The goal of the Heritage Arts Program is to foster a deep connection between Crossnore Weavers and the surrounding community. Our mission is to remain good stewards of the heritage arts through connection and community engagement. We strive to foster the arts while nurturing Crossnore's strong historical and educational connection with the community.
Introduction to Appalachian Heirloom Weaving
June 1st-5th | Aug 31st-Sept 4th | Nov 2nd-6th | 9am-5pm
$500
with Lesa Fisher
Introductory weaving classes are offered to the public three times per year on our Avery campus. These classes are dedicated to teaching traditional Appalachian Mountain Weaving to all who are interested in learning.
The course is $500 and includes all materials you will need to take the class. Classes run Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. At the end of the session you will have handwoven placemats and a table runner, OR napkins and dishtowels for your personal collection, all woven by you!
A $300 non-refundable deposit will be required in order to save your seat in the class.
Expanding the Color Palette: Scarf Weaving
June 11th-13th | 9am-4pm
$300
with Carol Patton
In this intermediate weaving class, students will learn the impact of color as they create their own uniquely designed striped scarf. Students will explore and apply aspects of color theory and learn to make artistic alterations to a supplied 4-shaft patterned draft. Some weaving experience is required. Students are expected to have mastered basic plain weave and/or taken our introductory level weaving class. For this project, students will be hand selecting yarns from those supplied by the studio, a small materials fee based on the weight of the yarn selected to be paid to the Crossnore weaving room. Students will break for lunch and can pack a lunch or eat locally.
Carol holds a B.S. and M.Ed. in Vocational Home Economics Education from the University of Illinois. In 2015, she retired from the Wilkes County School system after a 38 year teaching career in Family and Consumer Science in both North Carolina and Illinois. Inspired to learn the art of weaving after inheriting her late mother’s loom, Carol learned to weave on multi-shaft looms at Sawtooth School for Visual Art. Realizing that weaving possibilities were endless, Carol continued to take several subsequent Sawtooth classes after that introductory course in 2007. She is self-taught on the weaving techniques for rigid heddle, inkle, tapestry and pin looms and continues to hone her craft via in-person and online instruction. Carol’s weavings have been featured in The Weaver’s Friend 2 – A Publication for Rag Rug Weavers, and juried exhibitions at Wilkes Art Gallery and Sawtooth. She currently teaches weaving classes for both youth and adults at Sawtooth and Wilkes Art Gallery.
Blueridge Skyline: Needle Felting & Framing
June 20th | 10am-3pm
$125
with Jennifer Costa
This unique class will combine needle felting and creative framing skills, as we work together to create a wool landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains, then frame it in a vintage weaving shuttle. You’ll learn the basics of needle felting, plus how to use unusual household objects for creative display of your artwork. All supplies are included in the cost of the workshop–even a vintage wooden shuttle! All supplies included with class registration fee.
Jennifer Costa is a homeschooling mom and professional musician. She is a 19-year Charlotte resident originally from the New Orleans area. A lifelong crafter, she began needle felting in 2020. She now offers workshops and sells her needle-felted art both online and in Crossnore Fine Arts gallery. Equally passionate about teaching and crafting, she is excited to share her skills and ideas.
Petals and Pulp Paper Making
August 1st | 10am-3pm
$150
with Kate Timbes
From molds to deckles, to plant fibers to pigments, this one-day 4 hour workshop is an exploration into the magical world of handmade papermaking. Students begin with a brief introduction to historical and contemporary uses of papermaking while learning about molds and deckles, methods of making paper pulp, and laying unique sheets. The class will create their own custom pieces of paper using pigments, natural dyes, flowers, seeds, thread, and watermarking techniques.
Designed for all levels. Material fee of $25 to be paid to the instructor at the time of class.
Smoky Mountain Bear Basket
August 8th | 10am-3pm
$100
with Bev Nagy
Learn to make this functional and beautiful small market basket. This introductory level class is based on the traditional basketry of the Appalachian mountains. Market baskets are used to harvest from the garden, or store items on a shelf or on a table to organize them. This basket is very useful in the kitchen, pantry or bathroom. We will embellish with a black bear, a symbol of our beloved smoky mountains. This basket is intended for all skill levels, and is an ideal project for those who are interested in learning basic basketry techniques.
Students should plan to pack a lunch or go out for lunch, there will be a 30 min lunch break.
Hand to Heart: Coptic Stitch Journal Making
August 15th | 10am-4pm
$100
with Caroline Hatchell
Create a unique and personalized fine art quality, hardcover journal, bound using coptic stitch in this one day workshop. This workshop will focus on coptic stitch book binding techniques, while nurturing creative play and personal expression. Journals will be made mixing elements of handmade art paper, high quality sketch paper, chipboard and waxed linen. This class is the perfect companion class to the handmade paper making workshop with Kate Timbes.
Students will leave the workshop with several handmade, one of a kind functional works of art for journaling from the heart! Registration is required. All materials included with class registration fee. Space is limited. Examples on display in the weaving room.
Woolen Woodlands: Fall Felted Landscape
September 26th | 10am-3pm
$125
with Jennifer Costa
Explore the endless possibilities of needle felting with the incredibly talented Jennifer Costa of the Woolen Palette. This specialized needle felting class focuses on techniques to sculpt and decorate with wool using specialized barbed needles to entangle fibers and create a beautifully framed three-dimensional autumn landscape. In this unique workshop you’ll learn about different wool types, tools like felting needles and mats, and essential techniques. All supplies included with class registration fee.
Jennifer Costa is a homeschooling mom and professional musician. She is a 19-year Charlotte resident originally from the New Orleans area. A lifelong crafter, she began needle felting in 2020. She now offers workshops and sells her needle-felted art both online and in Crossnore Fine Arts gallery. Equally passionate about teaching and crafting, she is excited to share her skills and ideas.
Everybody Sweeps: An Introduction to Hand Broom Making
October 24th | 10am-3pm
$100
with Becky Juliette-Duex
Learn about the history of broom making in the region and the materials needed to tie a variety of hand brooms. We’ll start with a simple whisk and progress to a traditional Appalachian style Turkey Wing with the opportunity to make a pot scrubber or cake tester as well. Expect to leave with 2-3 hand brooms and a fun new hobby.
The instructor will bring all necessary materials. Please bring your desire to experience the best sweep of your life! If you have any allergies, you may want to wear or bring long sleeves. Please note, hand and upper body strength are helpful.
There will be a 30 min break for lunch, please pack a lunch or plan to eat locally.