Folk Art Center facts for kids
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Established | 1980 |
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Location | Asheville, NC |
Type | Art museum |
Collection size | 3,500 |
Visitors | 250,000 |
Nearest car park | On site (no charge) |
The Folk Art Center is a special museum. It shows off amazing Appalachian folk art and crafts. You can find it on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina. It's at milepost 382, which is like a specific address on the parkway.
This center is also home to offices for three important groups. These groups work together to support the parkway. They are the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the National Park Service, and Eastern National. Eastern National is often called EN.
The Folk Art Center is a team effort. The Southern Highland Craft Guild, the National Park Service, and the Appalachian Regional Commission all work together. It's the most popular spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway. About 250,000 people visit it every year!
The center opened in its current spot in 1980. It has three art galleries to explore. There's also a library and a big auditorium. You can also find the Eastern National bookstore and an information center here. The best part? It's free to visit!
Contents
Discover the Folk Art Center
The Folk Art Center is a great place to learn about art. It focuses on folk art from the Appalachian region. This type of art is often made by everyday people. They use traditional skills and materials.
What You Can See
The center has many different kinds of crafts. You might see handmade pottery or woven blankets. There are also carved wooden items and beautiful quilts. Each piece tells a story about the Appalachian culture.
Explore the Galleries
The three galleries at the center show different exhibits. Some exhibits are permanent, meaning they are always there. Others change throughout the year. This means there's always something new to see!
Learn About Crafting
Sometimes, you can even watch artists at work. They might be demonstrating how they create their crafts. This is a cool way to see how art is made. It helps you understand the skill involved.
History of the Folk Art Center
The Folk Art Center has an interesting past. It was created to celebrate and preserve Appalachian crafts. Before the current building, the idea of a craft center was growing.
Early Beginnings
The Southern Highland Craft Guild played a big role. This group helps artists and craftspeople in the Appalachian mountains. They wanted a place to show off their amazing work. They also wanted to help artists sell their creations.
Opening the Center
The current Folk Art Center opened its doors in 1980. It was a big step forward. It gave a permanent home to the crafts. It also provided a place for visitors to learn and appreciate this unique art form.
A Place for Everyone
Since 1980, the center has welcomed millions of visitors. It continues to be a hub for art and culture. It helps keep traditional crafts alive for future generations.