For 65 years the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands has set the standard for fine crafts shows across the Southeast and the nation.
Twice a year the finest craftspeople working in the Appalachian mountains come together in Asheville, to share their love of craft and sell their work to collectors who come from all across the country to be inspired and support the creative economy.
The dates for the 2012 editions are July 19-22 and October 18-21 at the newly renovated US Cellular Center (formerly the Asheville Civic Center).
All Craft Fair exhibitors have become members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild through a rigorous jury process, insuring the finest quality of work will be showcased. Exhibitors are residents of the southern Appalachian region, representing nine states from Maryland to Alabama. Craft media featured are: clay, jewelry, fiber, wood, glass, paper, metal, mixed media, and natural materials. Styles range from traditional to contemporary.
The Southern Highland Craft Guild has a rich history which continues to thrive through markets such as the annual Craft Fairs. The Fairs are not only a place to purchase fine crafts, but with education as an important factor of the Guild’s mission, craft demonstrations are a key element of the shows. In addition, beginning on Friday of each Fair weekend, mountain musicians share their love of old time and bluegrass on the arena stage.
As an organization, the Guild has been serving artists in this area since 1930.
July 19-22 Craft Demonstrations
Craft 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 learn about their inspiration and methods. There are also scheduled demonstrations to enhance the experience.
Schedule of Demonstrations:
Dede Styles: natural dyeing and spinning (Thurs – Fri).
Cassie Dickson: flax to linen (Sat – Sun).
Leniavell Trivette: heritage crafts.
Carla Filippelli: random weave basketry.
Lin Oglesby: spinning and knitting.
Sandra Rowland: sunprinting.
Arts for Life: children’s activities.
July 20-22 Entertainment
Friday, July 20
11 a.m. Cary Fridley and Down South: honky-tonk guitar, bluesy pedal-steel and hot Appalachian fiddle stylings.
12:30 p.m. Blue-Eyed Girl: an all-girl band steeped in old time mountain music traditions.
2 p.m. Hot Duck Soup: Kazoos, slide whistles, banjos, guitars, ukes, an antique cornet, washtub bass, and the Cacophonium!
3:30 p.m. Timberline: Smooth folk harmonies featuring guitarist Gene Holdway.
Saturday, July 21
11 a.m. Bear Down Easy: contemporary bluegrass picking, original compositions and classic country vocals.
12:30 p.m. Carol Rifkin and Paul’s Creek: traditional music and dance forms featuring fiddle legend Arvil Freeman.
2 p.m. Whitetop Mountaineers: Martha Spencer and Jackson Cunningham perform Southwest Virginia oldtime music.
3:30 p.m. Buncombe Turnpike: featuring Tom Godleski and the banjo picking of teenage sensation Seth Rhinehart.
Sunday, July 22
11 a.m. New Broad River Band: Julian Pinelli on fiddle and Judo Aaron Allison on banjo along with Monique (Pinelli) on bass and David Pinelli on guitar.
12:30 p.m. Split Rail: Strong vocal harmony is their trademark. A crowd favorite at the Craft Fair for nearly 20 years.
2 p.m. Chompin’ at the Bit String Band: spirited young pickers continuing the strong music traditions of Brasstown, NC.
3:30 p.m. Honey Holler: An all-woman string band that captures the traditional sound of Southern Appalachia with spirited songs and fiddle tunes.
If You Go: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
For a complete listing of exhibitors, craft demonstrations, and a full entertainment schedule please call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org
