Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center — Attraction in Asheville

The Southern Highland Craft Guild and Folk Art Center is an absolute must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for handcrafted artistry. Nestled in the heart of Asheville, this cultural gem showcases the rich heritage and talent of Southern Appalachian artisans.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm, the Folk Art Center is a treasure trove of handcrafted goods. From pottery and textiles to jewelry and woodwork, you'll find a stunning array of items created by over 400 talented artisans. Be prepared to spend around an hour exploring the various galleries and witnessing live craft demonstrations. Even if you are not an "Art Person" you can appreciate the cultural connection this stop will bring as you visit the area or are driving the Blue Ridge Parkway.

One of the highlights of the Folk Art Center is its commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Appalachian crafts. You'll find everything from delicate basket weaving to intricate quilt making. It's a captivating glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.

While dogs are not allowed inside the building, there's plenty of outdoor space to explore with your furry friend. Pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The Folk Art Center hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including workshops, demonstrations, and festivals. Be sure to check their website for upcoming events to enhance your visit.

A visit to the Southern Highland Craft Guild and Folk Art Center is more than just shopping; it's an immersive experience that celebrates the creativity and skill of the region's artisans. Don't miss this opportunity to discover unique treasures and support local craftsmanship.

Tips:

Allow plenty of time to explore the entire center. Consider taking a workshop or demonstration to learn more about the craft process. Bring cash or a credit card for purchases. Pack a picnic to enjoy the...

Some really unique woodworking gifts but the place doesn’t do a whole lot to engage visitors. Have visited a few artist demonstrations but the artists are generally very uninvolved with the public, just there to watch and not really answer questions. If you’re looking for a nice gift, you’ll find a nice gift. Yes, it’s expensive. Do you all realize how expensive it is to live in Asheville and how talented some of these artists are? You’re supporting a local artist.

I was not happy with the gift shop area. Art I can understand marking up. Tourist post cards and sweatshirts, not so much. If you’re driving on the Parkway beyond the Folk Art Center in either direction, wait and buy stuff at another BRP visitor center instead. Craggy or the BRP main headquarters, for instance. The patches, tshirts, gifts etc will be cheaper. That is what really disappointed me. That, and the fact that the Folk Art Center could do so more to engage the community in terms of events and work in the greater community....

I had a very unpleasant experience during my visit. While I was looking at a fragile piece, an employee yelled at me from across the room, telling me not to get too close. I felt very embarrassed and offended, especially since my family was with me and we were the only Hispanics in the room. The employee continued to speak inappropriately and then asked me to follow her to her desk to "give me something." She offered me a free postcard as a way of apologizing, the card was 1.00 which I found even more offensive. I declined the postcard because I would prefer to buy one if I wanted it. Overall, the way I was treated was extremely disrespectful and made me feel very uncomfortable. I would not recommend this place to anyone who values respectful and professional treatment. Or the place needs to choose better their employees. I don't know her name but she was sitting in a desk upstairs she is slim older and white hair. What a wonderful place and beautiful pieces but it was a...