The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that the Southern Highland Craft Guild, Inc. will continue to operate visitor services at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The decision comes under a new 10-year concession contract. The Folk Art Center serves as a key destination for visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway, showcasing traditional and contemporary Southern Appalachian crafts and artisans.
The Southern Highland Craft Guild, a non-profit organization, has a long-standing relationship with the Folk Art Center, having provided craft sales at the facility since its opening in 1979. The Guild is known for its dedication to the preservation and advancement of craft in the Southern Appalachian region, offering a range of services including craft sales, educational programs, and demonstrations.
This renewed contract with the National Park Service ensures the Guild’s continued presence at the Folk Art Center for the next decade, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience that reflects the history and traditions of the Southern Appalachian region. The partnership between the NPS and the Southern Highland Craft Guild underscores the shared commitment to preserving and promoting the folk art and culture of the region.