques to materials like wood, concrete, and metal.

Andrew Hayes, “Dure,” steel, book pages, paint

Andrew Hayes
Artist Fellowships from the North Carolina Arts Council for 2017. The fellows are chosen every two years from a talented pool of choreographers and visual, craft, and film/video artists. The Arts Council describes Andrew’s singular book and steel sculptures as “improbable objects of beauty.” They elaborate: “Formally, his sculpture has the spare elegance of mid-century modernism, each one an icon of untold meaning. But as much as his work may recall past styles and forms, it also boldly writes its own history and engages the viewer on its own terms.”
Andrew Hayes was honored as one of seventeen recipients of $10,000

Jaydan Moore, “Ends,” found silver-plated platters

Jaydan Moore
North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowships. He works in metals, primarily with found silver-plated platters and other serviceware that he carefully deconstructs, recombines, and reassembles into new forms. As the Arts Council explains, these pieces “gain a protean quality as they transition to the next stage in their evolution, one that honors their past purpose and history and, at the same time, looks forward to the possibility of something unexpected.”

The Penland resident artists will hold an open studio  October 21 at The Barns between 7-9 PM to meet the residents, see their spaces, and get a feel for their recent work.

This information was provides by The Penland Scketchbook, the blog of Penland School of Crafts.

This Week at the Asheville Art Museum

SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED! REGISTER TODAY

 
Art Travels  -  Arts of the Earth: Wood and Clay
Tuesday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00  p.m.
Cost (includes transportation and lunch): $85 members; $95 non-members
Register online before the trip sells out, or call 828.253.3227

Michael Sherrill and Stoney Lamar

Join the Museum for this special half-day, small-group tour to visit the Western North Carolina studios of two master artists working in natural media, plus a delicious locally sourced lunch! The first stop is to the Bat Cave studio of Michael Sherrill, a materials-based artist experimenting primarily in clay, metal, and glass whose handmade objects explore the intersection of humans and materials in the natural world. Then participants head over to Saluda for a tasty lunch at The Purple Onion, known for its organic ingredients and simple, healthful Mediterranean-inspired menu. After lunch the group visits the studio of Stoney Lamar, whose unique multi-axial lathe work gives his wood sculptures a distinct sense of movement. Work by both Sherrill and Lamar is featured in the Museum’s and other public and private collections around the country.

Tot Time
Tuesday, October 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Free with membership or Museum admission (children under 5 always free)

Come discover the art of play in our interactive Art PLAYce! This monthly program for pre-school aged children accompanied by an adult occurs on the third Tuesday of each month, and features a fun activity designed especially for our young visitors plus time to explore the Museum galleries.

This Tot Time  will be your last chance to enjoy the original Art PLAYce before construction begins! Look for the Education team in your community presenting Tot Time at local libraries and community centers.

For more information, please email Sharon McRorie or call 828.253.3227, ext. 124.

ON VIEW IN THE ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM GALLERIES 
Creating Change: Political Art from the Permanent Collection
Selections from the Permanent Collection: 140 Years of American Art
Vault Visible: Behind the Scenes at the Asheville Art Museum
Geometric Vistas: Landscapes by Artists of Black Mountain College
Community: Sharon Louden
Sol LeWitt: Creating Place

Art on the Island Festival in Marshall NC

September 24, 2016     Art on the Island Festival   The new and improved arts and music (used to be MAD on Main held in May) has moved the month to September and the location to Blannahassett Island and changed the name to Art on the Island Festival. The Festival is Still FREE. 

The new venue allows the festival to put musicians on the new stage and to combine with the Farmer’s Market to offer many more opportunities to enjoy the day. 

Come out to browse through arts booths, sample local food and buy local produce while listening to musicians perform throughout the day. Sponsored by the Madison County Arts Council. 

Find more local information on our Marshall and Mars Hill NC Visitor Guide.

Pincu Pottery Fall Events

Pincu Pottery - Offers a wide selection of handmade, functional pottery pieces inspired by nature. Potter Elise Delfield is also a faculty member at Southwestern Community College in the Heritage Arts program and has taught at John C Campbell Folk School . She is an active member of The Southern Highlands Crafts Guild.   Pincu Pottery offers classes to both adults and children during which you can learn how to make your own pots.  Individual instruction and pottery tools are also available.

