Arts
& Culture
Bright Lights Shine in the Mountains
WHO KNEW SUCH A QUIET MOUNTAIN TOWN
could harbor so much talent? We have gifted performers,
inspired musicians and accomplished artisans
who fill a wide variety of galleries, exhibits, theaters,
concert venues and festivals all year-round.
Arts Come Alive
From rip-roaring comedies to eclectic dramas, Blue Ridge
Community Theater enjoys acclaim for professional shows
and live music concerts, as well as its renowned children’s
theater and summer camp. You’ll find big-city entertainment
at the Peacock
Performing
Arts Center. Built
in the 1980s, the
center features
main-stage productions,
40 | VisitBlairsvilleGA.com | 877-745-5789
musical
concerts and family
entertainment.
Young Harris College’s wide variety of arts programming
includes theater shows, concerts, lectures and
readings, art exhibitions, planetarium shows and other
events. And the Goldrush School of Music provides
music lessons for all ages, plus hosts several recitals.
Mountains Provide inspiration
North Georgia is home to an incredible number of talented
traditional artisans and hobbyists. Each July in
beautiful Meeks Park, the High Country Artisans hosts
the Butternut Creek Festival, which has been designated
a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society.
You’ll enjoy a wonderful weekend of arts, crafts and
music along the shady banks of Butternut Creek.
The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association brims with
exhibitions, studios and galleries, and offers a number
of artist resources, including youth art camps and an
annual Writer’s Conference. It also sponsors two Arts in
the Park Festivals (May & October) that draw thousands
of visitors to the area. This spring, the Crossroads:
Change in Rural America exhibit will explore the role
of rural communities in shaping American culture.
The Mountain Regional Arts & Crafts Guild exhibits
local artists throughout the year, while also offering lessons
for adults and children in everything from watercolors
to alcohol inks. Goldhagen Studios dazzles visitors
See page 6 of this guide for a full listing
of local festivals and events.
with glass blowing demonstrations, while Lardworks
Studio at Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm offers classes in
printing, yarn dying, felting, jewelry making and more.
The Misty Mountain Quilters Guild meets regularly for
programs and workshops, and holds regular quilt shows.
The John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC,
offers week-long and weekend classes in arts, crafts,
music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies,
photography and more. Musical performances, contra
dancing and annual festivals are open to the public.
History Lives Here
Appalachian heritage runs deep here. Learn more about
the area’s history through a wealth of museums, attractions
and annual events.
In April, the two-day Georgia Mountain Storytelling
Festival shares Appalachian traditions and history
Blue Ridge Community Theater
/VisitBlairsvilleGA.com