Museum and gallery space featuring traditional and contemporary Appalachian crafts, daily artisan demonstrations, and rotating exhibitions of fine handmade works.
General Information
Closed on major holidays
Craft demonstrations available March through December from 10am to 4pm
How to Get There
From Asheville, NC (8 mi): Take I-240 East to Exit 7 (Tunnel Road/US-70), drive 1 mile and turn right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, then follow signs for the Folk Art Center.
Overview
The Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center is a cultural cornerstone of the Blue Ridge Parkway, celebrating the rich heritage of Appalachian craftsmanship. Since its founding in 1980, the center has served as the headquarters for the Southern Highland Craft Guild, which represents over 800 artisans across nine southeastern states. Visitors can explore three galleries showcasing both traditional and contemporary works, including textiles, pottery, woodwork, and glass. The Allanstand Craft Shop, recognized as the oldest craft shop in America, offers a curated selection of handmade goods, while daily demonstrations from March through December provide a firsthand look at the artistry behind the crafts.
The center also houses a library with over 20,000 volumes on craft history and technique, and hosts rotating exhibitions and seasonal events such as National Quilting Day and the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. Built in collaboration with the National Park Service and the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Folk Art Center is more than a museum—it is a living tribute to the enduring spirit of Appalachian artisanship. Whether you're a collector, a casual visitor, or a curious traveler, the center offers a deep and engaging experience into the world of handmade Appalachian art.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.