Art on the Greene transforms the grounds of the Historic Banner Elk School into an art gallery multiple times each summer. These popular shows take place Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July weekend, the first weekend in August and Labor Day weekend.
In 2025, the scheduled dates are: May 24-25, July 5-6, Aug. 2-3 and Aug. 30-31.
Each show highlights works from local and regional artists, and allows shoppers to add to their art collections while supporting historic preservation at the same time.
Booth rental proceeds are donated to the Town of Banner Elk for ongoing efforts to transform the historic school into a center for visual and performing arts.
“I hope attendees find our town to be a place they want to return and tell other people about,” says Nancy Owen, show director. “I also hope they leave with something tangible, that they find a new piece of artwork and build a relationship with an artist that enriches their life.”
The number of artists exhibiting at each show range from 40 to 60. They represent a variety of media, such as metal, glass, ceramics, wood, watercolor, acrylics and oil.
“The focus is on embracing our Appalachian heritage and really highlighting things in the hand-crafted Appalachian tradition,” Owen says.
Great Shops & Restaurants are Nearby
As a resort town perched at 3,701 feet in elevation in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk is an ideal location for summertime art shows. High temperatures average in the upper 70s, with lots of sunny days.
“We have a rich heritage that makes us special, and I think people feel that when they’re here,” Owen says. “Banner Elk is also a very friendly town in a beautiful location. We have wonderful restaurants and so many things to do outdoors, which make this place a destination.”
While attending the shows, folks are invited to check out the Historic Banner Elk School. The 1939 rock building was built as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression.
Nowadays, the school is home to Ensemble Stage professional theater, the B.E. Artists Gallery, the Banner Elk Book Exchange and a yoga studio.
Art on the Greene has no admission fee. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Within short walking distance of the show grounds are a number of restaurants, boutiques and galleries.
Banner Elk is also home to an array of great lodging choices for those looking to stay overnight.