Museums & Galleries
The High Country was historically isolated from the conveniences of city life. People here sustained homesteads through hard work, and learned to utilize what they harvested to create what they needed. Many of those arts and crafts developed long ago are still being produced by local artisans and craftspeople. In the heart of every town and hamlet here, you’ll find shops and co-ops, galleries and studios, and festivals as well as art supply outlets where you can watch demonstrations of authentic crafts and original artwork, sign up for a workshop or purchase a one-of-a-kind treasure as a gift, or for yourself.
Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum seeks to provide cultural enrichment to the High Country communities by promoting the arts and Southern Appalachian heritage and history through educational programs, exhibitions, activities, and permanent collections. Children's art programs are held weekly and open to the public. Adult art classes and guest speakers are held throughout the year. The Museum is free to the public.
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Daniel Boone Native Gardens
Featuring a collection of North Carolina native plant material in an informal landscape design, for education and preservation.
See the Wrought Iron Gates made by Daniel Boone VI, a direct descendent of the great pioneer Daniel Boone.
Seasonal operation. Available for outdoor weddings.
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Museum of Ashe County History, Inc.
Non-profit organization established to preserve the 1904 Ashe County Courthouse.
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Southern Highland Craft Guild at Moses Cone
Come for the view... leave with a piece of our heritage. The Moses Cone Manor, at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294, is home to a showcase of the best crafts from a nine-state region...open 9 to 5-ish Spring- end of November (closed Thanksgiving Day). Craft demonstrations in the sunroom June-Oct.
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Watauga County Arts Council
Watauga County Arts Council's features a gift shop offering local arts/crafts, four galleries, and classrooms filled with arts workshops, classes, music lessons, and Arty Parties.
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Crossnore Weavers & Gallery
Watch hand weavers at work and see their fine textiles and wearables. Shop for fine crafts and art produced by local artisans.
All proceeds benefit the children of Crossnore School Inc. National Register of Historic Places. ''A Working Museum''
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Emerald Village
Discover real fun in real mines! Gem mining, mine tours, gold panning, museums, gift shops and more! Just 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Little Switzerland. Open daily April-October.
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Artists in Residence Blowing Rock
Coming to Blowing Rock?? Visit the Artists at Edgewood Cottage, a free weekly art show featuring different High Country, jury-selected artists and their work--everyday from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, Main Street and Ginny Stevens Lane, BR. When you come to Edgewood Cottage, you'll see many of the artists creating their art, either on the Porch or in this intimate historic Cottage. Artists' work can include, but isn't limited to, oil painting, watercolor, ceramics, photography, folk art, acrylics, wood working and fiber art. You can purchase quality original art for virtually every interest and budget.
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Carlton Gallery
Original art that opens our hearts and lifts our spirits! The most established fine art gallery in the area celebrates over 30 years in business. Paintings, gliclees, photography, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, wood, glass, garden sculpture, musical Instruments and more by over 200 artists.
Workshops in painting, drawing, collage and expressive arts!
Owner, Toni Carlton prompts the gallery artists by Seasonal Group Exhibitions with Artist Receptions during the spring, summer, autumn and winter, including a Holiday Open House in late November.
In addition Individual Artist Exhibitions with Receptions are held periodically throughout the year which affords one an opportunity to meet and discuss the artist's work.
Painting workshops conducted by gallery artists are open to beginning or advanced artists and are held each week beginning in May and running through October. These workshops offer artistic expression in oil, acrylic, water color, mixed media collage, expressive and intuitive arts while creating community spirit and inspiration for artists including Toni Carlton.
Her contemporary paintings called ''Art Blessings'' are mixed media utilizing many different techniques and textures. Carlton combines calligraphic and Asian symbols through layers of collage, painting, writing and transfer images. She extends an invitation to visit Carlton Gallery where the ambiance is informal and inviting.
Visitors notice at once they are in a special place filled with community spirit, creative artists and good friends.
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Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
The Turchin Center is part of Appalachian State University and has seven art galleries of changing artworks. The galleries feature contemporary art from local, regional, national and international artists. Admission to the galleries is free. Art workshops are available for adults and children.
*NOTE: The gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday
Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition
Explore the beautiful campus of Appalachian State University and view the 11 winning sculptures of the nationally recognized Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. This annual exhibition highlights contemporary American sculpture in an outdoor setting. The sculptures change in May every year and complement the 40 other permanent sculptures on campus.
TIP: Pick up a sculpture walking map inside the Turchin Center or visit rosensculpture.org to download a map.
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Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc.
Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization located in Wilkes County, NC that is dedicated to the preservation of the rich history and heritage of Wilkes County.
Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. operates and maintains the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Old Wilkes Jail, and Robert Cleveland Log Home. All of these sites are museums open to the public Mon- Fri, 10am-4pm. Admission charged.
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Jones House Cultural Center
Located downtown, the 1908 Jones House is the cultural hub of Boone. Drop by daily (except Monday) for historic information on the town of Boone.
MAZIE JONES GALLERY
Located in the Jones House, the rotating gallery features art from local artists and community groups. Artists receptions are held the first Friday of the month.
OLD TIME JAM
Held every Thursday from 7:30-11pm, the jam is free and open to the public. Bring an instrument and join along or listen and observe.
CONCERT SERIES
Indoor concerts are held in the cooler months. Check the website for dates,performers and tickets.
Summer concerts are held on the Jones House lawn every Friday at 5pm. Concerts are free, just bring a chair or blanket for seating. (Downtown parking is free after 5!)
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