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July Issue 2005
Asheville Civic Center in Asheville, NC, is Host to the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands on July 21-24, 2005.
Nancy Kubalee
Susan Hutchenson
The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands has been an eagerly anticipated event in the mountains since 1948. The fair showcases the rich diversity of original crafts produced by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, a non-profit organization with over 900 members throughout the mountain regions of nine states. To become a member of the Guild, craftspeople must have their work juried and accepted by a committee of peers, based on quality, design and craftsmanship.
Twice a year craft collectors, artists and appreciators gather in Asheville, NC, to attend the biennial Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. The popular event, marking its 58th year, takes place July 21-24, 2005. From weavers and dyers practicing age-old mountain techniques to young Guild potters who fire in a one-of-a-kind methane kiln using the gases produced by a retired landfill, the Craft Fairs offer an unparalleled opportunity to see and purchase some of the best craft produced in the Southeast.
Mangum Pottery
Allan Hollar
The theme of the Fair is "traditions and innovations," and a sampling of the artists participating brings the point home. Potters exhibiting will include Mangum Pottery, Troy Amastar, Cat Jarosz, Karen Newgard and many others. People interested in woodwork can see carved rocking chairs by Derek Hennigar, outstanding Windsor chairs by William Showalter or turned wood by Alan Hollar. Furniture makers are also well represented and will include Michael T. Maxwell, David Scott, Jim McGie and many others. Metalsmith Nancy Fleming, jeweler Dory Brown and bead-artist Willowsong are just a few of the many fine jewelry artists whose wares will be on display. Textile artists will include Laura Sims, Judi Gaston and Liz Spear as well as many other quilters, weavers, designers and basketmakers.
To help the Guild fulfill its ongoing educational mission, a variety of demonstrations in all media will be featured throughout the fair. Potters, basket makers, blacksmiths, weavers, carvers, woodturners, glassblowers, jewelers, furniture makers, and more set up shop at the Asheville Civic Center. The Fair is an unparalleled opportunity to meet the makers and, through demonstrations and discussion, to learn more about the physical aspect of these crafts. Visitors are invited to talk to the artists about the skills, tools and raw materials that give physical shape to ideas and inspirations.
Traditional mountain music and storytelling are always a highlight of the Craft Fair. On July 23, 2005, the performers will include: at 11am, The McDowell Family; at 1pm, Split Rail; at 3pm, The Dowden Sisters Band; and at 4pm, The Fabulous Guildenaires. On July 24, 2005, the performers will include: at 11pm, Bobby and Blue Ridge Tradition; at 1pm, Buncombe Turnpike; and at 3pm, County Farm.
Asheville has long been recognized as a mecca for collectors and appreciators of crafts. Visitors to the Fair may also take advantage of the many galleries, open studios, art events and more that lure thousands to Asheville each season. Charming, friendly Asheville has experienced a downtown renaissance and more than 170 renovated Art Deco and Gothic Revival buildings dominate the picturesque streets. Seeing heritage crafts in Asheville allows visitors to make the connections between location, material, process and product.
Admission is $6 with children under 12 free with an adult. Group discounts are available.
For additional Fair information call the Guild at 828/298-7928 or visit (www.craftguild.org).
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