10 Art Galleries in North Carolina Mountains That You Shouldn't Miss

Original paintings, giclee prints and cards by owner/operator. Open studio. Happy to have visitors and to answer questions

St.Claire Art is the gallery and working studio of Asheville artist Stephen St.Claire. His paintings are unique in that he begins each one by sculpting the composition onto the canvas with layers of modeling compound and gesso, then covering the entire surface with Italian aluminum leaf. Oil paint is then applied to the metal, and then each piece is finished with several layers of solar-protectant resin. "I have called my technique Dialuminism ("light passing through") because light reflects off the metal background layer, passes through the layers of paint and then is refracted by the layers of resin (which acts as a clear lens, fused to the surface of the painting). The result is a painting that is basically back-lit, which creates very intense color. Light plays off some areas and casts shadows beneath others, creating a dimensional painting that changes in appearance depending upon where the viewer is standing in relation to the light source." Visitors are always welcome not only to view the artwork, but to pull up a chair and chat with the artist.

Highlander Gallery is located in the Historic Creamery in Brasstown, NC right on Brasstown Creek, and just 3/4 east of John C. Campbell Folk School. The Highlander has Fine Arts & Crafts by local & regional artists. Featuring paintings by Anthony Abreu, Michael Bedoian, John Mac Kah & Keith Moore. Pottery by Tonya Fowler. Stone Sculptures by Juanita Greenspan, Wood art by Billy Reynolds, Bob Crisp, Chuck & Joe Waldrop & Jo Kilmer. We also have Glass, Baskets, Weaving and more. Come see a truly special experience.

Catchlight Gallery is dedicated solely to the art of photography. We have 23 unique photographers displaying their works. As a coop you will usually find one of them behind the counter ready to discuss their photographs and to answer your questions.

Located in Historic Flat Rock, NC, next to the Flat Rock Post Office, around the corner from The Carl Sandburg Home and The Flat Rock Playhouse! Fine Art, Fine Craft, Folk Art & Gifts. American Made Crafts made locally and regionally. We carry all handmade jewelry, pottery, stained glass, fine wood furniture, watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings, basketry, silk scarves, wood carvings, spirit men, mountain men, gnome homes, carved bears, wood turned bowls, fiber fused art, tableware, lamps, Santa’s, pen & ink, cards, candles & antiques...

The Blowing Rock Historical Society uses Edgewood Cottage to showcase high country artists. Up to 30 artists are selected each year and given a week to display and sell their art in the restored original home of renowned American artist Elliott Daingerfield. There is art for every interest and budget, and it is a special opportunity to meet the artists, watch them work, and buy their art.

Grovewood Village is a hidden gem rich with art and history. Located adjacent to the Omni Grove Park Inn, this site once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries, a force in American craft and textiles that was originally backed by Edith Vanderbilt. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 11-acre property is now home to Grovewood Gallery, working artist studios, the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, and the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum. PLEASE NOTE: Our 2 museums are closed during the winter months of January - March. Grovewood Gallery is open year-round. Grovewood Village has no admission fees, and free parking is available on-site.