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fine art The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
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ince 1948, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands has set the standard for fine craft shows across the country. The tradition continues this year, October 20-23, in Asheville. Over 200 craftspeople fill two levels of the Civic Center selling their works of clay, glass, leather, metal, fiber, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry. All exhibitors are mountain artists who are masters of their craft and have been accepted into the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The Guild is a non-profit organization which has been supporting local and regional craftspeople since 1930. From its humble beginnings, the Guild has grown to represent more than 900 members living and working in the mountain counties of nine states from Maryland to Alabama. The Craft Fairs are a wonderful way to showcase the talent of this diverse group. Crafts rooted in Appalachian customs are featured along with the work of contem-
Michael Lightcap
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Demonstrations October 20-23
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April Nance
porary artists. Tradition and innovation are trademarks of the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, setting it apart from other shows. Throughout the show, the Guild sponsors educational craft demonstrations. Some demonstrations for the 2011 Craft Fairs include natural dyeing and spinning, raku firing, and doll making. In addition to the demonstrations of members, the Guild also invites non-member artists to participate. In October, Asheville Bookworks will take the stage sharing a variety of techniques from book binding to letter press. Since the first Craft Fair in 1948, the Guild has been supporting and conserving Southern Appalachian dance and music forms which have developed hand in hand with regional craft traditions. The Guild celebrates this strong connection by sponsoring live entertainment beginning on Friday during the Fairs. Local musicians play live on the arena stage, sharing their love of old time and bluegrass. A gala mood invigorates each Fair through fine crafts, demonstrations, and live music. The Craft Fairs take place in beautiful
Nancy Kubale
downtown Asheville, NC nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Long known as an arts and crafts destination, Asheville offers architectural charm, eclectic restaurants and a wide variety of lodging. People come to Asheville seeking relaxation and inspiration. The Craft Fairs of the Southern Highlands certainly enhance this experience each October.
If You The 64th Annual Craft Fair of the Go Southern Highlands takes place
at the Asheville Civic Center, 87 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville, October 20-23. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: Adults $8, children under 12 free. Group discounts available. For additional information visit www. craftguild.org or call (828) 298-7928.
Appalachian Craft Center
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to move two doors down, same building, into 1000 feet of space, nearly doubling her retail area. Ms. Conway pursued her dream of stocking her store with pottery, and other handcrafted items, from the older potters of NC and local craftsmen. She prospered, and in 1989 she felt it was time to move on. Enter Jackie Craig, who purchased the business from Ms. Conway in 1989. Jackie was completely new to the business but learned quickly. She continued to focus on North Carolina’s major pottery names, such as G.F. Cole, ML Owens, Laura Teague Moore, and others. When Gallery 10, the adjoining gallery, closed its doors, Appalachian Crafts expanded into that space as well, doubling the retail space. A couple of years down the road, Jackie
For the full schedule of demonstrations and entertainment, please visit www.rapidrivermagazine.com
would again expand, but remain at the same address. The shop now occupies more than 2,000 feet of space. Jackie has done a magnificent job, continuing to carry the work of North Carolina’s folk potters, as well as adding a significant number of local potters, and additional crafts, from the southern Appalachian region. In 2000, Jackie and Andrew began operating the gift shop at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, just down the street from the main store. It is called Appalachian Crafts Too, and carries a product line similar to the original store, as well as items found in a hotel convenience store. We are pleased that many of our hotel guests are referred to the main store.
North Carolina and the Appalachians on Display in Downtown Asheville
ppalachian Crafts occupies 2,000 square feet on 10 North Spruce Street, its home since 1979. But that belies its heritage. Appalachian Crafts opened in 1979, under the careful tutelage of Ms. Arlene Conway. Ms. Conway retired from teaching in the inner city schools of Los Angeles, CA and settled in Asheville where she became interested in the folk pottery of North Carolina. Her interest led her to open Appalachian Crafts as a means of encouraging the folk potters of NC to continue their work through having a retail outlet in Asheville. The store opened in the left corner of the building, utilizing just 650 square feet of space. Soon the opportunity came for her
raft demonstrations are a highlight at the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. Watching and interacting with highly skilled craftspeople as they create is entertaining and educational. Throughout the show, visitors will have the opportunity to observe works by over 200 members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and to learn about their inspiraCharlie Patricolo, tion and doll making. methods. There are also scheduled demonstrations to enhance the experience. Most demonstrators are Guild members while others are community artists who have been invited to the Fair.
and her husband, Andrew, took the opportunity to purchase 10 North Spruce Street, which meant that Appalachian Crafts
Appalachian Crafts is open MondaySaturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and for special events. Appalachian Crafts Too at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days. Y’all come!
Vol. 15, No. 2 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — October 2011 17