October 7-8:  Elise will teach a workshop at Sawtooth School for Visual Art in Winston-Salem, NC. There is still room to register. This is a demonstration workshop, not hands-on, so everyone is welcome to come and watch and learn.

October 20-23:  Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in Asheville NC at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown – This is where you will find Elise selling her beautiful pottery to all those folks in need of gifts, for themselves or other.

November 4:   CLAY OLYMPICS!  Elise won it once. Can she do it again? Come watch her try!

November 5:  WNC Pottery Festival is THE BEST place to buy pottery. Come to Dillsboro NC and enjoy the beautiful scenery and amazing talent.

November 12: Southwestern Community College’s Ceramics Club will host the Heritage Arts Festival and Elise will be one of 2 Demonstrating artists.  Come support local crafts and the ceramic students of Southwestern (some of her students will be exhibiting)

November 25-26:  Stecoah Valley Artisan Drive About is an event featuring numerous artists who open their studios and offer light refreshments to those willing to drive the beautiful roads in Swain and Graham Counties and stop in to visit each participating studio.

MAKE YOUR OWN POTTERY (Special Event Notice!) 

Student made mugs

December 9 from 4-6 PM,  December 10 from 10 – Noon, 2016: Make a Mug / Beer Stein.   Call to Register! 828.488.0480 or email pincupottery@gmail.com. Make a mug and choose the color. Your mugs will be fired and ready for pick-up by December 19. $35 per mug / beer stein. 

Pincu Pottery is located in Bryson City NC

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Upcoming September Special Events

September 15, 2016 at 6 PM -  Thursday Arts & Culture Talk: Going Outside: Reflections on my life as a painter, a country woman, and a backpacker. Artist Elizabeth Bradford discusses how she uses her adventures in the outdoors to fuel her work in Elizabeth Bradford: Time + Terrain. The talk will be followed by a Q &  A session and light refreshments. The artist will also be available to sign the exhibit catalogue, available for purchase at BRAHM's front desk.


September 22, 2016 at 11 AM - Scholars and Scones, Connecting with Nature: Vitamin N. Elizabeth Denton Baird, the Chief of School and Lifelong Education at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science, will present a program about exploring the outdoors. This program will complement BRAHM’s exhibition Time + Terrain, an outstanding collection of paintings by Elizabeth Bradford that focus on wild places outside.


September 29 at 11 AM - Coffee with the Curator. Take a walk through the galleries with guest curator, Carla Hanzal and get a behind-the-scenes look into Elizabeth Bradford: Time + Terrain. Afterwards, guests are invited to converse and pose questions while enjoying complimentary coffee (courtesy of Hatchet Coffee Co.) with the Curator at the Museum. Free for Members, Regular admission for Non-members.

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) is located at 159 Chestnut Street in Blowing Rock NC.

Cloth Fiber Workshop Schedule

Please note the Cloth Fiber Workshop new location, still in the river Arts District, at Riverview Station, 191 Lyman Street, Studio 104 (south entrance, next to Riverview Station Antiques) in Asheville NC.

September 16 - 17, 2016: Screen Printing: Non-traditional Methods with Heather Allen Hietala. This workshop explores the incredible versatility, fun, and immediacy of using a blank silk-screen as a creative tool. We will use blank screens and play with non-traditional methods of screen printing to create texture and images. Simple and immediate stencils, masks, and resists on the screen and on the cloth will allow us incredible flexibility to explore and develop personal marks, textures and iconography. This class is about experimenting with mark making, pattern and image possibilities using silk-screens in an intuitive painterly way. We will use textile paints that are immediate and non-toxic. Bring your ideas, and creativity and see what can happen. You will go home with a blank screen, squeegee and all the information to continue screen-printing at home. Level of Expertise: all levels. Fee: $195 + materials fee. Currently full - waiting list only.

December 10, 2016: Classic Shibori and Indigo ll with Amy Putansu. The classic Japanese shibori designs can be combined and manipulated to create original motifs and compositions. This one-day workshop will focus on pairing traditional stitching and binding techniques on cotton or linen to be dyed in organic indigo. Innovation and experimentation are encouraged in this workshop, and results will be apparent by the end of the day when fabric is dyed. Part II of Classic Shibori is open to all students new and returning, but will build upon techniques explored in Part I (offered in June 2016). Level of Expertise: all levels. Fee: $95 + materials. Register NOW. 


