One of the best souvenirs to take home from a mountain vacation is a work of art, which can range from a piece of handmade pottery to a one-of-a-kind painting.

In the mountains of Western North Carolina, art is more than just something created in isolated studios by creative people trying to make a living. In the Smokies, art and everyday life are inseparable, and the interaction between the artist and art collector is one of the reasons so many folks are drawn to the area.

A popular way to learn about the art available in local galleries is during the art walks and art strolls that many of the downtowns host. Artists usually are in the galleries and excited to talk to visitors. Often there are refreshments available, and in towns like Waynesville and Sylva the events take on a party atmosphere because so many attend.

In Waynesville, the local Gallery Association sponsors an Art After Dark gallery stroll on the first Friday of each month. From around 5 in the afternoon until 9 p.m., galleries remain open with some hosting musicians in addition to the artists.

Sylva’s monthly Sylva After Dark is also held the first Friday of each month, and the gallery and restaurant owners team up to welcome visitors to the Main Street area.

One of the most unique qualities of Western North Carolina’s art marketplace is the bounty of handmade items. Much of what is considered to be historic Appalachian artwork began as anything but. The quilts and clay bowls, hand-wrought iron and furniture were items made for their function at a time when isolation was the norm for almost every family.

However, others saw beauty in their work and in the late 19th and early 20th century Western North Carolina crafters were encouraged to put their traditional skills to use making these same type items for sale. The money raised through craft sales allowed families to increase their standard of living and in turn shaped the mountains’ economy and culture.

This Craft Revival remains in effect — evidenced by the ever-increasing demand for locally made works, both artistic and functional in their use. Today’s artisans draw from the history of their mediums, be it clay or cotton.

In addition to the downtown shops and galleries you’ll find in any given WNC town, particular standouts in terms of the availability of handmade items include the Southern Highlands Craft Guild Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, Qualla Arts and Crafts Co-Op in Cherokee, Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro, Stecoah Valley Artisans Gallery in Robbinsville and the John C. Campbell Folk School Craft Shop in Brasstown. In each of these locations you’ll find a variety of quality items created by juried artisan guild members.

Gallery Strolls

• Art after Dark in downtown Waynesville. Downtown galleries remain open until 9 p.m. on the first Friday of ach month with artist demonstrations, receptions, music and more. 828.456.3517.
• Sylva After Dark in downtown Sylva. Arts, dining, music, refreshments, shopping and more on the first Friday of each month. 6 to 9 p.m. 828.586.1577.