Arts

You'll find treasures in more places than just the ground in Mitchell County. Take home a one-of-a-kind treasure from one of our artisans when you visit. We're home to the world-renowned Penland School of Crafts. Founded by Lucy Morgan in 1923, Penland has grown to encompass 400 acres and 40 structures. Penland School has an annual hands-on open house where you can make your own handmade treasure to take home. The Bakersville and Penland areas are home to almost 100 professional craft artists' studios and galleries representing glass, pottery, metal, weavings and jewelry. And don't miss the annual Toe River Arts Council studio tours for the opportunity to visit artists in their working studio environments.

Mitchell County is home to more North Carolina Living Treasures than any other county in the state, as well as several Folk Heritage Award recipients. We're proud to call these folks neighbors and they are proud to share with you the treasures their special talents create.

North Carolina Living Treasures

Harvey Littleton, glass artist, one of the founders of the Studio Glass Movement, teaches glass workshops around the country.

Billie Ruth Sudduth, basketmaker, has work in the collections of the Smithsonion Institute, The American Craft Institute and The Mint Museum of Craft + Design in Charlotte, NC.

Bea Hensley, ironworker, creates wrought iron chandeliers, fireplace accessories, railings and candelabras at his traditional forge.

Arval Woody, woodworker, builds traditional Appalachian style chairs without using glue or nails, and is the fifth generation of his family of chair-makers.

Galleries, Shops and Studios:

Penland School of Crafts, Penland

TRAC Center Gallery, Spruce Pine

Twisted Laurel Gallery, Spruce Pine

Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree, Spruce Pine

Glassworks, studio & gallery, Spruce Pine

Fyreglas Studio, Bakersville

JABOBS, studio of Billie Ruth Sudduth (basketmaker), Bakersville

Cynthia Bringle Gallery (pottery), Penland

Sedberry Pottery, Bakersville

Potters of the Roan (group of area studios), Bakersville

Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville

Anita's Atelier, Bakersville

The Trillium Gallery, Little Switzerland

Please check our directory for more listings.