Cloth Fiber Workshop is a textile arts learning center that offers a variety of workshops for students of all experience levels. Cloth is located in Asheville, North Carolina's River Arts District in Riverview Station, 191 Lyman Street, Studio 104.  

Random Arts - the Creative Place to Be

Top 10 reasons to visit Random Arts

• 10. They carry lots of things that no one else has
• 9. Your curiosity has gotten the best of you
• 8. Creatives seem to congregate there
• 7. They sell lots of random but excellent products that you didn't know existed
• 6. The employees are "absurdly" helpful
• 5. Your wardrobe needs a pick me up
• 4. Maybe you will get hooked on Zen Tangle
• 3. You will be awestruck at what's inside.
• 2. You are a responsible citizen and you are helping the local economy grow.
• 1. You'll strengthen your community - after all you support the fire department, the park, the depot
• the school and church. Why not shop local and support local business?

September 10, 2016 from 1-4PM - FAST, EASY & FUN Watercolor with Miriam Hughes. Even if you have never painted before, you will leave feeling successful, inspired and ready to explore more about painting. Your work can become a gift or sale item ready by the holidays. You will be guided on how to get your work made into greeting cards with cost effective printing. REGISTER NOW _ SPACE LIMITED.  828-749-1165   randomarts22@gmail.com

    

September 24, 2016 - Luscious Fibers, Colorful Fabrics, Creative Play with artist Susan Edmonso.  "Wood Violet" Hand Stitched Collage - Tip Toe through the soft green grass to find a sweet little wood violet with Susan Edmonson. She will share with you, her many embroidery stitches, embellishing ideas and simple ways to bring these delightful wood violets to life. By adding bits of lace, trims & Susan's colorful collections of embroidery floss, dyed scrim, silk and more your very special hand sewn project will "bloom" before your eyes. There will be a kit provided with the class from Susan however there will be a list of some additional things to bring along. $80. 10 AM until 4 PM.

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

Penland Iron Workshop Students Show Impressive Skills Completing Campus Project

photos and information courtesy Penland Sketchbook

Penland School of Crafts summer’s session 5 iron workshop with Hoss Haley and Warren Holzman brought together a talented bunch of students with big ideas and impressive skill. Together, the class designed, constructed, and installed a new bronze and steel handrail on campus. The project included eight custom supports, hours at the power hammer, 44 feet of forged cap rail, and a whole lot of teamwork. We think the results are just stunning.

Heat, patience, and an eye for detail make all the pieces come together smoothly.

The new railing is a big improvement over the standard blue railing it replaced.

Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Penland offers 1, 2, and 8 week workshops in books & paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking, textiles, and wood. The school also sponsors artists' residencies, outreach programs, and an exceptional craft gallery. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday and is located on the campus at 3135 Conley Ridge Road in Penland NC, just outside Spruce Pine NC. 

 

A Splash of Color Afternoon at The Cashier's Senior Center

September 14, 2016 from 1-3 PM at The Cashiers Senior Center: A Splash of Color - Afternoon Book Signing/Reading and Art Show/Sale. 

The public is invited to a showcase of talent at the Cashier’s Senior Center featuring a new book written by the seniors, “A Splash of Color, Art and Stories Woven from Life’s Fabric,” and an art exhibit displaying the many talents of the seniors at the Cashier’s Senior Center. There will be a reading by the seniors, followed by a book signing and reception. All sales will be going toward providing for the seniors further classes without fees. 

 “A Splash of Color” contains the writings and art work of the seniors, drawn from classes offered through Southwestern Community College: “Writing From the Heart Series” with Amy Ammons Garza, and “Pastel Painting” workshops with Doreyl Ammons Cain.” Stories, poems and prose are taken from the lives of the writers and contain humor, mystery, reflections, opinions and wisdom. Some of the titles are “Holiday in Cyprus,” “Shadows,” “Retirement,” “Alligator Wrestling,” “The Mystery of the Painting,” and more. 

The afternoon event is sponsored by the Jackson County Department on Aging. The Cashier’s Senior Center is located at 217 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers NC.  For more information, or to RSVP, call Linda Buchanan at 828-745-6856. 

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Fall Exhibition Celebration

September 1, 2016 at 5:30 PM at The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM), 159 Chestnut Street in Blowing Rock NC:   Fall Exhibition Celebration.  Come join the fun and celebrate the opening of several fall shows at BRAHM. Free admission, live music, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres.

