Allanstand Craft Shop

 
Allanstand Craft Shop at the Folk Art Center

Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville NC

Open: Jan-March 9am-5pm daily; April-Dec 9am-6pm daily

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day

828-298-7928

Click here for a map to the Folk Art Center

Allanstand is the oldest continuously operating craft shop in the United States.   It was started by Presbyterian missionary Frances Goodrich in 1896 in the Brittain's Cove community of Madison County, NC.  The shop eventually moved to downtown Asheville in 1908, and to its current home at the Folk Art Center in 1980.

When the Southern Highland Craft Guild was formed in 1930, Goodrich donated Allanstand to the Guild.  Goodrich's legacy continues as Allanstand Craft Shop represents the work of over 200 members of the Guild.  The shop showcases fine traditional and contemporary crafts in a variety of media including:  fiber, clay, wood, glass, metal, paper, and natural materials.

Throughout the year Allanstand features spotlights on certain artists in different mediums.
2010 Artist Focus Schedule

May Artists:
Michele Alexander, jewelry
John Wesley Williams, furniture
Handmade fiber wearables and lots of inspiration for Mother's Day gifts will be showcased throughout the gallery all month.

June Artists:
Michele Alexander, jewelry
Michael McDunn, furniture
Martha Towler, baskets
Father's Day and Graduation gifts will be showcased throughout the gallery.  Ceramic arts will also be highlighted in honor of the Guild's celebration of Clay Day at the Folk Art Center on June 5.  

July Artists:
David and Nissa Vrooman, jewelry
Michael McDunn, furniture

August Artists:
David and Nissa Vrooman, jewelry
Lyle Wheeler, furniture
Throughout the gallery different forms of wood craft will be showcased in honor of the Guild's celebration of Wood Day at the Folk Art Center on August 14.

September Artists:
Marsha Van Rijssen, jewelry
Lyle Wheeler, furniture
Throughout the gallery traditional crafts will be showcased in honor of the 30th Annual Heritage Weekend at the Folk Art Center, September 18-19.

October Artists:
Marsha Van Rijssen, jewelry
Dana Hatheway, furniture

November Artists:
Q. Evon Design, jewelry
Patricia Collins, jewelry
Dana Hatheway, furniture
Get started early on shopping as the gallery begins sprucing up for the holidays!

December Artists:
Q. Evon Design, jewelry
Patricia Collins, jewelry
Througout the gallery, gift ideas as well as seasonal decorating ideas will be showcased.  A visit to Allanstand in December will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit as we deck the halls with traditional Appalachian decorations including tree ornaments, swags, nativity scenes, and carved Santas, as well as a great assortment of judaica.  You'll also want to see the Guild Christmas tree set up in the Folk Art Center lobby, decorated with handmade ornaments collected from craftspeople throughout the years.