First ArtMart of the Year in Old Fort

Date: January 5  ArtMart   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.

The Art Mart offers something for everyone including baskets, paintings, woodwork, wreaths, candles and live demonstrations. Sponsored by Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League, the Mart is located at 25 Main Street in Old Fort NC.

Penland School of Crafts Announces 2013 Catalog of Summer Classes

Penland School of Crafts will be mailing out its new 2013 catalog of classes next week. The catalog may also be viewed online.

You can peruse the one- and two-week summer offerings organized by studio or by session. (The studio listings include everything that's currently scheduled, beginning with spring classes, so be sure to scroll down a bit to find our summer classes.)

As usual, most workshops are open to students of all skill levels: the generous Penland instructors will meet you wherever you are. With 105 classes in a broad range of media, this summer at Penland covers an extraordinary range of topics, from pewtersmithing, functional pottery, fresco painting, making steel garden tools, and weaving with locally-harvested kudzu fibers to a class that explores the space between still photography and video, a writing workshop, a class in business for artists, and three classes (two in metals and one in wood) combining craft materials with sensors, motors, sound, light, and microcontrollers.
 
Penland is dedicated to helping people live creative lives, and believes one of the best ways to enhance your creative life is to spend a couple of weeks completely immersed in something that inspires you. If you can do that surrounded by other people with a similar passion, and you've got someone making nice meals for you, well, it's hard to think of anything better.

Scholarship application deadline is February 15: Penland is pleased to be able to offer hundreds of scholarships in several different categories. Get more scholarship information here.

Lottery deadline is February 11: Although most applicants for Penland classes are enrolled in the class they want, a few very popular classes get a lot more applications than there are spaces available. To give everyone a shot at those classes,  all applications received by February 11 are treated equally. After that, spaces are filled on a  first-come, first-served basis. A list of open summer classes will be posted in April and students can enroll right on through the summer, if space is available. 

Last Week for Miniature Art Exhibit in Ashe County

Now through December 31  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.

The Ashe County Art Council is located at 303 School Avenue in West Jefferson NC.

Hve a happy, handmade Christmas!

Final 2 days for the Fireside Sale 15% discount at John C Campbell Folk School

December 23- 24 Final days od the  Holiday Gifts by the Fireside at John C Campbell Folk School The School's Craft Shop will be offering 15% off during the Fireside Sale. The 15% off sale will last from November 25 to December 24. Shop for handmade gifts made by local and regional artists in a variety of media including jewelry, fiber, wood items, forged metal, pottery, and more.

Last Chance to see the National Gingerbread House Competition and Display

Now through January 2   The National Gingerbread House Competition and Display   Contestants from across the country bring their architectural masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn for display over the holidays. Delight in the imagination shown in these sugar-and-spice creations, strolling through the competition is a sure way to be swept up in the holiday spirit.

There is no admission charge to view the entries to the National Gingerbread House Competition. In addition to the gingerbread overload, see the beautiful holiday displays throughout and warm by the giant fireplaces in the grand lobby. Pick up a map in the lobby to find the various areas where the entries are displayed.

Dillsboro Mural Project on Kickstarter

A mural project called "On Hallowed Ground" by NC Artist Doreyl Ammons Cain is proposed for the town of Dillsboro NC. The project is now on Kickstarter and needs your support to continue. CLICK HERE to get details and make a contribution beginning at $10.

"On Hallowed Ground" will show the interaction of Scotch Irish settlers, the Cherokee Native Americans and the founding of the small town, Dillsboro, NC, in the 1880’s. There are tales of feuds, hardships and Love. All these stories will be painted into the mural within the backdrop of the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
The town of Dillsboro will benefit from this project as it is intended to be a re-awakening of the heart of the town, a journey to being an art destination and a thriving town again. 

It will take 9 months to paint the mural,  planed for completion by October 1, 2013. It will be shear coated with a protectant that will keep the sun’s rays out and retain the color for decades outside. The mural will be placed in Dillsboro and unveiled on October 5th at 10:00 AM to begin the annual ColorFest, Art & Taste of Appalachia festival.

