The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is a non-profit organization, located in the Hiddenite community of Alexander Co., serving the people of Northwest NC
The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is housed within the Historic James Paul Lucas Mansion, a three story Victorian/Edwardian home, which is the only 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.
The Mission of the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is to serve and promote the talented local and regional artists and craftspeople at The Lucas Mansion and the Educational Complex. The Center endeavors to connect the public with the rich arts and cultural and natural heritage of the northwest NC region by making quality arts and heritage programming accessible for all. Additionally, the Center will build upon its role as the Alexander County Visitor Center highlighting the many qualities of Alexander County. The Center will also strive to improve its offerings at the Educational Complex including performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, pottery and quilting.
