Artist Esi Hutchinson
Southern Highland Craft Guild presents The Graduating Class of 2026 from Haywood Community College’s (HCC) Professional Crafts Program in a new exhibition at the Folk Art Center. The exhibition opens on Saturday, May 9, and runs through August 19 in the upstairs Main Gallery.
The Professional Crafts Program is known for its rigorous, hands-on curriculum across multiple disciplines, including fiber, wood, clay, and metals and jewelry. “For nearly five decades, our programs have flourished, in part due to our strong relationship with the Southern Highland Craft Guild,” says Brian Wurst, professional crafts wood instructor at HCC. “This exhibition represents the culmination of two years of dedication and growth. We are proud to see our students’ work presented in such an inspiring space, and many of our alumni continue their journey as active Guild members.”
Pod Lamp by 2026 HCC graduate Christine Savage-Minde
One such alumni is Valerie Berlage, curator of collections and exhibitions at the Folk Art Center.
“As a Haywood Professional Crafts grad myself, I love being able to showcase the results of all their hard work and creativity,” she says. “Seeing what the next generation of artists creates is truly inspirational, and the quality which the program produces is exceptional. Students work toward creating pieces for the show all year, and the jury process always ensures we get the best they have to offer.”
Wurst notes that this group of graduates started in the fall of 2024 and their journey was immediately derailed by Hurricane Helene. “Getting back on track, and indeed to this place of producing professional-quality work, is great to see,” he says. “The students cram a BFA’s worth of craft classes and the community college’s focus on real-world coursework into two packed years, and the Graduate Show is the place to bring all that together into their best creations.”
“The mission of the Guild and the mission of our Crafts programs at Haywood Community College are in perfect alignment,” says Emily Reason, professional crafts clay instructor at HCC. “I like to think that we are educating the next generation of craftspeople at HCC and that the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be the community that supports the next phase of their careers.”
Also at the Folk Art Center this month, Fiber Day takes place on Saturday, May 9, and there is a Pop-up Mini Craft Fair on Saturday, May 2. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just north of the Highway 70 entrance in East Asheville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Learn more at SouthernHighlandGuild.org.