Be a part of this exciting project by pledging your support to make this mural a reality! The money you pledge will be used to buy museum quality mural paint, brushes, preserved mural board and will pay for time doing research, creating a large comprehensive drawing and painting the mural for 9 months.
There will be a 1st edition fine art, museum quality art print made of "On Hallowed Ground" and you will receive one of these 150 limited edition prints with your pledge of $25 or more. If you pledge now you can be assured of a 1st edition art print. For those who pledge after the first 15 days, you will receive a 2nd edition hand signed and numbered fine art print and your name will be on a plaque attached to the mural.
Kickstarter is an 'all or nothing'  online funding resource.  If  the goal of $8000  is not reached between December 4th and January 4, the town will receive none of the pledges and no one will benefit. So pass this Kickstarter site on to your friends and give your support today!

Hometown Christmas and Crafts in West Jefferson

Now through December 28   6th Annual Hometown Christmas   Come to historic downtown West Jefferson and enjoy the Festival of Trees at the Ashe Arts Center, participate in the handmade and home-grown Holiday Market at the Farmer's Market and stroll the streets and galleries of the historic downtown area, all dressed up for the Christmas season.

Last Chance to See the 5th Annual Sculpture for the Garden

The 5th Annual Sculpture for the Garden  at the Grovewood Gallery ends on December 31.  The invitational show features contemporary sculptures by nationally-recognized artists. Sculptures range from playful pieces suitable for the home or garden, to works for public spaces and corporate settings.

2012 PARTICIPATING ARTISTS INCLUDE:
Ralph Berger, Stefan Steebo Bonitz, Grace Cathey, Cricket Forge & Don Drumm, Jeff Hackney, Roger Martin, Royal Miree, Sean Pace, Dale Rogers, Lyman Whitaker, and Charles McBride White

The Grovewood Gallery is located at 111 Grovewood Rd in Asheville NC

Holiday Gallery Walk this Weekend in Brevard

December 21   Holiday Gallery Walk   Finish your holiday shopping while exploring the downtown Brevard art galleries and art stores that are staying open late from 5-9 PM.

John C Campbell Folk School 2013 Catalog Now Available

The 2013 Folk School Catalog The new 2013 Folk School Catalog is now available and ready for your 2013 class wish list now. Explore your creative side in a non-competitive, hands-on learning environment in 2013.  From Basketry to Writing, you can 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 perusing classes that will help enrich your life in the New Year.  Catalog eBook Available       Perfect for iPads, iPhones, and computers, the Folk School Catalog is now available as an ebook on their website. You can still enjoy the good old printed version, but now you can view it online, too!. John C Campbell Folk School is located at 1 folk School Road in Brasstown NC. View the Folk School 2013 Catalog HERE.

Museum Membership for Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Let the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum be your last minute shopping solution. Year-end donations, memberships, gift certificates available As the year comes to a close, please consider a contribution to the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum.

You can handle the entire transaction on your computer or telephone. BRAHM’s well-being depends on funding from supporters. You may designate a donation in honor or memory of a loved one and we will notify them of your generosity. 

Or what about giving a Gift Membership to someone who would enjoy participating in the Museum’s activities? There are gift certificates for the Museum's popular Cork & Canvas classes as well.

Large or small, your gift will be greatly appreciated. Call Santa at the Museum (828.295.9099 x3001), or click this link  to pay securely online.

Holiday Gallery Walk in Brevard

December 21   Holiday Gallery Walk   Finish your holiday shopping while exploring the downtown Brevard art galleries and art stores that are staying open late from 5-9 PM.

Random Arts Open for Saluda Hometown Christmas

December 14 - Join Random Arts located at 481 Louisiana Avenue in Saluda NC from 5 PM to 9 PM for Saluda's Hometown Christmas celebration. Enjoy seasonal refreshments and spirited holiday drinks from some of the most creative and inspirational art and craft enthusiasts in the NC mountains.

