artists

Weaverville artist Leif Erik Johansen illustrates real-world issues through a fantastic lens

Penland-based Terrane Glass Designs artfully raises the bar

His Celtic Christmas show returns with strong traditions and new holiday riffs

FEHLŌ handcrafts home goods by the hundreds

Discover close encounters with creative characters and starry nights

Local jewelry designers—each with a unique skill set and expression of style—are making one-of-a-kind adornments and wearable works of art worth treasuring forever

Offering adventures for every member of the gang

One hundred years ago, Fred Seely introduced the world to fine fabric handmade in the mountains

Celebrate our anniversary with top 10 lists of local albums, books, fishing spots, movies, restaurants, and more

Ronni Lundy’s long and winding journey with Appalachian food and culture

Cristina Córdova’s larger than life paintings grace Penland’s grand new gallery

Catch iconic performers and innovative arts at Appalachian Summer Festival

Kehren Barbour and Michael Luchtan’s Post Piano Project explores sustainability through art and music

Rare antique finds and contemporary design commingle in a remarkable North Wilkesboro loft

A new history of Asheville’s Jewish community

Sometimes, smaller is better.

Throughout Western North Carolina sit dozens of public schools abandoned by time, consolidation, and changing demographics. In their heyday, they were community epicenters and veritable second homes for thousands of students. Today, some are boarded up, while others await imminent demolition and replacement by new state-of-the-art facilities. But there are also a handful of old schoolhouses tucked away in various corners of the mountains that have found new purpose as community centers, concert venues, historical beacons, and artists’ studios. Here’s a look at the past and present of eight of them.

Three nonprofits improve lives through creative expression

Lend a hand to the arts this summer