The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild)

Folk Art Center is an enchanting place that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Southern Highlands through the display and sale of traditional and contemporary crafts. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the Folk Art Center serves as the flagship retail outlet for the Southern Highland Craft Guild, which was founded in 1930 to promote and preserve the crafts of the Southern Appalachian region.

The center is a vibrant pivot of artistic activity, showcasing the work of over 300 craftspeople from the Southern Highlands and beyond. From traditional woodworking and pottery to contemporary fiber arts and jewelry, the Folk Art Center offers a dazzling array of handmade creations that are as unique as they are beautiful.

It also serves as a museum and educational center, offering you the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance and rich history of the crafts on display. The center features a rotating schedule of exhibitions and events, as well as a library and archives that house a wealth of information about the crafts and the people who create them.

How to explore the Folk Art Center?

• Browse a versatile array of traditional and contemporary crafts from the Southern Appalachian region and beyond.
• Get a chance to chit chat with the artisans to learn about their techniques and sources of inspiration.
• Buy one-of-a-kind items to bring home as souvenirs or gifts.
• Explore the Southern Highlands' rotating exhibits and activities that highlight the diversity and evolution of the craft.
• Learn about the historical significance of the crafts on the show by visiting the museum and teaching center. Itemized information about the crafts and their manufacturers can be found in the library and archives.
• Attend workshops and classes to acquire new techniques and skills in a range of media.
• Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.