by Bruce Johnson

It was the style that changed America forever.

In 1910 the Arts and Crafts movement swept across the country, creating a demand for millions of modest, affordable bungalows filled with the handcrafted oak furniture of Gustav Stickley, matte green pottery by Grueby and Rookwood, mica lighting by the Roycroft Copper Shop, and handwoven textiles decorated with cattails, gingko leaves, and purple iris blossoms.

And while it started in New York and Chicago, it didn’t stay just there.

Every February for the past 27 years Arts and Crafts collectors and bungalow owners from across America have converged on the historic 1913 Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa overlooking Asheville for three days of Arts and Crafts antiques, reproductions, seminars, workshops, house tours, and demonstrations celebrating America’s only truly original style.

The 28th National Arts and Crafts Conference and Shows will be held February 20-22 at the Omni-Grove Park Inn, the most famous example of Arts and Crafts architecture in the South, where more than 2000 people will be shopping the booths of more than 115 exhibitors. They’ll be looking at both new and old jewelry, rugs, furniture, pottery, artwork, and metalware, all done in the Arts and Crafts style showcasing hand craftsmanship and simple, yet elegant designs.

“In just three days,” explained Johnson, who has written several books on the Arts and Crafts era, “you will see more, do more, and learn more about the American Arts and Crafts movement than you could anywhere else in an entire year.

The Omni-Grove Park Inn is again offering a special Arts and Crafts Weekend Package including all of the conference seminars and events. As an alternative, the general public can purchase tickets at the door to just shop the afternoon shows.

Adult admission is $10, students $5, and outdoor parking is free. Information, agenda, and lodging details can be found at www.Arts-CraftsConference.com, or by calling conference founder and director Bruce Johnson at (828) 628-1915.