May 2026 Roundup: Contemporary Craft’s Rising Stars

​This week, my five-year-old sighed and asked, “Why do you always say, ‘Being bad at something is the first step to being good at something?’” The answer—which he’s too young to fully grasp—is that in our fast-paced world of instant gratification, developing real skill takes resilience, persistence, and time.

That mindset inspired our latest exhibition at ArtsvilleUSA, featuring recent graduates from Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program. Their work is on display at the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Gallery and online at ArtsvilleUSA.com. In conversations with several graduates, we learned about the rigor of HCC’s program and the collaborative spirit that defines their community. We also went behind the scenes with two HCC professors to explore how the program’s Appalachian roots and long-standing reputation contribute to its ongoing success.

This exhibition also marks a milestone for ArtsvilleUSA—it’s the inaugural show in our new PAVE (Partner Archival Virtual Exhibitions) program. By partnering with HCC, we’re setting the stage for future collaborations that extend the reach of live exhibitions into the digital realm. If your organization is interested in learning more, let’s talk.

As we grow with PAVE, your support is more important than ever. To help sustain our mission and support emerging artists taking their own first steps, we’re excited to announce a $1,000 matching gift. Become a paid subscriber or donate now, and your contribution will have double the impact in fostering creative talent and keeping exhibitions like these accessible to all.

Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Graduate Show

The inaugural PAVE show turns its attention to the emerging artists of Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program, whose graduation work now fills the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Gallery and is also available to explore online at ArtsvilleUSA.com. As curator Valerie Berlage notes, “This show is much anticipated every year as the next generation of artists always inspires with fresh perspectives and quality work.”

View the exhibition here.

Carving Out a Career: Meet Haywood Community College’s Next Wave of Professional Craft Artists

Go behind the scenes with three recent graduates of Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program as they share insights on building a creative life after college in our latest story. Their conversation covers the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration, the practicalities of finding a workspace, and the eye-opening realities of turning craft into a business. From writing exhibition proposals to learning from a supportive Appalachian craft community, their discussion offers an honest look at what it takes to launch a career in contemporary craft.

Read their insights here.

How a Small College in the Blue Ridge Mountains Became a Launchpad for Craft Professionals

In this special rerun episode, ArtsvilleUSA founder Louise Glickman returns to the host’s chair for a conversation with Haywood Community College faculty members Amy Putansu and Brian Wurst. Together, they reveal how a small institution in the Blue Ridge Mountains has become a launchpad for craft professionals. Their discussion highlights HCC’s “three-legged stool” philosophy—balancing fine craft skills, thoughtful design, and business acumen—while exploring the region’s rich Appalachian heritage, the financial realities faced by working artists, and the community of makers that attracts students from all walks of life.

Listen to our conversation with Amy Putansu and Brian Wurst here.

News + Notes

Here’s where we share quick craft bites for busy hands and curious minds. This month: a rural studio tour marks its 50th year, Art in Bloom returns to Black Mountain Center for the Arts, and ArtsvilleUSA opens its highly anticipated outdoor art show.

Exhibitions

• ​ Open // Air | June 3–Open Indefinitely | ArtsvilleUSA.com
  Next week, don’t miss the debut of Open // Air, our highly anticipated virtual exhibition featuring outdoor art from WNC artists, including Grace Cathey, Robert Winkler, and Rachel David. The show opens June 3 and will remain open indefinitely on ArtsvilleUSA.com.
  
• Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Graduate Show | Through August 19 | Folk Art Center
  The Southern Highland Craft Guild presents the work of emerging artists from Haywood Community College’s renowned Professional Crafts Program. This annual exhibition features student works in fiber, wood, clay, and jewelry, highlighting technical skills, creative vision, and connections to Southern Highlands craft traditions. View the online exhibition exclusively at ArtsvilleUSA.com.
  
• Connecting to Place: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational | Through July 25 | The Bascom
  This annual group invitational from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area highlights Western North Carolina’s craft scene and the artists’ connection to local natural materials. Works in various mediums are on display, celebrating both innovation and tradition in the region’s handicraft economy. More information here.
  
• mapping: bias & paradox | Through June 6 | Little Animals
  Little Animals hosts mapping: bias & paradox, a group exhibition curated by Kenn Kotara and Jeff Kinzel. The show invites visitors to consider how maps reflect bias and shape perceptions in the information age. More information here.
  
• Art in Bloom 2026 | June 1–17 | Black Mountain Center for the Arts
  Now in its twentieth year, Art in Bloom celebrates the intersection of art and nature with two gallery exhibits, live floral arrangements, and a local garden tour featuring working artists. This annual fundraiser supports community art programs while showcasing regional creativity in both visual and floral arts. More information here.
  
• Take-Up: Intergenerational Textiles & Weaving Community in Watauga County | June 13–August 8 | Alexander Community Gallery
  This exhibition explores the rich fiber arts tradition of Watauga County, from the Craft Revival era to contemporary workshops for seniors. It features works created during public workshops supported by an IMLS grant, highlighting the evolving role of textiles in building community. More information here.
  

Events

• ​ Collage Postcards | May 29 | ReMix It
  Join artist Miranda Wildman at ReMix It in West Asheville for a free community class creating collage postcards. The session runs from 3–4:30 p.m., with just 12 spots available. Donations to the store support future programming. More information here.
  
• High Noon Artist's Tea: Inn at Amaris Farms | May 30 | Inn At Amaris Farms
  Enjoy afternoon tea with three Western North Carolina artists working in paper, clay, and fabric, curated by Sherry Masters and Erica Lumpert. The event honors the late paper artist Leo Monahan and includes seasonal pastries, a Tea & Bloom Bundle, and conversations with the artists. $10 from each ticket goes to Helpmate. More information here.
  
• Toe River Arts Studio Tour | June 5–7 | Yancey and Mitchell Counties
  This renowned studio tour showcases the work, processes, and studios of artists in Yancey and Mitchell Counties. The event includes an exhibition at the Spruce Pine Gallery and marks the tour’s 50th anniversary. More information here.
  
• 2nd Annual Carolinas Sketch Crawl | June 5–7 | River Arts District
  The Carolinas Sketch Crawl returns to Asheville, featuring workshops, Drink and Draws, a sketch exhibit, and an architecture tour. Hosted by Urban Sketchers chapters, the event welcomes artists of all skill levels. More information here.
  
• First Friday Craft Night | June 5 | Lexington Glassworks
  Join the Downtown Arts District Art Walk for a special craft night at Lexington Glassworks, presented in partnership with ArtFolk. Watch glassblowers in action and try your hand at a craft project. This drop-in event runs from 5–7 p.m. and is free to attend. More information here.

Special Thanks To Our Partners

All photos published with permission of the artist(s); featured image: “Smallmouth Bass” by Shelly Read.