Last Updated on December 19, 2023
Across Western North Carolina, we’ve seen art spaces add new life and a sense of identity to our neighborhoods. For many of our mountain communities, fine arts and traditional Appalachian craftworks have led the way in the revitalization of downtown centers and community camaraderie.
In the outdoor haven of Brevard, nature inspires many to explore their artistic side. There are as many outlets for creative expression as there are personalities to inspire them. If you love local art as much as we do, there are many ways to expand and refine your skills.
Here are five local art classes you can check out in and around Brevard, NC.
ArtLab
ArtLab is a place to discover, create, and experiment with a wide variety of ways to display your artistic expression. They offer classes and events related to a wide variety of creative endeavors for all ages, with no experience required. Past classes have included Mixed Media Quilt Blocks, Intro to Visual Journaling, Knitting for Beginners, and West Coast Swing. They host regular Watercolor Wednesday activities, as well as introductions to SoulCollage®, a creative way to tap into your own wisdom and intuition. If you’re interested in learning some new skills, even if you “aren’t an artist,” ArtLab is for you.
259 N Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 214-5209 | artlabnc.com
Blue Ridge Community College
Sometimes art isn’t about production, it’s about personal enrichment. At BRCC, Personal Enrichment classes offer the opportunity for learning experiences as diverse as oil painting, line dancing, wire jewelry making, or motorcycle safety. Their arts courses are great for all who want to brush up on their fundamentals. Hand lettering and calligraphy can be used on everything from journaling to illuminated manuscripts—which is also a class. Additional crafts courses cover topics including rubber stamping, stained glass, and quilting. Senior citizens can take additional courses through BRCC’s partner organization, the Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning.
Transylvania County Campus | 45 Oak Park Drive, Brevard | (828) 694-1900 | blueridge.edu
Mountain Roots, Inc.
The nonprofit Mountain Roots is a great resource for those inspired by the outdoors. Their outdoor education programs, retreats, and camps focus on environmentally responsible and community centered living. Children and teens can get a little dirty at Pottery Camp. Women of all ages can enjoy an inspirational art and nature retreat designed to put you in touch with your natural surroundings and other creative women. Feeling especially innovative? Mountain Roots can also help you plan a custom retreat—anything from storytelling to organic cooking workshops and Canning 101.
P.O. Box 248, Cedar Mountain | (828) 384-4629 | mountainroots.org
Sun Dragon Art & Fiber
Sun Dragon Art & Fiber primarily offers supplies in yarn, knitting, and crochet notions. They also offer oil, watercolor, and acrylic paint; brushes; journals; and pencils and pens to help you create other artful forms of expression. For social crafters, Sun Dragon offers several regular virtual and in-person “Sit ‘n’ Stitch”opportunities. If you need help with a project, drop in during their designated help hours. Additional in-person group classes offer instruction and lesson time for those new to knitting and fiber art. Find them at their new location in the same strip of shops as Sunrise Cafe, Pescados, the Grateful Dog, and more.
283 N Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 877-3550 | sundragonartandfiber.com
Transylvania Community Arts Council
Transylvania Community Arts Council provides arts education to the community in order to nurture the creative spirit of local artists and youth. They have offered introductory arts, crafts, and pottery classes to adults and children since 1998. The TC Arts Council opened its Pottery Studio in 2016. TC Arts’ Arts Academy also offers week-long art classes, ceramics classes, and photography classes for children during the summer, as well as ongoing classes for adults and children throughout the entire year. Begin your artistic adventure today!
349 S Caldwell Street, Brevard | (828) 884-2787 | tcarts.org
Find your positive space in Brevard, NC!
In addition to offering a variety of interactive art classes, Brevard, NC has distinguished itself as an epicenter for outdoor adventures, education, and music. Tucked along the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is a hotspot for eclectic in-town living and big mountain views. Downtown is a vibrant and walkable hub of independent shops, boutiques, galleries, pubs, and eateries. And Brevard is rich in regular annual events and festivals.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find homes in Brevard, NC now!
