Flat Footed Truths: Stories of Lived Experiences is a juried quilt exhibition featuring quilts and fiber art that depict the soul-stirring, truth-telling, and compelling stories of African American women.

This exhibit is named and influenced by the book written by Patricia Bell-Scott, Flat Footed Truths: Telling Black Women’s Lives.  These stories and the truths they tell come to life in this unforgettable exhibit.

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Starworks Annual Craft Invitational is a juried, exhibition-style event showcasing exceptional functional craft in ceramics, glass, wood, metal, and fiber. Meet artists, collect one-of-a-kind work, and experience live demonstrations throughout the day.

The weekend begins with a Preview Reception offering early access in a relaxed setting. Featuring leading and emerging makers in contemporary craft.

Preview Reception June 12, 6–8 PM ($25)

Main Event June 13, 9 AM–4 PM ($5).

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restless nature
A solo exhibition of sculptural furniture by Elsa Hoffman.

Blending intricately cut metal with concrete, brick, and salvaged materials, Hoffman creates works that balance delicacy and weight. Rooted in function and form, these pieces reflect five years of her practice, including work made during her Starworks residency.

On view at Starworks May 16–June 6, 2026
Opening reception May 16, 5–7 PM

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Hand in Hand is Holly Guertin’s debut solo art exhibition, showing works in wool felt, embroidery, and crochet.

Guertin explores pattern, material, and the dignity of labor through time-intensive processes and detail.

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Waterworks Visual Arts Center aspires to enhance the creative capacity of individuals and communities through extraordinary visual arts experiences that foster creativity and learning.

We strive to be a leader and innovator in the exhibition of the art of our time and in museum education. Waterworks is an exciting space where ideas, issues, and communities converge to expand traditional ways of thinking and explore the complex, unfolding patterns between artistic and cultural spheres.

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Penland Gallery presents the exhibition, Now is the Time to Understand More.

The title is taken from a Marie Curie quote:

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”

In the mission of this exhibition, we acknowledge our ninety-seven-year history of craft education, but choose to underscore this moment in time through the lens of artists-makers.

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Making Whole is an addiction recovery program designed within the framework of a traditional woodworking apprenticeship.

Our program is built on a simple premise: the mentor–student relationship can break through the ego barriers of addiction. Once trust is established, apprentices begin building studio-quality objects while rebuilding themselves. The work becomes training for sustainable sobriety and for a life strong enough to hold its own weight.

In our shop, beautiful and enduring things are made. Furniture and objects are crafted from wood, metal, concrete, leather—whatever the work demands.

But the products are not the point. They are the artifacts—the proof—of a deeply transformative process.

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Costume Society of America’s 2026 symposium in Charlotte, NC will explore the cyclical nature of dress and textile history.

From ancient reuse driven by cost to today’s response to fast fashion waste, the practices of remake, recycle, and upcycle reflect enduring ingenuity. Rising interest in second-hand shopping and creative repurposing underscores a modern shift toward sustainability, reaffirming the historical and contemporary relevance of reuse, remake, and recycle in the clothing industry.

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Opening February 7, 2026

Starworks is proud to present Off-Leash!, a captivating exhibition by ceramic artist Ryan Osborne.

This show builds on his acclaimed Eternal Dog series, which was originally inspired by the loss of his beloved dog, Ella.

Through his work, Ryan explores grief, memory, and the joy of canine companionship. In Off-Leash!, new pieces expand the series into playful, expressive forms that radiate warmth and vitality.

Open to the public Monday-Saturday

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Dive into the world of scrap metal sculpture! Work with Starworks’ Director of Metal Mac Metz to transform found or provided metal into unique sculptures.

Explore techniques, get one-on-one guidance, and leave with either a finished piece or a clear plan to complete it. No experience required—bring your ideas (or just your curiosity) and let your metal dreams come to life!

Space is limited; $300 per participant.

Saturday, December 6, 2025
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

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Step into a winter wonderland at the Starworks Holiday Market, featuring thousands of hand-blown glass ornaments, trees, snowmen, Moravian stars, and more!

Discover original holiday creations from our Glass, Metal, and Ceramic artists, including the exclusive Signature Series.

Shop in person at the School House Gallery or online starting November 22, 2025– each purchase supports Starworks’ mission to inspire creativity and community.

Donors shop as early as November 15

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Join us for TRANSFORMATION, the Starworks Benefit & Auction.

Assist in creating a new installation with renowned artist Therman Statom, enjoy a catered luncheon with live jazz, and meet guest artists.

The highlight: the Maker’s Dozen Auction featuring 13 curated works including works by Sergei Isupov, Janina Myronowa, Juana Gomez Ramirez, Cedric Mitchell, Paul Stankard, and others.

Proceeds support Starworks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Saturday, October 25

11am-3pm

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Silver River Center for Chair Caning is making a big comeback in 2026!

Join us for an open house at our new location in Weaverville, NC. Saturday January 18, 2026 from 12-4pm.

We will be celebrating our new instructional book, The Woven Chair, and geeking out in our museum which is finally unpacked after a devastating flood in Fall 2024.

We will be launching community classes each month on a sliding scale to celebrate. 

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The Blue Ridge Craft Trails highlight the rich creative heritage in Western North Carolina.

The project, an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, guides visitors across the region to craft artists’ studios, shops, and galleries filled with local, handmade artwork. Over 340 artists and galleries are listed in the directory, offering visitors unique opportunities to meet creators, view art, and purchase authentic, handmade pieces.

The Blue Ridge Craft Trails also feature itineraries by region, guiding travelers through the Foothills, High Country, Central Mountains, and Far West regions of the state, making it easy to plan an immersive adventure that highlights individuals, communities, and towns. Craft Trails artists benefit from promotional opportunities and are involved in vending events, educational programs, and networking meetups.

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Penland School of Craft is dedicated to helping people live creative lives. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Penland offers one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books and paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, and wood. The school also offers artists’ residencies, community collaboration programs, and a gallery and information center.

The Penland Gallery & Visitor Center, located at the entrance of Penland School, serves as an inspiring introduction to contemporary craft. The gallery features curated exhibitions from March to December, showcasing the work of current and former Penland instructors, resident artists, and alumni from across the country. The Visitor Center Gallery provides a visual overview of Penland’s history and current programming, while the Lucy Morgan Sales Gallery showcases an impressive collection of functional and sculptural craft created by over one hundred fifty artists.

At Penland, craft involves continuous exploration of materials, techniques, and ideas. The gallery supports both the artists and their works, which embody this creative philosophy.

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