Exciting Heritage Weekend Celebrated in Asheville!

Exciting Heritage Weekend Celebrated in Asheville!

This coming weekend, Asheville will once again transform into a vibrant celebration of traditional crafts and community spirit as the Southern Highland Craft Guild presents its 44th Annual Heritage Weekend. Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day!

A Free Family-Friendly Event

One of the best parts? This rich experience is absolutely free for everyone! As you stroll through the Folk Art Center, you’ll find yourself greeted by the sounds of bluegrass and gospel music, iconic to the Appalachian culture. There’s truly something for everyone, from music enthusiasts to craft aficionados.

Hands-On Craft Demonstrations

Heritage Weekend is all about honoring traditional crafts, and this year, you can catch some amazing craft demonstrations that highlight these age-old skills. One of the featured artisans, Cassie Dickson, is an accomplished coverlet weaver, spinner, and natural dyer. She’ll be sharing her insights on processing homegrown flax into beautiful linen cloth. “I will show and tell the story of a 200-year-old linen sheet that was woven by a woman from North Carolina,” Cassie explains. “I feel it is important for the public to see craftsmen demonstrating our heritage crafts. Traditional crafts are what our Guild was founded on.”

But that’s not all! Woodcarver Tony Dills will be on-site showcasing his incredible skill in carving birds from basswood, armed only with a pocket knife. He shares, “Heritage carving to me is keeping up mountain-style carving handed down from one person to another. I hope shows like Heritage Weekend can help get younger folks interested.”

Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition

Don’t miss the Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle competition, which takes place at 2 p.m. both days! It’s a quirky and fun tradition that brings out the playful spirit in participants and spectators alike.

New Members Show at the Guild’s Gallery

September 28, the Guild will be unveiling its final Main Gallery exhibition of the year, titled The New Members Show. This exhibition will feature the incredible work of 27 new artisans who have recently joined the Guild in 2023 and 2024. One of the highlighted artists, Heidi Bleacher, will showcase her stunning needle-felted fiber wall art. She shares, “The connections I have made, both professional and personal, along with the numerous member benefits I received, have been invaluable to me and my craft.”

Jewelry lovers will also want to check out Summer Merritt of Pride & Archive Jewelry Design, who will display her unique, heirloom-quality jewelry at the show. She reflects, “Being a member of the Guild is deeply meaningful to me because it validates my journey as a self-taught jeweler and reinforces the importance of craftsmanship—a crucial element that was often overlooked during my time in art school.”

Don’t Miss Out!

The New Members Show will be on display through January 18, so you have plenty of time to enjoy these breathtaking works. Remember, the Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in gorgeous Asheville.

Whether you’re an admirer of crafts or just looking for a fun weekend activity, Heritage Weekend offers an enriching experience for all ages. Embrace the charm of Asheville, support these incredible artisans, and join in the celebration of our rich heritage!