A deeply-embedded heritage arts program with a gallery to boot
Southwest Community College Heritage Arts program offers an associate’s degree in the arts and runs a community-based heritage arts program allowing students to experience the legacy of Appalachian arts, including native arts, folk art and contemporary arts and crafts.
Interested folks can pursue a degree or take Heritage Arts classes that resonate with their interests. Students can also earn a “Master Potter Certificate” that is designed to provide training and knowledge for operating a studio-based business in ceramics. The certificate program wraps together dedicated studio coursework with small business expertise.
Southwest Community College Heritage Arts is located in a 1943 building on Highway 74 southwest of Bryson City. The building uses materials (specifically the hardwood flooring) from Almond High School, part of a community displaced by Fontana Lake when Fontana Dam was constructed to provide electricity during World War II.
Visitors are most welcome to stop in and see work displayed in the school gallery, with new shows every other month.
For details, visit their Facebook page.
