Visit
Blue Ridge Parkway

The Folk Art Center, home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, exhibits local artisans traditional and contemporary artwork. Crafts of the Appalachian region of all kinds are displayed here; including: woodworking, oil paintings, quilts, photography, ironwork, jewelry, pottery, baskets, glass, fiber and much more. The Allstand Craft Shop offers the finest handmade crafts by guild artists from a nine state region.

The Guilds mission is to "Bring together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation."

In 1930 a relationship was established between the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the National Park Service. In the 1970's the two groups developed and designed the project for the first art center on the Parkway. It had to be a facility that would rightfully interpret true Southern Appalachian mountain culture on the Parkway. In 1980 the center was opened. The Folk Art Center has since become one of the nation's top craft retailers housing galleries, a library, craft shop, information center and bookstore.

The Folk Art Center is a great place to stop and soak in the sights and culture of the Blue Ridge Parkway, both new and old. Enjoy the local crafts and art galleries, shop at the gift shop, and learn about the Appalachian Mountain culture and people.

The Folk Art Center also sponsors educational demonstrations and programs. These free educational events take place during the months May through December. The daily craft demonstrations are also offered March through December. Make sure to explore the permanent collection gallery. This ongoing exhibit features 19th and 20th century traditional Appalachian crafts.

Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, NC.