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Get Creative At One Of Our Arts & Crafts Workshops

Here in the mountains of Western North Carolina, we’re known for our creative arts and crafts community. Our artisans are keeping alive many of the traditional heritage crafts such as pottery, weaving, basketmaking and quilting; as well as cooking, canning and preserving to make best use of locally grown foods.

Stores and galleries in the area offer these crafts and more for sale; and we have several festivals featuring locally made crafts as well. If you would like to learn how to create some unique crafts, the artisans on this page would like to teach you. We have a variety of classes — from 2 hours to several days or ongoing.

Nourish your creative spirit – learn something new!

IN OUR BLOG

Keeping Heritage Arts Alive in the Smoky Mountains

Nurturing the heritage arts at Southwestern Community College’s Nantahala School for the Arts.

  • Swain Arts Center

    Address: 1415 Fontana Rd.
    Bryson City
    NC
    28713

    Contact Name: Joe Holt
    Email: jholt@swainmail.org

    Call: 828-488-7843
    Website

    Facebook

    The Swain Arts Center is located on the campus of Swain County High School. Our Facility features a lovely two-story glass atrium and a 500 seat aduitorium. The Arts Center offers concerts, art exhibits, and workshops for the community and region.

  • Dogwood Crafters, Inc.

    Address: 90 Webster Street
    Dillsboro
    NC
    28725

    Contact Name: Brenda Anders
    Email: brendaanders@frontier.com

    Call: 828-586-2248
    Website

    Facebook
    TripAdvisor
    Phone Two: Phone: 828-506-8331

    Other Address:

    Address: PO Box 604, Dillsboro, NC, 28725

    A craft cooperative since 1976, Dogwood Crafters showcases the handmade treasures created by regional artisans who continue the old-time Appalachian craft traditions. You'll also find some modern translations of these arts and crafts in unique gifts, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, paintings, home décor, and more as well as a full schedule of heritage arts and crafts classes.

  • Stecoah Valley Center

    Address: 121 Schoolhouse Rd.
    Robbinsville
    NC
    28771

    Email: info@stecoahvalleycenter.com

    Call: 828-479-3364
    Website

    Facebook
    Instagram
    Phone Three: Fax: 828-479-1434

    The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, housed in the historic rock schoolhouse since 1996, is a vital contributor to the preservation of Appalachian mountain heritage. The Center celebrates mountain traditions with music programs, old-time festivals, classes & other events throughout the year. Stecoah Valley Center is also home to the Courtyard of the Cherokee - an outdoor arts and culture exhibit that authentically represents the seven clans of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Stecoah Artisans Gallery features hand crafted original works by over 100 local and regional artists. The 10-acre campus includes a walking trail, playground & outdoor picnic areas. Visitor information available during business hours.

  • SCC Heritage Arts

    Address: Swain Center, 60 Almond School Rd
    Bryson City
    NC
    28713

    Email: j_marley@southwesterncc.edu

    Call: 828-366-2000
    Website

    Southwestern Community College Heritage Arts focuses on classes for all skill levels in pottery, ceramics, printmaking, basketry and weaving for those over 16 years of age. In the summer, those 16 and under may take classes such as woodcarving, printmaking, primitive cooking, primitive toys and games, and block printing. Visiting the area or feeling spontaneous? Book one of our "on-demand" 1 & 2-hour classes in pottery, printing, sketching, or printing by calling the school.

    • Main photo courtesy SCC Nantahala School for the Arts

    Bryson City - Swain County
    Chamber of Commerce
    P.O. Box 509
    Bryson City, NC 28713

    Email

    Karen Proctor
    Executive Director

    828-488-3681

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