 

Featured Exhibitions -

Elizabeth Bradford: Time + Terrain.  August 13 - November 19, 2016 curated by Carla Hanzal 

A Town Within A Town: History of the Junaluska Community.  August 6, 2016 - March 12, 2017 Made possible in part through the support of the Watauga County Community Foundation and the Junaluska Heritage Association.

Reflections: From Havana to DC, photographs by Garner G. Dewey, Ph.D." September 1 - 25, 2016.

Featured in the Alexander Community Gallery -

Ancient Forms, Modern Minds: Contemporary Cherokee Ceramics.  August 20 - November 5, 2016. Organized by the Asheville Art Museum and made possible through the support of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation 

On-Going Exhibitions -

Selections from the Collection and Elliott Daingerfield,  Re-opening August 6, 2016 

Cherokee NC Arts and Crafts Open Air Indian Art Market this Weekend

August 27, 2016     Qualla Arts and Crafts Open Air Indian Art Market    Where our family traditions become your family heirlooms: the Open Air Indian Art Market showcases traditional, handmade Cherokee arts and crafts. 

Come to shop for authentic and unique gifts but stay for the music, food, storytelling, and craft demonstrations. This outdoor event is held in the Cultural District of Cherokee next to Oconaluftee Islands Park. A traditional Cherokee meal will be for available for purchase.

Get more local information on our Cherokee NC Visitor Guide. 

Penland Coordinators Featured in "Off The Clock" Show at Refinery Creator Space in Asheville NC

Now though September 16, 2016 - Off the Clock: Penland Studio Coordinator Show at  the Refinery Creator Space, 207 Coxe Avenue in Asheville NC.

Penland’s studio coordinators: Jay Fox, Susan Feagin, Nick Fruin, Ian Henderson,
Ellie Richards, Amanda Thatch, Betsy DeWitt, Daniel T. Beck

 
September 2 from 5 PM to 8 PM Artists' Reception. September 3 from 4 PM - 6 PM public talk. 


"OFF THE CLOCK features eight artists, all full-time studio coordinators at Penland School of Crafts in Penland, NC. The work on view here was made in the off-hours by friends and colleagues who see each other daily and exchange interests, affection, knowledge, and regard for each other. 

This is not a group show in the traditional sense. These artists are not strangers, and the works are not estranged from each other, despite their singular presences. Rather, looking from artist to artist, the viewer might pick up a magical sense that the works were made on the same set of evenings, in studios closeby. One of these artists might have looked up from her work and gazed out the cool, green window. She might have seen one of the other artists riding by on a bike, and waved." - curator and Penland friend Elaine Bleakney.

The job of a Penland studio coordinator is a many-faceted one. These eight coordinators order materials and keep studios clean and equipment running smoothly. They manage budgets and large inventories of supplies. They work with the programming office to plan upcoming workshops, and instructors to provide for specific classes, and individual students to solve problems on the fly. It’s a demanding and unpredictable job, which makes it all the more impressive that these eight individuals are also working artists in their own right. Penland is thrilled and proud that they have come together to put on a group show of their work at the Asheville Area Arts Council. Appropriately, the exhibition is called Off the Clock.

Clockwise from top left: Jay Fox, Ellie Richards, Amanda Thatch, Susan Feagin, Betsy DeWitt, Ian Henderson, Daniel T. Beck, Nick Fruin

Qualla Arts and Crafts Open Air Indian Art Market in Cherokee NC

August 27, 2016    Qualla Arts and Crafts Open Air Indian Art Market    Where our family traditions become your family heirlooms: the Open Air Indian Art Market showcases traditional, handmade Cherokee arts and crafts. 

Come to shop for authentic and unique gifts but stay for the music, food, storytelling, and craft demonstrations. This outdoor event is held in the Cultural District of Cherokee next to Oconaluftee Islands Park. A traditional Cherokee meal will be for available for purchase.

Upcoming Events at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

August 18, 2016 at 6 PM - Junaluska, the African American Neighborhood in Boone. Dr. Susan E. Keefe will present a talk at BRAHM on the history of the Junaluska community. Junaluska is a small

neighborhood two blocks north of King Street, Boone’s main street. African Americans have called Junaluska home since the middle of the 19th century.

One of the few black congregations of Mennonite Brethren in the United States is located in Junaluska. The community has seen considerable progress over the course of the last century and retains a remarkable spirit of resilience despite gentrification in the area and the out-migration of many younger residents.

