The 19th Annual Art in Autumn is September 19th, 2026
Join us for this juried Art and Crafts festival, Saturday the 19th, 2026 from 10am – 6pm.
2026 is our 19th annual Art in Autumn Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival. This much loved event is held on Main Street in downtown Weaverville, North Carolina, located in Buncombe county 7 miles from downtown Asheville.
The event features over 100 juried artists and craftspeople, and live music performed by beloved local artists.
Every year, we invite a Judge from the local Art scene to join us. Our guest judge for 2025 was Rebecca Lynch.
During the show, artists are juried by our esteemed Judge to receive awards of $1000 for best of show, $500 for second place, and $250 for third, as well as 4 $50 honorable mentions.
Our Judge for 2026 is Sarah Wells Rolland (she/her).
I began my career as a studio potter in Dec. 1986 studying with Gary Clontz at Haywood Community College. I worked from my mountain home studio for 25 years while my husband George and I raised our daughter. During that season of my life I was selling primarily to galleries and art shows. As I began teaching and hosting workshops in the 90’s, I discovered a deep love for education and
community, which led my husband and me to found The Village Potters Clay Center in Asheville’s River Arts District in 2011. What started with a small group of passionate potters grew into a thriving 14,000-square-foot creative hub with studios, classrooms, an advanced studies program for aspiring professional potters, a gallery, and a clay supply company. We grew from a 5000 sq foot center to 14,000 sq feet and created a clay supply company as well. After our facility was devastated by 26 feet of floodwater on September 27, 2024, we began rebuilding in a new 18,000-square-foot location at Westgate and are now reopened in the epicenter of Asheville NC. We have transitioned into a 501c3 non profit entity. I continue to make, teach, mentor and am currently the
Executive Director of The Village Potters Foundation. In our new center, we are continuing our mission to nurture creativity through experience, education, and
mentorship. Sarah has been a Southern Highland Craft Guild member since 1991 and The Village Potters Clay Center has been an Educational member since 2016.
The Village Potters Foundation: Mission Statement
The Village Potters a non-profit 501c3 is dedicated to preserving the legacy of fine craft, inspiring passion, nurturing growth, and supporting sustainable careers for the next generation of clay and ceramic artists.
The Village Potters Foundation: Vision Statement
We envision a vibrant and enduring future for the ceramic arts, one where the rich legacy of fine craft is honored, creative passion is awakened in every generation, and artists are empowered with the skills, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive. TVPF is a nurturing and inclusive space where artists
explore their voices, refine their craft, and build sustainable, purpose driven careers. Through education, access, and innovation, we uplift lives and enrich the cultural fabric of our community and nation.
Weaverville has established itself as a culturally rich destination, with its now well-established street festival each September. The Town has earned a reputation for its quaint atmosphere, artistic spirit, and distinctive shops and restaurants.
The annual Art in Autumn festival brings a jovial celebration of community and fine art and craft to the Main Street of this lovely small town.
Merchandise
T-shirts and posters will be available for sale at the Information Booth.
Every year, we sell Art in Autumn t-shirts and posters featuring the unique year’s logo at the Information Booth during the festival.
A limited number of shirts and posters from previous festivals may be available. T-shirts from past festivals can be found at Curtis Wright Outfitters throughout the year.
Email us to inquire about past years Posters.
2025 Posters $10
2025 T-shirts $20
2025 Entertainment Schedule
Happening under the covered garage at Rodney’s on Main Street
Mitch Hampton
10:30 am
Steve Trisman and Friends
12 noon
Maddi and Clarke
1:30 pm
Steelin’ Time
3:00 pm
