The Association has been an “incubator” for the arts in this area. Arts in the Park is the longest running event initiated by the Association. Over the years, the Blue Ridge Writers & Poets, Blue Ridge Carvers, Southern Appalachian Artist Guild, and Blue Ridge Mountain Photographers have been formed through the Association and continue to operate under the Association's umbrella. Others that began under the umbrella of the Association have left to form their own successful organizations, such as the Blue Ridge Storytellers and the Blue Ridge Community Theater.

Our Guilds and Clubs enjoy rent-free meeting space in the Art Center, gallery space and exhibit opportunities, some free or low-cost administrative support, shared publicity as well as all the advantages of tax exempt status. A partnership agreement governs these relationships, and as part of the Association, the Association's Board has ultimate responsibility for their activities. The events put on by our Guilds, such as the National Juried Shows put on by the Southern Appalachian Artist Guild and the Blue Ridge Mountain Photographers, are funded by the Guild's entry fees and member fees, and all expenses are paid by each Guild. Partnership with the Association reduces the cost of these events through no-cost use of gallery facilities, reduced-cost printing expenses, use of staff during regular gallery hours to handle sales, use of credit card processing for show sales, shared promotion and calendaring of events in regional media and more.

Poets & Writers