Madison County, NC, is known for its small-town heritage, outdoor exploration, and a timeless tradition of musical history recognized around the world.
The county seat of Marshall is some 20 miles north of Asheville. In recent decades, this riverside town has undergone a renaissance of sorts. Much of this transformation is thanks to the active community of artists, galleries, and studios in the area. At the epicenter is Marshall High Studios, a former high school that now hosts dozens of artists in a variety of media.
This working arts studio is well worth a quick study. Here are three reasons to visit Marshall High Studios in Marshall, NC.
1. History and creativity collide at Marshall High Studios
Marshall High Studios resides in an historic brick schoolhouse that was the original location for Marshall High School, the studios’ namesake. Noted Raleigh architect Frank B. Simpson designed the building, which was completed in 1926. It remained in use by the school system until a new high school was built in 1973.
The building was damaged by a flood in 2004. It was renovated in 2007, deliberately maintaining the spirit of an old school building. Marshall High Studios opened in the fall of 2007. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
2. Marshall High Studios makes creative use of their space
Most of the 26 studios are in original classroom spaces that still feature original black boards and bulletin boards. 2007 renovations of the building retained the school’s original high ceilings, hardwood floors, large double-hung windows, and abundant natural light. The studios now host working artists who specialize in numerous media and fields, including ceramics, design, fiber, jewelry making, massage, music, painting, photography, printmaking, sound recording, textiles, writing, and yoga/movement.
The 28,000-square-foot facility also features an enormous deck and park-like setting. Art events and workshops are held on the original auditorium and stage. Patrons regularly visit for regular art classes, exhibitions, performances, and a variety of private events. Anyone is welcome to visit throughout the year just to sit by the river and enjoy the island’s nature and installed facilities.
3. The artists at Marshall High Studios need your support
Marshall High Studios is located on Blannahassett Island in the middle of the French Broad River. A bridge connects the 10-acre island to downtown, and the Capitola Dam protects it from modest fluctuations in the river’s elevation.
In September 2024, the building suffered enough damage from Hurricane Helene that it had to close. However, thanks to the hard work of many volunteers, artists were able to return to the second floor in February 2025. Work continues to restore the first floor of the building (including the auditorium) and the grounds. Ongoing community support is critical to the success of the artists and Marshall High Studios as an organization.
See art in action at Marshall High Studios
Marshall High Studios became a nonprofit in July 2025 in order to preserve the studio’s legacy and to ensure that the facility exists for years to come. Marshall High Studios supports artists working in all media, as well as hosting an event space for weddings, concerts, performance art, benefits, and other events.
Each artist studio maintains its own hours. To view an artist’s work, contact him or her to make an appointment before you arrive.
115 Blannahassett Island Road, Marshall | (828) 649-7981 | marshallhighstudios.com
Create your future in Marshall, NC
The entire town of Marshall, NC serves as a symbokic artists’ enclave, if not a literal one. The town, population 800, is the Madison County seat and sits on the banks of the French Broad River. The area is rich in local history, outdoor activities, and mountain culture. Marshall was a key way station on the Buncombe Turnpike, an early trading route that ran from Tennessee though Western North Carolina to South Carolina. Today, there are dozens of local galleries and studios in this small mountain town. Stroll down Marshall’s Main Street and you’ll find books, cafes, antique shops, eateries, and a coffee shop that hosts weekly mountain music jam sessions.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home now in Marshall, NC!
Image at top: “Marshall Tracks” by Calvin Edney (cropped)
