Folk Art Center | Asheville

The Folk Art Center in Asheville, North Carolina, is a landmark destination dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and exhibition of traditional and contemporary Southern Appalachian crafts. Located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just a few miles from downtown Asheville, the Center is jointly managed by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the National Park Service, and the Appalachian Regional Commission. It stands as a year-round cultural hub that attracts artists, collectors, educators, and visitors from around the world.

I. Historical Background

The Folk Art Center was officially opened in 1980, but its roots trace back to the early 20th century through the formation of the Southern Highland Craft Guild in 1930. This organization was created to support and showcase the skills of Appalachian craftspeople during the Great Depression. The Guild provided a market for handmade goods and helped preserve centuries-old traditions. The Folk Art Center was developed as the Guild’s permanent headquarters, museum, and showcase venue.

The Allanstand Craft Shop, which operates inside the Folk Art Center, is the oldest continuously operating craft shop in the United States, originally founded in 1897 in Madison County, North Carolina.

II. Building and Design

The building itself is a fusion of modern architecture and rustic regional character. With extensive use of natural wood, open gallery spaces, and large windows overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, it serves as both a cultural and architectural gem.

It includes:

Three art galleries

A permanent museum collection

A 300-seat auditorium

A library and archives

Retail space

Educational and demonstration areas

III. Exhibits and Galleries

The Folk Art Center features three primary galleries, each offering a distinct experience:

1. Main Exhibition Gallery

Hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing both traditional and modern interpretations of craft.

Exhibits often include functional and decorative art, such as pottery, basketry, metalwork, woodwork, fiber arts, and glass.

Artists from the Southern Highland Craft Guild are regularly featured.

Thematically curated exhibits explore issues like sustainability, heritage, and innovation in craft.

2. Focus Gallery

A smaller, more intimate space that highlights the work of selected individual Guild members or specific craft disciplines.

Rotates several times a year.

Allows visitors to get a deeper look at the processes and philosophies behind the work of featured artisans.

3. Permanent Collection Gallery

Dedicated to historical artifacts and heirloom crafts that document the evolution of Appalachian craftsmanship.

Includes items from the late 1800s to the present day, such as handwoven textiles, tools, quilts, carved items, and early examples of basketry and furniture.

Reflects cultural influences from Native American, Scots-Irish, German, and African American traditions.

IV. Allanstand Craft Shop

This is the retail heart of the Folk Art Center and one of its most popular attractions. The shop represents over 300 Guild members and offers:

Handcrafted jewelry

Handmade pottery and ceramics

Quilts and woven textiles

Wood-turned bowls and furniture

Leather goods and hand-forged metal items

Glasswork and fine art

Each item is juried, ensuring that only the highest quality handmade items are sold. Proceeds support the artists and the ongoing educational mission of the Guild.

V. Craft Demonstrations and Educational Programs

From March through December, visitors can witness live daily craft demonstrations by skilled Guild members. These include:

Weaving on a floor loom

Pottery throwing and glazing

Blacksmithing

Woodcarving

Quilting

Chair caning

Doll making

These demonstrations take place in a dedicated area near the craft shop and provide direct insight into the tools, techniques, and time involved in crafting.

The Folk Art Center also offers:

Workshops: Occasional hands-on learning for both beginners and advanced artists.

Lectures and film screenings in the auditorium on Appalachian history and craft.

School group tours with tailored educational content aligned to North Carolina educational standards.

VI. Special Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, the Folk Art Center organizes annual festivals and craft days that celebrate specific mediums and cultural traditions.

Major Events:

Heritage Weekend (September): A two-day celebration of mountain culture with live music, traditional dance (such as clogging), storytelling, and crafts. Features the whimsical "World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition" involving a traditional Appalachian toy.

Wood Day: Showcases carving, turning, and furniture-making.

Glass and Metal Day: Demonstrates techniques like blacksmithing, blown glass, and jewelry making.

Fiber Day: Highlights weaving, dyeing, felting, and spinning techniques.

These events are free to the public and often feature food vendors, children's activities, and live entertainment.

VII. Library and Archives

The Robert W. Gray Library within the Folk Art Center houses one of the largest collections of craft-related materials in the Southeast. It includes:

Over 20,000 volumes on craft, design, folk art, and Appalachian studies

Historical photographs and artist profiles

Oral histories and recorded interviews with craftspeople

Archival documentation of Guild members and exhibitions

The library is a valuable resource for researchers, artists, and historians and is open to the public by appointment.

VIII. Accessibility and Visitor Services

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on major holidays.

Admission: Free.

Parking: Ample free parking for cars and RVs.

Accessibility: The building is fully wheelchair accessible. Service animals are welcome.

Restrooms and a drinking water station are available.

Picnic areas are located just outside, with shaded tables.

Staff at the National Park Service information desk can assist with maps, Blue Ridge Parkway details, and local travel recommendations.

IX. Cultural and Economic Impact

The Folk Art Center plays a vital role in:

Sustaining the legacy of Appalachian craftsmanship

Providing economic support and visibility for regional artists

Educating the public about the value and process of handmade arts

Creating a dynamic intersection of tradition and innovation

As part of the Blue Ridge Parkway experience, it connects scenic beauty with the deep cultural roots of the mountains, making it a must-visit for travelers interested in art, history, and regional identity.

In summary, the Folk Art Center is not just a gallery or shop—it is a living cultural institution that captures the spirit of the Appalachian mountains through the skill, creativity, and heritage of its craftspeople. It offers visitors a rare and authentic connection to the art of making, rooted in community and tradition.