The 10 Best Lessons & Workshops in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina Mountains

Located in the mountains of western North Carolina, the John C. Campbell Folk School offers weeklong and weekend courses in traditional craft, fine art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography, storytelling and writing. Founded in 1925, the school is based on the Danish folk school model, and strives to provide experiences in hands-on learning and community life that are joyful and enlivening. Students live on campus and share family-style meals. Each day begins with early morning music and storytelling. Nature walks, tours of local artisans' studios, evening music, and dance programs are part of each week's schedule. A founding member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the school also operates a craft gallery that represents over 300 regional artists.

Curtis Wright Outfitters is a family owned fly shop and guide service specializing in customer service and local knowledge of Asheville’s rivers and streams. We have two locations to serve our customers whether you’re a beginner or seasoned angler – Asheville and Weaverville, North Carolina.

A professional designer goldsmith for 45 years, ROBERTO VENGOECHEA’S Avant-Garde collection showcases futuristic and innovative designs which defy the conventional forms and genres, yet are practical in their form and fit. Challenging acceptable 21st century jewelry traditions, with square, architectural and geometric shapes, these unusual designs push the boundaries of ‘thinking outside the box.’ “Like Gaudi, I like to fuse organic with architectural design in a futuristic manner. I consider myself a sculptor first and a jeweler second.” Vengoechea opened his Gallery and studio in 1996, located in Black Mountain, NC. Browse this quaint, artisan-owned gallery in a museum-quality setting, with recessed shadow boxes which entice the viewer to study the contents of each box. His work is also available in select galleries in North Carolina. Vengoechea also teaches tourists and visitors a popular hands-on 1 day workshop (by appointment – 2 people per class) where each participant takes home their own hand-made work. “It’s all about the experience” as well as being lots of fun.

Beginner to advanced instruction, private and group instruction in multiple disciplines of paddle sports. In addition, H2o Dreams offers professional level certifications for river and water sports professionals Dedicated to the craft of teaching, our small, focused paddling school achieves results.

Tryon Arts & Crafts School teaches hands-on classes and workshops in pottery, jewelry, weaving and fiber arts, blacksmithing, glass, lapidary, woodworking, and more. We have gallery shows throughout the year and feature a gift shop with one-of-a-kind gifts created by local craftsmen as well as a permanent heritage craft gallery. The School was established in 1960 as a key part of the grassroots movement that led to the development of Tryon as an artists' colony. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is supported by membership dues and donations. Members enjoy access to open studios and discounted classes. We invite you to join our friendly, stimulating, and enriching community by taking classes and workshops, browsing our galleries, spending time in our studios, shopping in our gift shop, and getting to know more about arts and crafts in the Tryon region.

The Gallery at Flat Rock presents thoughtfully curated contemporary art, crafts and gifts in all mediums. We offer an ongoing schedule of fun and thought provoking events geared for the entire community and create opportunities for artists, collectors and friends to learn and connect with each other. The Gallery also provides an Art Advisory Service. See our website for more information.