Last Chance to Register for Cool Craft Market: Holiday Edition and VIP Preview Party

December 14-16, 2012

 

VIP Preview Party

Friday, Dec 14, 5pm-8pm

$10 + one item for Homeward Bound of Asheville. See below for items to bring.

 

Market

Saturday, 10am -5pm, free
Sunday, 11-4pm, free

 

Location: HandMade in America Office HandMade in America is located at 125 S. Lexington, Suite 101 Asheville, NC 28801. HandMade in America's front doors are located on Hilliard Avenue between S. Lexington Ave. and Church Street.

 

Parking information:
Free HandMade in America parking is available in the Wild Wing Cafe overflow parking lot, located on Church Street. The gravel lot that is located directly across from HandMade in America has turned into paid parking. Parking on the street is free after 6:00pm, and there is a new public parking garage two blocks away, located at the Aloft Hotel.

 

This December, HandMade in America is excited to  host its first annual Cool Craft Market: Holiday Edition. This Market will feature 25 vendors from around Western North Carolina, selling both functional and decorative items including clothing, accessories, pottery, natural products, kitchenware, and ornaments. The Cool Craft Market will be a fantastic place to find one of a kind gifts ranging from $5-$300, just in time for the holidays!

 

On Friday, December 14th from 5-8:00pm HandMade in America is having a VIP Preview Party, with item donations to benefit Homeward Bound of Asheville, a group with a mission to end chronic homelessness in the city. Guests of the party will have their first choice on market items as well as free food and drink to celebrate the holiday season. Come enjoy local craft and local music by the Willows. Local wine and food will be served. Tickets will cost $10 and HandMade asks that everyone bring one item from the Homeward Bound of Asheville necessity's list. (See below)

 

This Party is sponsored by Element Advertising, WNC Magazine, Storm Rhum Bar and Bistro, SignARama, Asheville Brewing Company and Homeward Bound.

 

Items to Bring

*Homeward Bound items are not required on Saturday and Sunday but we will still accept donations throughout the weekend.

For A HOPE
Ground Coffee
Toilet Paper
Disposable Razors
Sugar

For Pathways to Permanent Housing
Cleaning Supplies – Trash bags, paper towels, all-purpose cleaners
Toilet brush, Broom, Mop, Dust pan
Plates, Bowls, Cups, Silverware
Pots and Pans
Coffee Pots
Dishrags/Dish Towels
Toasters
Microwaves
Shower Curtains, Liner, and Rings
Pillows
Blankets/Comforters
Sheets (full and queen)

 

Participating Artists

 

Ryan-Ashley Anderson
Linda Azar
Anja Bartels
Elynn  Bernstein
Amy Brandenburg
Julie Fawn Boisseau
Melanie Carreira
Chad Alice Hagen
Linda LaBelle
Jude Lally
Cara  May
Sandra McCartney
Mary  Mikkelsen & Henry Pope
Dyann Myers
Christopher Perryman
Susan Seidman
Michon Sentner
Matthew Smith
Cara Steinbuchel
Lori Theriault
Barbara Updike
Anita Walling
Doc Welty
Sheree White Sorrells
Daniele Wickel
 

For more information about HandMade in America visit the website at handmadeinamerica.org or contact Janelle Wienke (jwienke@handmadeinamerica.org). 

 

Special Saluda Holiday Market this Weekend

December 15   Saluda Special Holiday Market  Grab your basket, put on your hat and perhaps some gloves, and meet neighbors and visitors in the west end parking lot to support the Saluda area's local growers. This Saturday will be the second (and last) after season Holiday Market. There will be 20+ vendors with seasonal produce, frozen meats, fresh fish, cheese, eggs, jams, jellies, pickles, and baked goodies.

There will also be crafts for this market that are made with locally grown agricultural materials. Come prepared to take care of your Christmas gift list or stock your freezer and pantry and decorate your home for the holidays. This will be the last Market until spring.

New Jim Carson Exhibit Opens in Saluda

NC plein air painter Jim Carson

December 15 - Jim Carson Exhibit Opening   The Saluda Center will host a show of Jim Carson's oil paintings from his recent three week plein air painting trip to France. The show, titled "Paintings from Paris and the French Countryside," will have an opening reception from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The exhibit will be on display through January 15.

