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TAC Talk | Appalachian Folkways in Modern America

  • Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 159 Ginny Stevens Lane Blowing Rock United States (map)
byron ballard.jpg

The tradition of folk medicine and healing is still alive and prospering in the Appalachian region. For generations, people have learned the many uses of local flora in the incredibly biodiverse Appalachian region. Join folklorist and writer, Byron Ballard, in a discussion about mountain folklore, history, and changes in the region in the 21st century. We will explore the connections and disparities between tradition and modernity in Appalachia.

About the speaker

H. Byron Ballard, BA, MFA, is a western NC native, teacher, folklorist and writer. She has served as a featured speaker and teacher at Sacred Space Conference, Summerland Spirit Festival, Pagan Spirit Gathering, Southeast Wise Women’s Herbal Conference, Glastonbury Goddess Conference, Heartland, Sirius Rising, Starwood, Scottish Pagan Federation Conference and other gatherings. She is senior priestess and co-founder of Mother Grove Goddess Temple and the Coalition of Earth Religions/CERES, both in Asheville, NC.

Her essays are featured in several anthologies and she writes a regular column for Sagewoman Magazine. Her book Staubs and Ditchwater debuted in 2012, and the companion volume Asfidity and Mad-Stones was published in Oct. 2015. Embracing Willendorf: A Witch’s Way of Loving Your Body to Health and Fitness launched in May, 2017. Earth Works: Ceremonies in Tower Time debuted in June 2018. Byron is currently at work on Gnarled Talisman: Old Wild Magics of the Motherland and The Ragged Wound: Tending the Soul of Appalachia.


Thursday Art and Culture (TAC) Talks bring collegiate level lectures to your museum. Featuring scholars from around the country, the lectures are selected to provide supplemental information on our current exhibits, or highlight the history and heritage of the mountains.

Beginning at 6 pm these events have an hour-long lecture with an audience question and answer session at the end. Unless otherwise posted, all TAC talks are free for members and $5 for non-members.

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September 28

Crafting with the Southern Highland Craft Guild | Intro to Lace Chair Caning

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October 5

Abstract Floral and Landscape Collage Workshop