Our Mission
Florence Thomas Art School's mission is to provide resources for instruction, exhibition and experience in the fine arts and heritage crafts for Ashe County and the region.
Offering education in all media of fine art and heritage crafts in accessible art workshops.
Engaging underserved individuals with meaningful arts experiences through our Outreach Programs.
Providing exhibition space featuring local and regional artwork.
Preserving the cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains through cultural programming.
Promoting and preserving legacy of Ashe County native and artist Florence Thomas.
Fostering a welcoming environment for creative thought and artistic expression.
Our Vision
FTAS strives to cultivate a thriving, intergenerational arts community where creativity, connection, and lifelong engagement with the arts are accessible to all in Ashe County and beyond.
Thank You to Our Generous Donors!
We are deeply grateful to the following donors whose support helps us continue our mission of inspiring creativity and fostering artistic connections in Ashe County and beyond.
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North Carolina Arts Council: Thank you for your generous funding that supports the operations of our nonprofit school, enabling us to offer enriching arts experiences to our community.
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Ashe County Chamber of Commerce: Your assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene helped our nonprofit navigate challenges and continue serving our community. We are truly thankful for your support during a time of need!
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The Haven Foundation: Your support has made it possible to relaunch the SPARK Creative Aging Program in 2025—a vital initiative that nurtures creativity and connection among older adults. We appreciate your belief in the transformative power of the arts!
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Anonymous Donor: With your generous contribution, we’ve been able to expand our Children’s Programming and stART Program, empowering the next generation of young artists. Thank you for investing in the future of the arts!
Florence Thomas Art School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to fostering equity, inclusion, diversity, and antiracism as core components of its mission. We welcome everyone and value the diverse ideas, perspectives, and personal experiences that enrich our programs. Standing firmly against all forms of discrimination, we strive to create an inclusive environment grounded in our equity values. Florence Thomas Art School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its policies, programs, or activities. Additionally, our facilities are handicap accessible, ensuring that everyone can engage in and benefit from the FTAS experience.