Blue Ridge, Georgia, is an art lover’s hub, with a rich art history and a thriving current arts scene. There are many wonderful galleries that showcase local artists’ work, with every medium and style possible. Paintings, wood carvings, metal sculptures, photography, leatherwork, giclee, watercolors, charcoal drawings, pastel pictures, fine arts, knitted items, hand-poured candles, artistic lighting…if it’s anything in the realm of art, Blue Ridge has it. It’s one of those art towns you just don’t want to miss.
At the heart of it all is the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, celebrating 40+ years. Located at 420 West Main Street (the historic Fannin County Courthouse) in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia, the non-profit art center is also a hub for this charming North Georgia community. The association hosts events throughout the year, which invite residents and visitors to learn more about arts in the area.
The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s mission is to make art accessible for all and to boost the economic development of the area. As you plan your North Georgia vacation, check out their website to see what’s happening during your stay. You may have the chance to attend art classes, see an art show, visit new exhibits, be part of the annual Fall Arts in the Park festival, the Plein Air Festival, and learn more about what the local arts council does. Even if you’ve visited before, they are always offering new programs and visiting exhibits to check out in the North Georgia mountains.
Events + Exhibits at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Cork & Canvas
Mar 5, 2022
Fundraiser featuring wine, a silent auction, a raffle, food and wine pairings, and live music
$40 ticket includes BRMAA wine glass, food, 1 glass of wine, and free samples!
Spring Arts in the Park Festival
May 28-29, 2022
A celebration of all things art in the Downtown Blue Ridge City Park
Fall Arts in the Park
Oct 8-9, 2022
Southern Appalachian Artist Guild, members-only show
Holiday Show & Sale and SAAG Marvelous Miniatures
Nov 19 – Dec 17, 2022
Pottery, jewelry, paintings, handcrafted ornaments, and more!
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association ART GALLERIES
As the art hub in the area, it’s no surprise that the association is home to some top-notch art galleries. You can browse the art, pick items for your home, and even shop for art supplies for your own masterpieces!
- Dance Studio
- Edwin S. Rich Atrium Gallery
- Fiber Arts Studio
- John & Evelyn Branch Artist in Residence Gallery
- Lobby Gallery
- Mahan Gallery & Art Supply Station
- Rand Resource Library
- Richard Low Evans Courtroom Gallery
- Studio Gallery
- Summit Studios
Art at YOUR Blue Ridge Cabin
After visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, you may just want to try your hand at some art! Pick up a Take & Make Art Kit from the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and head back to your beautiful North Georgia cabin to be creating! Current kits include:
- Watercolor Birds Art Kit | $25
- Online tutorial video + bird painting templates + watercolor paper + watercolor paints and brush
- Paper Art Kit | $20
- Instructions + sun-sensitive paper + watercolor paper + tempera paint + brush + tissue paper + white crayon
- Drawing & Pop-Up Cards Art Kit | $25
- Online tutorial video + paper for 2 cards + colored pencils + #2 pencil + glue stick + pencil sharpener
Art Classes at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Classes are by appointment only, so plan ahead to find which classes work for you during your Blue Ridge trip. They offer everything from woodworking and painting to yoga and dance, with more classes coming soon! All costs and classes listed are based on non-member pricing as of October 2022.
Adult Class Offerings
Fall & Winter Landscapes in Watercolor
Level: Beginner & Intermediate
Instructor: Suzy Deslauriers
Date: Nov 4-6 (3 sessions)
Cost: $200 + $25 supply fee
Let It Snow: Stained Glass Workshop
Level: Beginner
Instructor: Lenzy Bond
Date: Nov 11 & Dec 17
Cost: $65 + $30 supply fee
Therapeutic Art in Clay
Level: Beginner & Intermediate
Instructor: Marie Luce Van Asten
Dates: Nov 12
Cost: $90 + $25 Supply Fee
Handpainted Silk Scarves
Level: Beginner & Intermediate
Instructor: Joyce Clair
Date: Nov 12
Cost: $45 + $20 supple fee
Holiday Watercolor Cards
Level: Beginner & Intermediate
Instructor: Joyce Clair
Date: Dec 3
Cost: $45 + $20 supply fee
Leather Workshop
Level: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced
Instructor: Tom Slavicek
Dates: Dec 10
Cost: $45 + $35 supply fee
Youth Art Classes
Kids can get in on the fun, too, with youth art classes offered at this Blue Ridge art hub. They offer youth art classes all throughout the year, with instruction in colored pencils, painting (one-on-one through the Art by Appointment Program), dance (ballet, jazz, and tap), piano, guitar, mandolin, and more! At the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, they are focused on a rich arts education for artists of all ages! They also host the Summer Youth Art Camp for 3 weeks during the summer for kids ages 6 to 14.
The Details
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and Art Center
420 W Main St
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Hours
10 AM – 6 PM | Tue-Sun
After a Day in the Arts
Come back to one of our beautiful Blue Ridge cabin rentals to relax and start creating your own masterpiece. Browse for your art supplies at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (or bring your favorites from home), set up a nice spot at the cabin, and get to creating! You’ll also have a full kitchen for easy snacks or keeping your favorite wine (paint and sip, anyone?) on hand, comfortable seating to unwind, and gorgeous views to inspire YOU.
