I love this place. Everyone is so nice, and it is beautiful and chill. It is seasonal, so be sure…read moreto stop by when they are open.

Love this place!! Haven't been able to see a concert or attend a workshop yet but hoping to do so…read moreon my next visit! My recommendations from the gift shop include: the white chocolate lavender bars. I haven't been able to stop thinking of it since! The lavender face mist is perfect in the morning when I just get up to invigorate and calm me before I start my day or post workout to cool my face and neck. The lotion bar with pieces of lavender in it was given as a gift this past Christmas and I use it as cuticle and nail moisturizer. I had just removed my acrylic nails after months of nonstop applications and my nails were crumbling and jagged, falling off in pieces. This stuff saved me! I use it multiple times a day and carry a bar with me everywhere I go. I swear by the products made at the Lavender House and will definitely return when I need refills.

Cute little shop. There is a lot more than soap and candles! We stopped in to bring some soap back…read morehome with us on our way out. A lot of soaps, lotions, bath bombs and of course candles! They have honey, ice cream, taffy and a lot more! I left with some goodies- soaps and lotions.

My husband's aunt recommended we visit while we were in Roan Mountain so we had to stop by with all…read morethe kids. Unfortunately we didn't know when candle making classes were but the owners were able to do a special class for us since we had 6 girls hoping to make candles. They told them about the history of Banner Ell which I found interesting (the kids didn't remember all of it) and some of the names of the scents. All of the ingredients (soy based wax and scents) were all natural and didn't bother my allergies or nose so that was a huge bonus. All the girls had fun, my youngest was SO excited they had an elephant vessel she could use to make a candle! We would definitely recommend stopping by to visit when you're in the area. Everyone was super nice and all the girls from ages 7-17 had fun! (Adults could also join in if they wanted of course, but we sat back and let the girls do it this time, FYI the prices seemed to range from $38-45 per person for the candles they made which included the class.) You do have to wait 2-3 hours for them to cool and set before you can take them home. I think the regular classes are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11am so you can sign up (call or sign up online I believe), come make your candles and then go grab a leisurely lunch or go shopping and come back to pick them up. We can't wait to burn our candles!

Absolutely loved this experience! The owner was so kind and actually added an impromptu event for…read moreus because we wanted a spontaneous date night. She was super kind, fun, and experienced! Very encouraging. She even set the scene up cute with a little vase of roses in the center and gave us a double canvas so our paintings worked together as one. Definitely will be doing this again!

Angelia was great, she scheduled us last minute while on a weekend get away. We had the best…read moreexperience painting a difficult picture. She was funny yet provided great instructions while supporting us to be creative in our own way. I highly recommend, great atmosphere and obviously well experienced at teaching art to the most inexperienced individuals.

Such an amazing class and studio! Ms. LaDonna has so much to teach everyone and is such an amazing…read moreinstructor to young children. My daughter had the best time in her spring art classes, ending with an amazing art show and reception. My daughter loved it so much that she's signed up for 4 weeks of art camps this summer... designing, drawing, painting, clay, and all sorts of other medias. Thanks for bringing so much art and excitement into Johnson City and sharing it with these kids of all ages!!!

This studio has managed to expand it's artistic horizons far beyond expectation, not limiting…read moreitself to only one field of art, but embracing the vast variety of approaches toward it.

I enrolled my 8 year old at the art classes offered here and she loves it. The instructor really…read morecares about his students and teaches the whole group in an age appropriate way. They've discuss topics like light and shadows and perspective and used various materials. I can't recommend this place enough. Make sure to stop in for any art supplies you need and give Ziggy so many pets :-).

My daughter's birthday was this month. She is 1500 miles away, coping with the state of affairs in…read moreher chosen field of medicine during COVID-times. At a loss for any kind of meaningful gift without personal access to N95 masks and other PPEs, I decided to restock her art supplies. Maybe this old love would give a little light. I combed online options to avoid stores and post office. Then I thought to support a local business in my daughter's chosen community. Art Mart & Academy is just minutes from her home. The store was not officially open, but the owner responded to my email. John talked with me at length about what I was looking for, texted me photos and was very helpful in matching the types and quality of products I'd selected online. Though he had no gift bags, he managed to find a sweet way to package all the items then texted me a photo to see if "the presentation" was ok. He also kept the required social distance from my son-in-law during pick-up. He kept a sense of humor, too. Art is a good thing to do in COVID-times. John will help you start or get better. Art Mart and Academy has customer service and the goods!

If you want to take home a little piece of Boone, this is the best place to find art made by local…read moreartists. I didn't have enough money to buy all the beautiful things I saw, but I plan to go back without my husband. The ladies were so full of information about what's happening. They also have workshops I'm looking into!

From the owner: Gift Shop, Galleries, Workshopsread more

The North Carolina Glass Center has opened a second location. This one is in Black Mountain. It was…read morenear where I stopped for brunch so I had to check it out as I love glass work. The Glass Center is inviting and you will be greeted when you arrive. I was able to browse the art work and watch a piece being made. I learned about the NC Glass Center's mission of shared glass studio where all glass artists can access it by renting time. The Glass Center offers classes too so everyone can try creating with glass. The gallery is open if you'd rather have a ready made piece of art. I plan on returning for a class once I decide what to make.

They have one in Asheville too. Cool how local artisans make glass and teach classes.read more

I absolutely love this shop! When I travel to the mountains, it's a must stop. They have beautiful…read morepottery from talented locals. Husband wife owner team Adam and Molly are so sweet and down to earth. Great gifts and decor found here.

I just took a pottery class to make a patch work bowl. Adam, the instructor was informative and…read morehelpful. I finished early and he let me work on a second project. very fun afternoon!

Purple Crayon is a great space to get creative and learn a new skill. We booked a Girl's Day Out…read moreAlcohol Ink Silk Scarf workshop with Deana and had a great time. Pam was very responsive throughout the booking process and Deana was a great instructor. They had so many workshop options, from painting, to chunky blankets, to mosaic coasters. I would recommend checking out Purple Crayon if you're looking for a space for a relaxed, fun, private art party!

I found The Purple Crayon when I was looking for art classes online. Their offerings were right up…read moremy alley--from knitting, to found object mini shrine making, to mosaics and beyond! The list is boundless! If your creative cup needs filling and you're a woman seeking comfortable, safe space to play--this is for you!