Fans of high quality, handcrafted works will not want to miss the upcoming summer session of the 2024 Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. The popular, biannual fair sees more than 200 juried artisans selling a wide variety of Appalachian arts and crafts under one roof. July 15th through the 18th, 2024 in downtown Asheville, NC.
The Southern Highland Craft Guild formed in 1930 and remains one of the strongest craft organizations in the country. Its network includes over 900 juried artists from 9 southeastern states and its Folk Art Center is one of Asheville’s most popular attractions.
Anyone who appreciates Appalachian handcrafts will enjoy a visit to the Folk Art Center. It’s home to a massive collection of contemporary and traditional craftworks, some of which date back to the 1800’s. The Center also houses a museum, library, auditorium, bookstore, and the Allanstand Craft Shop, which is more than 120 years-old. The center is open year-round at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 382, just a little over a half-hour from Bent Creek Lodge.
The Southern Highland Craft Guild also hosts popular, biannual craft Fairs in July and October of every year. These shows are a wonderful opportunity to not only see and purchase a wide variety of handcrafted works but also to meet the talented artisans!
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
As mentioned above, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands is presented biannually, in July and October. 2024’s summer session is scheduled for July 15-18. The event is held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, located at 87 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville, NC.
The fairs include more than 200 artisans who fill both levels of the Civic Center with their stunning works. Wood carvings, jewelry, clay, paper, fiber arts, glass, leather, metal, and more. Exhibitors are jury-selected artisans from the mountain counties of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and the Virginias.
Best of all, every exhibitor at the fair is an artist responsible for the items on display. Buying a beautiful, handmade item is only made more special by a chance to meet and chat with its creator. The fair also features craft demonstrations, regional music, and other live entertainment.
Learn more at southernhighlandguild.org. You can also find this event on Facebook.
So come on out to Asheville, NC this summer. You’ll find plenty to do and see and Bent Creek Lodge, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is ready to serve as home base for all your Asheville adventures. See y’all soon!