35th Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair | A Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event

35th Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
A Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event
July 16-24, 2010

Voted one of the South’s most popular summer events, Gatlinburg readies itself for the 35th Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Over 180 craftspeople will be exhibiting and demonstrating their crafts at the Gatlinburg Convention Center this July 16 through 24. During these dates the Gatlinburg Convention Center transforms into an enormous multi-level community of craftspeople from all over the U.S. The 35th Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will host some of the country’s finest artists and craftsmen that offer their unique art for sale.

The fair offers a wide variety of talent and hand-made products for visitors to enjoy. The fair takes great pride in the quality level of its craftspeople. Each craftsman is juried for quality and unusual skill. About 80% of our participants are perennial favorites who are returning; however, new exhibitors join the show every year so there is always something new, exciting and fresh for our guests to look forward to.

A fascination with the spirituality of nature attracted Sandy Hensley at an early age. Each sleek, sophisticated and unique piece of jewelry is handcrafted in a variety of mixed metals; gold, silver and some with semi-precious stones. The way nature intertwines elements in perfect harmony to create things of beauty is her guiding force and inspiration.

Artist Nancy Wilson,of Sevierville, TN, who, along with her husband, have developed their craft by “taking what you have and creating a visual art form.” Their business, which is called “Art of the Past,” features “historic American folk art,” made up of some fascinating collectibles such as wood carvings, dolls, toys, circus animals and hand paintings, just to name a few. All of the items they create are made from “pieces of history”...discarded furniture, buttons, tin, old fabrics, leather, nails...even some animal hair.

Other artists who will be attending this summer’s fair are: Cindy Heinemann, Sevierville, TN – soapmaker; Bob & Sheila Dinwoodie, Dandridge, TN – metal sculptors; Jottie Hand, Gatlinburg, TN – leath- er; Lonnie McMillan, Maryville, TN – muzzle loading guns, primitive turkey callers, knives; Beverly Watson, Powell TN – designer and creator of whimsi- cal snowmen; Gerald and Cheri Lewis, Land Oakes, FL – antler craft; Joyce Smith, Cherokee, AL – lampwork glass bead jewelry; Donnie Faulk, Pulaski, TN – horseshoe creations; John Fancher, Gatlinburg, TN – shadow box art; Burton Dye, Murfreesboro, TN – artist; Michael Moss, Speedwell, TN – trea- sure boxes; Tommy and Sandra Price, Conover, NC – carved and whimsical gourds; Brenda Tustian, Ball Ground, GA – watercolorist; PJ Girouard, Cosby, TN – original design leathers; and Leo and Frankie Edwards, Elizabethton, TN – handpainted switchplates, clocks and lamps.

For those attending this summer’s event, give yourself plenty of time to see all that the show has to offer. When it’s time for a break, you can relax and enjoy the country, blue grass and gospel music of Dennis Lee and Band, July 16 thru 20 and Keith Longbotham and band, July 21 thru 24.

Make your plans now to attend the 35th Annual Summer Craftsmen’s Fair... July 16 thru 24. Hours are 10am to 6pm daily and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. Music shows are 12, 2 and 4pm daily 12 and 2pm on Sundays and are included in the admission cost ($6 for Adults and children 12 and under free. Group rates available). For additional information call 865-436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com