Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center

Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center Non-profit Arts organization offering a 1900's house museum; antique doll and toy museum; art gallery and Interactive Geology Museum

The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is housed within the Historic James Paul Lucas Mansion, a three story Victorian/Edwardian home, which is the first site in Alexander County listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion’s namesake, James Paul Lucas, known affectionately as “Diamond Jim,” was a visionary thinker and doer who made his living travelling the world as a diamond and

gem trader. The Lucas Mansion features an art gallery with rotating monthly exhibits, a turn of the 20th century history museum, collections of gems and minerals, and an extensive collection of antique dolls and toys. The Lucas Mansion also houses the Alexander County Visitor Center, which offers local and regional travel and tourism information.

🎉 There's always something happening at the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center!From workshops and exhibits to summer camps...
06/07/2026

🎉 There's always something happening at the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center!

From workshops and exhibits to summer camps, concerts, and special events, we have activities for all ages to enjoy.

📽️ Check out our upcoming events video and start planning your next visit!

📞 828-632-6966
🌐 hiddenitearts.org

The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center invites the public to attend the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Geolo...
06/05/2026

The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center invites the public to attend the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Geology Information Center on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the historic Lucas Mansion in Hiddenite.

The Geology Information Center represents an exciting addition to the Center’s educational offerings, providing visitors with hands-on opportunities to explore the geology, minerals, and mining history that have made Hiddenite famous around the world.

The interactive space features educational displays, specimen collections, and interactive activities designed to engage visitors of all ages in the science and wonder of the region’s unique geological heritage.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the completion of the project and recognize the many supporters who helped make the Geology Information Center possible.

Community members, local officials and visitors are encouraged to attend. Following theceremony, guests will have an opportunity to tour the Geology Information Center and learn more about Hiddenite Center exhibits and educational programs.

The event is free and open to the public.

👠✨ Every pair has a story to tell… and this summer, those stories come to life in glass! ✨👠The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage...
06/05/2026

👠✨ Every pair has a story to tell… and this summer, those stories come to life in glass! ✨👠

The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is excited to present *“Shoes as Storytellers”* featuring the incredible work of Western North Carolina artist Dori Settles!

On display throughout June and July at the historic Lucas Mansion, this one-of-a-kind exhibit showcases handcrafted glass shoes inspired by personal journeys, memories, and life experiences. Each piece is beautiful, meaningful, and guaranteed to spark conversation! 👠💫

Join us for a FREE Artist Reception on Saturday, June 20 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. where you can meet Dori, hear the stories behind the artwork, and experience this stunning collection up close.

📍 Art Gallery located on the 2nd floor of the Lucas Mansion
316 Hiddenite Church Rd.
Hiddenite, NC

Bring your friends, explore the gallery, and discover how art can tell the stories we carry every step of the way.

The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is excited to announce that its Summer on the Squareconcert will take place on Frid...
06/05/2026

The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is excited to announce that its Summer on the Squareconcert will take place on Friday, August 8, 2026—and this year brings a fresh new twist focused on celebrating homegrown talent.

In a special effort to highlight the creativity within our own community, this year’s concert will showcase local performers from Alexander County—especially those who may not typically have access to a stage of this scale.

“We know there is incredible talent right here in Alexander County,” said Executive Director Kara Smith. “This year, we want to shine a spotlight on those voices and give them the opportunity to be seen and heard in a big way.”

The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is currently seeking approximately four artists or groups to perform 30-minute sets during the event. Musicians and vocalists of all styles are encouraged to apply.

Interested performers should submit an audio or video sample for consideration to: [email protected].

While the Center wishes it could feature every talented artist who applies, performance slots are limited. However, all interested individuals are strongly encouraged to submit.

“This is a celebration of our community,” Smith added. “We cannot wait to see—and hear—what Alexander County has to offer.”

