Asheville Area Arts Council
Founded more than 40 years ago, the Asheville Area Arts Council provides grants and scholarships for emerging local artists, implements education arts programs in the schools and sponsors the Front Gallery and the Urban Trail. 11 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. 828-258-0710. www.ashevillearts.com.

Haywood County Arts Council
Located in Waynesville, the Haywood County Arts Council seeks to enhance the quality of life for area residents by sponsoring music, art and theatre productions including International Festival Day, the Haywood Arts Regional Theater and Spotlights Youth Theater. 37 Church St., Waynesville. 828-452-0593. www.haywoodarts.org.

Asheville Symphony
Led by new conductor Daniel Meyer, the Asheville Symphony celebrates its 43rd season in 2005-2006. Performing both masterworks and pops concerts, the symphony also puts on a Holiday Pops concert with the Children’s Chorus in December and free concerts at Asheville and Biltmore Square malls. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 87 Haywood St., Asheville. 828-254-7046. www.ashevillesymphony.org.

Asheville Community Theatre
Producing a range of mainstage plays and musicals, the Asheville Community Theatre also includes “35 Below,” a new 45-seat, black box addition with state-of-the-art equipment. 35 Walnut St., Asheville. 828-254-1320. www.ashevilletheatre.org.

Southern Highland Craft Guild
Headquartered at the Folk Art Center, this non-profit educational organization includes more than 800 craftspeople from the mountain region of nine states in the Southeast. Since 1930, the guild has promoted excellence in the design, education and merchandising of art in southern Appalachian region. Located east of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 382. 828-298-7928. www.southernhighlandguild.org.

Folk Art Center
Attracting more than 300,000 visitors each year, the Folk Art Center displays one-of-a-kind handmade crafts including clay, fibers, basket weaving, jewelry, metals, wood and paper products that range from traditional to contemporary Appalachian art. All items are offered for sale. The center also serves to educate with books, beginners kits and demonstrations. Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 382. 828-298-7928. www.southernhighlandguild.org.

Brevard Music Center
For nearly 70 years, the Brevard Music Center has provided young musicians with the opportunity to display and nurture their talents. More than 400 students from 14 years old to post-college perform 80 public concerts, operas and musicals. The young performers also have the opportunity to play with faculty and guest artists. 1000 Probart St., Brevard. 828-862-2105. www.brevardmusic.org.

Asheville Lyric Opera
In its sixth season, the Asheville Lyric Opera performs classic opera works including La Boheme and Don Pasquale. The season opens with Opera Gala, a medley of select opera songs. Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 Pack Square, Asheville. 828-236-0670. www.ashevillelyric.org.

YMI Cultural Center
Established in 1893 as the Young Men’s Institute, the YMI Cultural Center is a historical landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Promoting the cultural heritage of African Americans in Western North Carolina, the YMI Cultural Center exhibits historic artwork and sponsors events including the Goombay Festival, Kwanzaa and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Celebration. 39 S. Market St., Asheville. 828-252-4614. www.ymicc.org.

Shelton House Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts
Built in 1875, the Shelton House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum exhibits 19th century crafts and furniture as well as displays from the North Carolina State Fair’s Village of Yesterday and Native American artifacts. 49 Shelton St., Waynesville. 828-452-1551.

Haywood Arts Regional Theatre
As the most active theatre company between Charlotte and Nashville, the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (HART) in Waynesville features two musicals, five main stage plays and six studio theatre shows each season. The company is housed at the Performing Arts Center at the historic Shelton House. 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. 828-456-6322. www.harttheatre.com.

Flat Rock Playhouse
About 88,000 patrons annually attend performances by the Vagabond Players at the Flat Rock Playhouse. The group produces theatrical productions and provides educational programs in the performing arts. 2661 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock. 828-693-0731. www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

Fine Arts Theatre
This art-deco theatre in downtown Asheville shows art and independent films. 36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. 828-232-1536. www.fineartstheatre.com.

Toe River Arts Council
Serving to promote the arts in Mitchell and Yancey counties, the Toe River Arts Council provides programs and services to schools, local artists and the greater community. The council also sponsors nine annual events including their Holiday Studio Tour in December. Led by a map, participants can visit a number of mountain galleries that feature glass, pottery, sculpture, wood, photography, textiles, paintings and jewelry. 269 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine. 828-682-7215. www.toeriverarts.org.

Blue Spiral 1
This 14,000 square foot, three-story downtown art gallery features paintings, printmaking, ceramics, photos and blown glass created by more than 100 artists and craft makers from across the Southeast. 38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. 800-291-2513. www.bluespiral1.com.

New Morning Gallery
Located in historic Biltmore Village, New Morning Gallery offers handcrafted furniture, pottery, glass, jewelry and accessories for the home and garden. 7 Boston Way, Asheville. 828-274-2831. www.newmorninggallery.com.

Craven Handbuilt Porcelain
Since 1972, this gallery has featured hand built porcelain dinnerware, wall sculpture, pots and vases. 58 Wall St., Asheville. 828-232-1401. www.cravenstudio.com.

Vadim Bora Gallery
Displaying a varied body of work, the Vadim Bora Gallery illustrates owner Vadim Bora’s skill with a range of mediums including graphite, charcoal and ink. The works showcase classic European traditions and techniques that descend from Bora’s Russian background. 1 Battery Park Ave., Asheville. 828-254-7959. www.vadimborastudio.com.

Grovewood Gallery
Since 1901, the Grovewood Gallery has displayed contemporary and traditional furniture, craft and art including jewelry, pottery, wood, iron, fiber and glass works. The gallery was named in Niche Magazine’s 2003 list of Top 10 Retailers of American Craft. 111 Grovewood Road, Asheville. 828-253-7651. www.grovewood.com.

Twigs & Leaves
Located in the middle of “gallery row” in Waynesville, Twigs & Leaves features works in glass, ceramics, fiber, wood, metal, jewelry, painting, photography and sculpture. 98 N. Main St., Waynesville. 828-456-1940. www.twigsandleaves.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE