Open Call for Fine Artists and Mountain Crafters 18th Annual Greening Up the Mountains Festival

Greening Up the Mountains Festival, which brought between 10,000 to 12,000 people to the mountain town of Sylva NC last year, is now inviting fine artists, mountain crafters and food vendors to apply for a booth in it’s18th year as the premiere spring festival for Western North Carolina. 

On April 25, 2015 from 10 AM to 5 PM the festival, sponsored by the Town of Sylva, will once again take place in downtown Sylva. The event includes demonstrating visual artists and traditional crafters supported  by a mountain community which honors its artisans and natural environment. 

Daylong events will be held on Main Street and in the Bridge Park, beginning with a 5K race sponsored by the Jackson County Recreation/Parks Department. Children’s activities, demonstrations, a youth talent contest and live performances by a wide variety of Jackson County musicians will be featured throughout the day. 

An application may be downloaded from the website, www.greeningupthemountains.com, and will be accepted through April 15, 2015. For more information, call 828.631.4587.

Cashiers Leaf Festival Features local Art and Crafts

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

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

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

WNC Pottery Festival today in Dillsboro

November 3  WNC Pottery Festival This event Showcases the work of more than 40 highly skilled potters from 13 states. A variety of clay art styles will be presented. |

Works by festival organizers and Dillsboro potters Joe Frank McKee & Travis Berning of Tree House Pottery, and Brant Barnes of Riverwood Pottery who has been featured on HGTV will be highlighted. The event is juried and the lineup of potters is impressive. $3 ticket includes a chance in a raffle; kids under 12 admitted free

Learn more about Dillsboro NC HERE

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair this Weekend in Asheville

October 26-28  Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair    Hosted by the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, in the McGough Arena, 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 or just enjoy browsing and shopping the beautiful and unique apparel and wearable art at SAFF.  Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Admission $3/person, Youth under 13 yrs. old free,

Annual Festival of the Frescoes

October 13    Festival of the Frescoes   Holy Trinity Church in Glendale is home to the famous "Last Supper" fresco while St. Mary's Church in West Jefferson is home to the famous "Mary Great with Child," "The Mystery of Faith" and "John the Baptist" frescoes. This festival has everything one could look for... live music, artisans, craftsmen, homemade baked goods and so much more.

American Craft Week Event: ColorFest in Dillsboro

October 6   ColorFest, Art and Taste of Appalachia   Autumn's colors and flavors take center stage Saturday, Oct. 6, during this fourth annual festival. This arts and food event fills the sidewalks of Dillsboro with a variety of mountain artisans demonstrating their skills, plus food vendors serving up a taste of the North Carolina mountains. Local musicians and street entertainers add music to festivities, while restaurants and shops are open to serve the crowds throughout the day. 10 AM - 4 PM.

Leisurely stroll through the town encountering fine artists painting at easels under colorful umbrellas, hear strands of music blossoming through the doorways and experience a delicious taste of NC foods and wines ...all the time surrounded by the spectacular fall beauty of the mountains.

Talk with local artists, authors, growers, wine makers and musicians as you wander through the picturesque town, unique shops and choice restaurants. Works from participating artists have been on display in the windows of shops in Dillsboro since September 6.

Get a link for ColorFest and other Dillsboro events and attractions on the Dillsboro NC Visitor Guide.

100th Annual Centennial Indian Fair begins this week

October 2-6    100th Annual Centennial Indian Fair   Part carnival, part art exhibit and agriculture show, the 100th annual fair features artwork, traditional Cherokee food, nightly musical entertainment, rides and games, and of course, fireworks.
You’ll find Cherokee white oak baskets, pottery and beadwork, and you’ll marvel and the traditional Cherokee contests and competitions like the infamous Cherokee Stickball games. While you’re on the Ferris wheel, be sure to take in the gorgeous fall foliage that engulfs the Great Smoky Mountains this time of year.

39th Annual Folk School Fall Festival

	October 6-7, 10 AM - 5 PM at the John C Campbell Folk School, 1 Folkschool Road in Brasstown NC.
	Old-time woodworking demonstration One of the largest and most popular regional events of its type, Fall Festival celebrates our rich Appalachian heritage. Over 200 craft vendors will showcase their work for sale. Musicians and dancers will grace the two stages with lively performances. Children's activities and delicious festival food make this event fun for the whole family! Daily admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 12-17, and free for children under 12. Parking is free. See the entertainment schedule at folkschool.org.

Art in the Park this Weekend in Blowing Rock

September 8    Art in the Park    A juried arts and craft show featuring 90 artists held in the picturesque downtown Blowing Rock park once a month from May to October.

Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. Prices for objects, from a handmade postcard to a large piece of furniture, range from $5 to $5,000.

NC Apple Festival includes art and crafts

August 31 - September 3    NC Apple Festival  This annual Labor Day Weekend Event features a street fair on Historic Main Street including: entertainment, arts and crafts, apple products, children and youth activities, special exhibits, food and the King Apple Parade on Labor Day. Get specific hours and schedule of events on the website.

Street Fair Hours:  Fri-Sun 10:00 AM-8:00 PM from 6th Ave-Caswell St; mini-festival on Mon. 10:00 AM-5:00 PM from 2nd Ave-Caswell St., King Apple Parade on Labor Day at  2:30 PM

Art in the Park this Weekend in Asheville

June 23   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.

Asheville's Art in the Park

June 16   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.

Get a link for Asheville's Art in the Park and other Asheville events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.