Additional event details, including performance lineup and event schedule, will be announced in the coming weeks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to learn more about the Hiddenite Center, call 828-632-6966, email [email protected], or visit hiddenitearts.org

The 45th Annual Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts Slated For September 26thThe Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center will hos...
06/05/2026

The 45th Annual Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts Slated For September 26th
The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center will host the 45th Annual Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. along Hiddenite Church Road in Alexander County.

This free street festival has become one of the region’s longest-running celebrations of art, music, culture, and community. Each year, thousands gather in the heart of Hiddenite for a day filled with arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, live performances on four stages, living history demonstrations, an interactive children’s area, horse rides, informational booths, community exhibits, and more. The festival also features performances by Appalachian State University’s Steely Pan Band and activities centered around the historic Lucas Mansion.

The 2026 festival theme, Threads of Tradition, celebrates 45 years of the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center and the generations of artists, musicians, craftsmen, volunteers, and community members who have helped shape the event through the years. While honoring the traditions that have made the festival a community favorite for decades, this year’s theme also reflects the Center’s continued commitment to growth, creativity, and connecting new generations to the arts and cultural heritage of Alexander County.

Have you ever dreamed of a quaint, intimate wedding in a charming 125-year-old mansion? 💍✨The Lucas Mansion offers the p...
06/04/2026

Have you ever dreamed of a quaint, intimate wedding in a charming 125-year-old mansion? 💍✨

The Lucas Mansion offers the perfect setting for your special day—full of history, elegance, and timeless beauty. From its picturesque surroundings to its warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s an unforgettable place to say “I do.”

Let us help make your wedding day as magical as you’ve always imagined. 💕
Give us a call at 828-632-6966!

Step back in time and discover the beauty and history of the Lucas Mansion! 🏛️✨Come explore the museum, take a guided to...
06/04/2026

Step back in time and discover the beauty and history of the Lucas Mansion! 🏛️✨
Come explore the museum, take a guided tour through the historic mansion, visit the Geology Information Center, and enjoy the art gallery during your visit.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, there’s always something new to see at the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center!

📍 316 Hiddenite Church Rd, Hiddenite, NC
📞 828-632-6966
🌐 hiddenitearts.org

🕥 Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Friday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday | 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Bring your family and friends and spend the day exploring local history, art, and culture with us! ❤️

What an incredible day celebrating America 250 at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area! Thank you to everyone who joine...
06/04/2026

What an incredible day celebrating America 250 at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special community celebration honoring America's 250th birthday. From families and friends gathering together to enjoying the festivities, the day was filled with patriotism, history, and community spirit.

We were thrilled to see such a wonderful turnout as we came together to reflect on our nation's rich heritage and celebrate the people and traditions that make our community so special. Events like these remind us of the importance of preserving our history while creating new memories for future generations.

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, participants, vendors, performers, and attendees who helped make this event such a success. Your support and enthusiasm made the America 250 Celebration a truly memorable occasion.

Here's to 250 years of American history—and to the generations who will continue to shape its future! ❤️🤍💙

📸✨ Photographers—Looking for the Perfect Backdrop? ✨📸The Lucas Mansion is available to rent for photoshoots, offering a ...
06/03/2026

📸✨ Photographers—Looking for the Perfect Backdrop? ✨📸
The Lucas Mansion is available to rent for photoshoots, offering a truly one-of-a-kind setting full of charm, history, and character.

Whether you’re capturing:
👰 Bridal portraits
🎓 Senior photos
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family sessions
🎨 Creative concepts or styled shoots

…our historic mansion provides stunning indoor and outdoor locations for unforgettable images.

🏛️ From elegant architecture and period furnishings to scenic porches and gardens—you’ll find endless inspiration here.

📅 Call us to check availability and reserve your session time!

06/03/2026

Learn more about our Emerging Artist - Britton Newland!

Address

316 Hiddenite Church Road
Hiddenite, NC
28636

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10:30am - 3pm

Telephone

(828) 632-6966

Website

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