A Legacy of Innovation and Beauty - Rapid River Magazine Arts & Culture

Tina Curry — “My ﬁrst experience with clay was at the insistence of a close friend who wanted to try a new hobby. I just went along for fun, but ironically it became my new hobby. 24 years later working with clay has become part of my daily existence. I fell in love with the challenge of creating 3-dimensional clay sculptures from images I sketch out in my mind. Many of my animal sculptures take on more of a whimsical or humorous spirit. My equine sculptures were born from memories of my lifelong love of horses, beginning with my very ﬁrst pony at age six through most of my adult life. And what better ﬁring technique to use but actual horsehair to burn the intricate design into the clay body. Each sculpture is hand built and carries a little bit of my personality with it.”

In its 69th year, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to downtown Asheville’s U.S. Cellular Center for a production of innovation and beauty.

Filling both the concourse and arena levels of the venue, craftspeople who are masters in their media will be exhibiting.

The variety of craft that will be on display ranges from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, and jewelry.

After a curation process of two juries, nearly 200 makers from the Southern Highland Craft Guild will carry on the legacy of these Fairs.

Both July and October hold seasonal editions of the exposition as this extraordinary marketplace offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with artisans adept in their craft. The Summer Edition is July 21-24, and fall is October 20-23. Downtown Asheville provides a robust experience for visitors, as the growing spectacular is representative of the creativity that flows in WNC. The US Cellular Center is a shift in landscape for this event as it was incepted under canvas tents in 1948 on grassy lawns of Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN.

As an avenue to provide a regional marketplaces for mountain craftspeople, the Fairs have since evolved to a popular epicenter of craft in the country. Alongside local residents is the expanding tourist population. In addition to retail, the Craft Fairs hosts demonstrations, supporting the Guild’s mission – to educate the public about the history of crafts in this region, various craft techniques, and an appreciation for fine crafts.

Collectors and gallery owners visit Asheville to experience and see the biannual shows in July and October, as they are a known destination for shopping and inspiration.

Nearly 20,000 visitors come to the Fairs each year and invest in the regional and local economies while supporting craftspeople working in the Appalachian mountains.

The July show features ceramic arts in a dynamic variety with demonstrations from members, such as Larry Allen and his black stoneware pottery with sgraffito designs, to educational member Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts. Rikki Taylor will also demonstrate throwing and trimming pots on the wheel at her booth. Calligraphy, corn shuck and cloth dolls will be on display in their full process at the Fair too.

Mountain musicians perform live on the arena stage starting Friday. Since the first Fair, the music of the area has been woven into the fabric of the Craft Fair experience. From old time to bluegrass, this tradition is kept alive today. Visit www.craftguild.org for a complete list of performances.

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is a non-profit, educational organization established in 1930 with headquarters at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville.

The Guild region covers the mountain counties of nine southeastern states from Maryland to Alabama, representing over 900 craftspeople.