Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, 2008, Gatlinburg is hosting the fourth annual Fine Arts Festival of the current century. The Southern Highland Craft Guild first held a craft fair event in Gatlinburg in 1948, but moved it to other locations over the years. They have recently brought this juried art fair back to Gatlinburg, and at least 10 exhibitors are members of the prestigious Guild.
Staged on River Road and at Ripley’s Aquarium plaza, there will be demonstrations and sales of a variety of fine arts and crafts in traditional and contemporary styles, ranging from sculpture, painting, and photography to basketry, fiber and leather crafts, ceramics, jewelry, and more. Singing, dancing, storytelling, kids’ activities, and food add to the fun. Local artist Jim Gray will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at a pre-festival event. (We display several of Jim’s prints in our decor at The Inn at Christmas Place.)
Admission to the event is free – can’t beat that – and benefits the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts and the Sevier County Arts Council. Visit www.gfaf.net for additional information. This a wonderful opportunity to support the local arts community, meet talented artists and discuss their work, and purchase original creations. Hope I see you there.
~Janet @ The Christmas Place
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
