Appalachian Center for Craft
The Center for Craft offers a creative experience near Center Hill Lake, bringing together hands-on workshops, artist-led learning, and an on-site gallery showcasing a variety of work and craftsmanship.
Address: 1560 Craft Center Dr, Smithville, Tennessee
Phone: (931) 372-3051
When most people think of Center Hill Lake, they picture days on the water. But if you’re looking for something more, tucked into the hills overlooking the lake is one of Tennessee’s most inspiring places — a destination where creativity and craftsmanship come together. The Appalachian Center for Craft sits on a wooded campus in Smithville and offers visitors an experience that feels completely different from the typical lake-day itinerary.
If you’re looking for unique things to do around Center Hill Lake, this is the kind of place that can easily turn a quick stop into an afternoon of exploring.
Art Gallery
Exhibitons
The Appalachian Center for Craft hosts multiple exhibitions featuring works of traditional and contemporary fine craft and mixed media by international and regional artists including artists from the Appalachian Center for Craft.
Unlike a traditional gallery where you simply browse and leave, the experience here extends beyond the walls. Looking through the creative work areas gives visitors a glimpse into the process behind the finished pieces. It becomes easy to appreciate the time, skill, and experimentation involved in creating handmade work.
Special Events
The Craft Center presents two annual events: Celebration of Craft in the spring and Holiday Festival in the fall. Get involved and support your local artists and the craft!
Are you an artist yourself? The Appalachian Center for Craft’s Artist in Residence Program (AIR) allows emerging professional artists to work in its immersive studio environment. This is a great opportunity for those looking to have access to a full studio.
Craft Your Own: Hands-on Workshops
For those wanting more than inspiration, the center also offers a variety of workshops throughout the year. Classes range across different disciplines and welcome varying skill levels, giving visitors an opportunity to try something new and create something of their own. Artists from all over regularly teach workshops in the center’s professional studio spaces.
Craft your own artwork in a variety of mediums:
- Blacksmithing
- Clay
- Fibers
- Glass
- Metals
- Wood
- Special Topics such as photography, letterpress, watercolor and more
And by the way, there are special discounts available to local residents of Dekalb, Putnam, Smith and White counties and current Tennessee Tech students, faculty and staff.
Interested in taking a workshop but not sure what to expect? Take an inside look at a recent clay workshop!
Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re planning a weekend at Center Hill Lake or searching for experiences beyond the water, adding a creative stop to your itinerary offers a different way to connect with the area. Sometimes the most memorable travel moments aren’t found on a schedule — they’re discovered in unexpected places that leave you inspired.
The next time you’re exploring Center Hill Lake, consider trading a few hours on the water for a little creativity.
You might leave with more than artwork — you may leave with inspiration and refined skills.
media gallery