The TAC Talk will highlight BRAHM’s exhibition, A Town within a Town: History of the Junaluska Community, on view from August 6, 2016 through March 11, 2017.

August 23, 2017 at 6 PM - Movies at the Museum: Desperate Man Blues. Directed by Ed Gillan, Desperate Man Blues tells the story of self-proclaimed king of record collectors Joseph E. Bussard, Jr. of Frederick, Maryland. Joe has amassed probably the greatest collection of 78 rpm recordings of country, blues, jazz, Cajun, and gospel music in the world. He has spent most of his waking hours in pursuit of old 78s. To call it a hobby would be an insult: It’s his life.

The film will be followed by a discussion with Marshall Wyatt, founder of Old Hat Records in Raleigh NC. In 2003, Old Hat released Down in the Basement, a compilation created from Bussard’s huge collection.

After the film and discussion, wander over to one of the wonderful participating restaurants for dinner, drinks, and conversation. Present your film ticket for 10% off your meal! *Discount is good for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights after the screening.

August 28, 2016 at 5:30 PM - Summer Concert Series: Lorena Guillen Tango Ensemble. The Lorena Guillen Tango Ensemble will present two of its original pieces: “A Future of Tango” and its latest project ‘The Other Side of My Heart,” based on the real stories of Latino women that immigrated to North Carolina. For the rest of the program, the ensemble will invite the audience to a tour of some tango standards executed in crafted and original arrangements.

The Popular Dillsboro Arts and Crafts Market this Weekend

August 20, 2016    Dillsboro Arts and Crafts Market   The second of three Arts and Crafts Markets will line Front Street in charming downtown Dillsboro NC. 

This market will showcase demonstrating crafters located inside the shops of Dillsboro, as well as in the tents on Front Street. 

Enjoy live music from 11 AM - 12 PM and 1 PM - 2 PM along with Little Jimmy's Ices and homemade baked goods. Craft demonstration in a variety of media, including heritage crafts, will take place throughout the day.

Get more local information on our Dillsboro NC Visitor Guide. 

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Exhibit: Elizabeth Bradford: Time + Terrain

Image Credit: Elizabeth Bradford. Bone Trees, Reflections, 2015. 
Acrylic on canvas. 48 x 60 inches. Courtesy the artist.

BRAHM (The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum) has announced the opening of “Elizabeth Bradford: Time + Terrain”, curated by Carla Hanzal. The exhibition will be on view from August 13 to November 19, 2016, with an opening reception on Thursday, September 1st from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Museum. The event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and live music as they experience the works on display. 

Elizabeth Bradford. Stream Near Harper's Creek, 2014

Elizabeth Bradford gleans images from the rural landscape surrounding her family’s ancestral farm in northern Mecklenburg County, where she lives. The expanded scope of her artwork also includes impressions of countries she explores, as well as the wilderness where she kayaks, hikes, and camps. “Slowly, over time, my attention turned to wild places,” explains Bradford. “I found myself breathing deep sighs of relief when I stepped out of civilization and into the forest … I have come to believe that I am now painting the permanent—that wildness will never be fully controlled.”

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is located at 159 Chestnut Street in Blowing Rock NC. 

Spruce Pine NC Annual NC Mineral and Gem Show

photos courtesy of NC Mineral and Gem Festival

August 4 - 7, 2016    The Annual NC Mineral and Gem Festival    This popular event features 60 dealers from all over the world with gem stones, mineral specimens, fossils, jewelry, beads and lots more. If it is made of stone, you should be able to find it here. 

Since the early 1950's Spruce Pine NC has been the host of this annual Festival and has welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more.


The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can't miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.   

There will be a BBQ on Saturday, a fundraiser for the  the Parkway Fire and Rescue and new equipment. Come help out the fire department. 

The Show will be open 10 AM to 6 PM daily and Sunday 12:30 - 5 PM at 12966 South Hwy 226 in Spruce Pine NC. Admission is $3 for adults, children are free. There will be plenty of parking plus a free shuttle.

Blowing Rock NC Hosts 8th Annual Art and Antiques Show this Weekend

July 29 - 31, 2016   8th Annual Art & Antiques Show  at The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum   This sale and show offers heirloom-quality antique silver, furniture, pottery, jewelry, clocks, crystal and more. Vendors from across the East Coast bring a variety of items.  

