It's Easter - GOT BASKET?

Billie Ruth Sudduth is one of Western North Carolina's natural resources. A basket maker of reknown, she has taught at Penland School of Crafts; John C. Campbell Folk school, and Arrowmont as well as conducting numerous workshops throughout the country. 

Billie Ruth's baskets are now in the collections of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of Art and Design in New York, Charles A Wustum Museum of Fine Art in Racine, Wisconsin, the Mint Museum of Craft and Design in Charlotte, the Asheville Art Museum in North Carolina, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in Alabama. They are also included in corporate and private collections. Her highest honor came in 1997 when she was named a Living Treasure by the State of North Carolina. This award, presented to one craftsperson every other year, is the state's highest honor in the field of crafts. She was the tenth recipient of this award and the first female to be honored. In 2002, she was awarded the Alumni Achievement Award by her alma mater, Huntingdon College, and in 2005, The President's Medal for Achievement. In 2004-2005, she was awarded an Individual Visual Artist Fellowship by the North Carolina Arts Council. She was invited to be Honor's Day speaker at the University of Alabama (where she received her master's degree). She has been selected to exhibit at the prestigious Smithsonian Craft Show for the past thirteen years.

Learn more about Billie Ruth Sudduth or purchase one of her baskets online HERE.

egg basket

herringbone twill

contemporary cat's head basket

Create Your Own Easter Bonnet for the Annual Parade Today at Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro

March 30  Easter Hat Parade through Downtown Dillsboro NC.  This annual favorite Easter Event is led by a fleet of restored antique cars, followed by the many hat contestants and features the Easter Bunny.  The  Easter parade begins in front of the Dillsboro Town Hall on Front Street.

Get your face painted and make your own special hat and come join this delightful parade. Last-minute entrants very welcome.

Awards are announced after the Parade with ribbons given for the Prettiest, Funniest, Largest, Smallest, Most Unusual, Most Easter-like, Best Smelling, Cutest, Most Outrageous, Best In Show and "Poofiest" hats among other unusual categories. There is even a ribbon awarded to the Best Animal in Show;

Come early at 10:30 AM to Dogwood Crafters on Webster Street where you can fashion your own hat. Easter egg hunts (by age group) also start there beginning at 10:30 AM. Registration for the parade starts at 11 AM.


Get a link for details about the Dillsboro Easter Parade and other Dillsboro events and attractions on the Dillsboro NC Visitor Guide.

Southern Highland Craft Guild Announces the First Annual Auction: Handcrafted & Heartfelt

May 4, 5 PM to 8 PM at the Folk Art Center - The Southern Highland Craft Guild's First Annual Auction, Handcrafted & Heartfelt. The evening will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction followed by a live auction.  Tickets: $75 each / $150 couple.  To purchase call the Folk Art Center (828-298-7928) or contact Shereen Franklin, 423-337-7803,  shereensfibers@gmail.com.

Bid on one of a kind artwork made by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with proceeds going to benefit educational programs and the Guild’s Permanent Collection.  Visit the website for updates and previews of auction items. 

Ceramic Sculpture by
Christine Kosiba, Member of the Southern Highlands Crafts Guild

Gallery Minerva Exterior Sculptures

Gallery Minerva, 8 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville NC, offers full scale steel sculptures by our esteemed artist Russell Whiting.