The Lobby Book Shop
Start your time at the Folk Art Center in the Lobby Book Shop. Here you can discover an intriguing selection of how to craft books, books on the history and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains, cookbooks, Blue Ridge Parkway guides and even books on mountain toys for children.
The Allanstand Craft Shop
As you venture deeper into the Folk Art Center, you’ll have the chance to explore the Allanstand Craft Shop. Featuring many craft disciplines you’ll find: clay, fibers, basket weaving, jewellery, metalsmithing, wood and paper in the displays throughout the shop. Delight in Appalachian items: handmade brooms and hand-woven baskets, beautiful glass work in a rainbow of colors, hand-carved woodcrafts, quilt covers, thick-walled and miniature pottery are all available for purchase in the Allanstand Craft Shop.
Galleries and Museum
Climb the stairs to the second floor of the center and explore its galleries and museum, dedicated to mountain crafts old and new
The Main Gallery
In the center’s Main Gallery you can discover fascinating exhibits which showcase the work of numerous artisans. Frequently changing, the Main Gallery might showcase a single craft during one month and a noted craft collection, or school of craftsmanship the next.
The Focus Gallery
The Focus Gallery is a smaller, rotating exhibit that highlights the works of the best Appalachian artists. See an artist’s finest works of art, or get a glimpse into the things that inspire them in the Focus Gallery.
Folk Art Center Museum
Containing approximately 200 works, the Folk Art Museum features the best in traditional woodcarvings, textiles, furniture, basketry, pottery, and dolls. Showcasing crafts produced from 1855 to the late 20th century and a wide range of media that represents insights into the evolution of traditional crafts from functional every-day use to the artistic and decorative modern pieces, discover the Southern Highlands Craft Guild’s permanent collection in the Folk Art Center Museum.
Craft Demonstrations
Watch as a woodworker uses a wood-turner to fashion fine hardwood bowls on a lathe, see a weaver creating intricate fabrics on a loom, or get a glimpse of a glassmaker as he carefully shapes delicate, colourful glass art pieces. Skilled and friendly artisans often visit the Folk Art Center to talk about their work and demonstrate how it’s made.
-All areas of the Folk Art Center are accessible by wheelchair. It is important you let your reservations agent know ahead of time if you or someone in your party is handicapped, so that they can make sure to accommodate your group in the most convenient and comfortable setting.
-Ask at the visitor’s desk in the Lobby Book Shop if you are interested in seeing one of the daily craft demonstrations. Members of staff will be able to tell you when demonstrations take place, so that you can plan accordingly.
-Read Ahead. Familiarizing yourself with the background of Appalachian arts and crafts ahead of time will help you to have a better appreciation for the things you will be seeing throughout your time in the Folk Art Center.
Discover Appalachian crafts in the Folk Art Center.