Winter Wonderland and Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Arcade

 Winter Wonderland at the Grove Arcade For the seventh year, the Arcade will display entries from the National Gingerbread House Competition and beautiful holiday décor in a Winter Wonderland setting. Visitors to the building will notice new flocked trees on the spiral staircases, a beautiful tree and lighted antique deer vignette in the West Arcade entry and much more. Shop the Arcade's shops and galleries for the perfect holiday gift.

This event continues through January 2, 2013.

Holiday Crafts FIreside Sale continues at John C Campbell Folk School

December 2- 24  Holiday Gifts by the Fireside  at John C Campbell Folk School The School's Craft Shop will be offering 15% off during the Fireside Sale. The 15% off sale will last from November 25 to December 24. Shop for handmade gifts made by local and regional artists in a variety of media including jewelry, fiber, wood items, forged metal, pottery, and more.

River Arts Disctrict Second Saturday this Weekend

December 8   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.

Find NC crafts for Holiday gift-giving this weekend at The Folk Art Center's Guild Artist Holiday Sale

December 8     Guild Artist Holiday Sale   The Southern Highland Craft Guild presents the annual Holiday crafts sale at the Folk Art Center from 10 AM - 4 PM, milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Choose from a variety of gift items - at special prices -  including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, paper, glass and wood.  Buying from artists supports the local economy and promotes the mission of the Guild which is bringing together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation.

Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival this Weekend

December 8  Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival  A multicultural arts event featuring performers, musicians and dancers from Asheville and beyond. Experience local artisans, baskets and basket weaving demonstrations by Gullah artisans, cultural arts and education by members of the Cherokee Nation, Bellydancing, African dance, Argentine Tango, Hip Hop, and local chocolate tasting by Asheville's finest chocolatiers and dessert-makers.

Performers will also be teaching classes in: Drumming, Bellydance, Tango, West African Dance, and digeridoo throughout the day which are all included in your ticket price. This is a family friendly event with Local children's performance artists Juan Halladay and the Secret B-sides, balloon twisting, face painting, and dance workshops. 25% of proceeds will be donated to Urban Arts Institute and Odyessy School to fund multicultural arts education for Asheville youth.

Holiday Edition of the Cool Craft Market at HandMade in America

December 14-16  at HandMade in America, 125 S. Lexington Avenue Suite 101 in Asheville NC - Cool Craft Market, Holiday Edition. HandMade in America presents the Cool Craft Market: Holiday Edition, an opportunity to buy Handmade gifts for the Holidays during a 3 day market featuring 25 local artists.

VIP Preview Party Friday, December 14th from 5-8 PM. Admission is $10 at the door plus donations are accepted for Homeward Bound. To find out what you can bring for Homeward Bound, visit the website.

Hours are Saturday, December 15, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, December 16, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Waynesville Art After Dark this Week

December 7   Art After Dark   Downtown galleries and studios remain open until 9 PM. The evening features special openings, demonstrations, artist receptions, and music.

Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk

December 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.

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.

John C Campbell Folk School Fireside Holiday Crafts Sale

December 2   Holiday Gifts by the Fireside  at John C Campbell Folk School Stroll through the Folk School's Keith House, beautifully decorated for Christmas. Cozy up to the fire in the Community Room and shop for holiday gifts handmade by local and regional artists. Enjoy live music and visit the artists in Davidson Hall, located next to the Craft Shop.

The School's Craft Shop will be offering 15% off during the Fireside Sale. The 15% off sale will last from November 25 to December 24. Shop for handmade gifts made by local and regional artists in a variety of media including jewelry, fiber, wood items, forged metal, pottery, and more.

Holiday Crafts Event: Annual Potters Market Today in Marion

December 1  Annual Appalachian Potters Market An annual event held inside the McDowell High School gymnasium where you'll find 66 North Carolina potters representing all types and styles ranging from daily, functional pottery to whimsical, decorative pieces, plus jewelry and ornamental pieces. Admission is $4.00.