News & Events

Springtime may seem far away, but not at Appalachian State University where enrollment for craft enrichment classes in Blowing Rock began December 3!  The Craft Enrichment Program is an incredible way to continue lifelong learning in a beautiful setting.  There are many inspiring classes to choose from, taught by professional artists, instructors and crafts people in a professional environment.

“Come and discover your artistic signature.” Some daytime classes to consider for Spring 2019:

• Felt Workshop: Wet Felted Vessels from Valentines to Vases

“Indulge your creativity through fibers!  In the workshop, you will create one or more 3-dimensional wool vessels.  Embellishments can be added such as silk hankies, silk roving, wool fibers and yarns ….to  decorate your one of a kind vessel.”

This is a physically active workshop; standing requires comfortable shoes and be sure to wear clothing that can get wet; bring 2 or 3 old bath towels.  For beginners & all levels.

Instructor: Jane Campbell

Enrollment: 16

Date:  Saturday, February 2 (1 day)

Time:  10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Cost:  $80  (Materials included in course fee)

Location:  Edwin Duncan Hall,  TBA

• Watercolor…Exploring Nature Up Close

“JoAnn Pippin, a signature member of both the Southern Watercolor Society and the Watercolor Society of North Carolina, will teach a 5-session watercolor class that will help you see and paint what you love.  During these classes you will work on a painting that you will be proud of while learning how to compose an effective painting, how to use color for pizazz, and how to work with and without brushes for interesting effects.”

Bring the supplies you have, but DO NOT go out and buy materials until after session 1.  Also be sure to bring pictures or ideas of what you would like to paint.

Instructor: JoAnn Pippin

Enrollment:  10

Date:  Wednesdays, January 30 — February 27

Time:  3:00 – 6:00 (pending final classroom confirmation)

Cost:   $145

Location: Edwin Duncan Hall,  TBA

• Advanced Bowl Turning

“This course will continue the art, science, and techniques needed to turn a block of wood into functional sculpture. We will explore some rough-edge and green-wood spindle turning, wood curing, selection, and tool sharpening. You may never look at a pile of firewood the same again!”

Be sure to bring safety glasses or shield and earplugs

Instructor: Phil Armstrong

Dates:  Saturdays,  January 26 — April 6  *no class 3/9  (10 weeks) 

Time:  9:00 am – 11:30 am

Enrollment: 5

Cost:  $230

Location: Katherine Harper Hall Room 146

Registration for all classes begins at noon on December 3 and remains open until the class fills or until three working days before the class begins.

For more info: call Jack Chambers at 828-262-2933

Other possible classes offered throughout the year include pottery/ceramics, drawing and painting, weaving, jewelry-making, photography, videography, fiber and glass arts, basket-making, wood turning, beekeeping, batik and metalworking.  The mission of ASU is to “provide settings for novices, hobbyists and advanced students to use professional-level equipment and receive individual attention from instructors who are committed both as teachers and craft artists.”  No wonder lifelong learning is such a pleasure up high in this scenic Blowing Rock elevation.  The classes are affordable and accessible to everyone over 16—a reflection of the true community-mindedness and spirit in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

This esteemed program has been enriching folks’ lives since 1999.  There is no doubt that traditional and contemporary crafts and arts are valued in the communities that dot the high mountains. 

Most enrichment classes take place on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone which is perfectly situated in the picturesque mountains at Blowing Rock elevation.  The university was founded in 1899 and is one of 17 prestigious educational institutions in North Carolina that helps foster lifelong learning as well as providing degrees to both undergraduates and graduates.  “Appalachian is a special place. Our location in Boone, North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, a place of great beauty abundant with cultural and recreational opportunities, profoundly shapes how our community lives, works and learns together. Once you become a part of our community, you never really leave.”  There is a true connection between the campus and the community which benefits everyone.

The Coves is only a half hour’s drive along scenic route 321 North to Boone and ASU’s gorgeous campus.  No wonder so many folks at The Coves take the short journey to Blowing Rock elevation where they participate in the artistic community.  ASU provides convenient free parking.  The Coves often has its own at-home artistic offerings, like painting wine and design with local artists as well as cooking festivities to enhance our culinary arts and satisfy our appetites!  We share and appreciate a remarkable community at The Coves where the beauty begins with the foundations of our stunning mountain homes and reaches far and above into the pristine landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Come and visit The Coves and discover the charming and artistically-enriched life that awaits you!

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 70 page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide which provides more information about living in the foothills.