The Preview Party will be held on 7/31 from 6:30 PM - 8 PM. Admittance is $40 per person (including wine and hors d'oeurves). Tickets are $10 and good for the entire show. 

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) is located at 159 Chestnut Street in Blowing Rock NC.  

CCCD Celebrates 20th Anniversary

On August 11 from 7-10 PM, The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design (CCCD) celebrates 20 years of service to emerging artists, researchers, scholars, and the public.

For the 20th Anniversary Celebration and Benefit,  "the CCCD is planning a one-of-a-kind event in celebration of the history of CCCD while embracing the cultural community and artists who make Asheville and Western North Carolina the location that it is known for today," says Stephanie Moore, Executive Director.

Gather with artists, collectors, friends, and sponsors of the arts for a memorable evening of interactive installations, great food, drinks, and live music. All 20th Anniversary ticket and patron gifts support the CCCD's 2016 activities.

The Celebration will take place at the CCCD located at 67 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville NC.

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands This Week in Asheville NC

July 21 - 24, 2016     Semi-annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands   One of the most popular art and crafts events in the mountains, the Fair includes over 150 exhibitors, craft demonstrations, and live regional music and entertainment bringing Asheville's Civic Center (US Cellular Center) alive with fine traditional and contemporary crafts. 

Both levels of the Center offer artisans exhibiting and selling 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 with members living in the mountain counties of nine states from Maryland to Alabama. 

Now in its 69th year, The Fair offers a variety of craft  ranging from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, and jewelry. After a curation process of two juries, over 150 makers from the Southern Highland Craft Guild will carry on the legacy of the Fair.

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is a non-profit, educational organization established in 1930 with headquarters at the Folk Art Center

on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, NC. The Guild region covers the mountain counties of nine southeastern states from Maryland to Alabama, representing over 900 craftspeople. The Craft Fairs are one of the ways in which the Guild fulfills its mission which is to bring together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation. To learn more about Guild programs, visit www.craftguild.org.

The Big Crafty this Sunday in Asheville's Pack Square

July 17, 2016    The Big Crafty returns to Pack Square. The event celebrates and showcases the fine wares of over 100 independent indie crafters, artists and makers. The complete line up of participating artists is available online. This is a free, family-friendly event.

This Week at the Asheville Art Museum

Last Chance to Register for An Afternoon at Highwater Clays.  This exciting behind-the-scenes tour is next week. Wednesday, July 20, 1:30 - 3:30 PM. Museum Members: $20,  Non-members: $30.  Meet at Highwater Clays (600 Riverside Drive, Asheville 28801).  For over 30 years, Highwater Clays has been mixing fine clays for artists’ use. Raw materials convene on Highwater from around the country, and are screened, mixed, refined and bagged using state-of-the-art technology. Join artists, collectors and Highwater founders Brian and Gail McCarthy for a private tour of Highwater’s production facility and warehouse, as well as their personal collection of fine-art ceramics. Light refreshments are provided. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. To register, click here or call 828.253.3227, ext. 122.


July 15, 2016 at 12:00 PM - Art Break.  More Than a Moment in Time: Selected Photographs from the Museum’s Collection with Taylor Heasley, Education Intern. Drop in to this informal lunchtime Art Break that focuses on works in our Permanent Collection! Our Art Breaks are designed to both inform and engage you in dialogue with our curatorial and education staff, docents or special guests. Free with membership or Museum admission.


July 19, 2016 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM - Tot Time. Come discover the art of play in the interactive Art PLAYce! This monthly program for pre-school aged children accompanied by an adult occurs on the third Tuesday of each month, and features a fun activity designed especially for our young visitors plus time to explore the Museum galleries. For more information, email Sharon McRorie or call 828.253.3227, ext. 124. Free with membership or Museum admission (children under 5 always free)

Museum Shop Centerpiece Sale Ends Friday - A limited selection of beautiful works of art featured at the recent benefit NEXT are available for purchase in the Museum Shop...but sales end Friday, July 15.  For more information or to purchase, click here.

Currently on view in the Asheville Art Museum Galleries:

• Vault Visible: Photographs
• Vault Visible: Behind the Scenes at the Asheville Art Museum
• Selections from the Permanent Collection: 140 Years of American Art
• Appalachian Innovators: Women Makers in the Southern Highland Craft Guild, 1930-2000
• Community: Sharon Louden
• Sol LeWitt: Creating Place