Join us for the 66th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville, October 17–20, 2013.

Nearly 200 juried artists of the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be selling works of clay, metal, wood, jewelry, fiber, paper, natural materials, leather and mixed media. With styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, the Fairs showcase the rich talent, diversity and craft mastery of Guild members.

The Craft Fairs have a proud tradition and history of excellence by representing the Southern Highland Craft Guild, a non-profit organization formed in 1930. The Fairs began in 1948 as a way to provide a regional market for the mountain craftspeople. Since that time, the Craft Fairs have set the standard for fine craft shows across the country.

Each year in October, craft collectors and gallery owners from across the country come to Asheville to see the show, knowing it is an ideal destination for shopping and inspiration.

In addition to providing a retail market for juried members, the Guild also hosts craft demonstrations during the Fairs. A strong part of the Guild’s mission is to educate the public about the history of crafts in this region, various craft techniques, and an appreciation for fine crafts.

This October visitors have the opportunity to see artists using traditional methods of handmade craft like George McCollum weaving a white oak basket, beginning with splints he has harvested from the tree, Betsy Morrill’s innovative deconstructed screen-printing on fabric, and Michael Lalone at the potters wheel.

Outside the U.S. Cellular Center visitors will be greeted by natural dyeing and blacksmithing demonstrations. Visit www.craftguild.org for a complete list of scheduled craft demonstrations.

Beginning on Friday during each Craft Fair, mountain musicians perform live on the arena stage. Since the first fair in Gatlinburg in 1948, 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.

To learn more about Guild programs, visit www.craftguild.org.

 

Music of the Mountains

Friday, October 18
11 a.m. – Sherri Lynn and Mountain Friends. High energy swing-grass.
1 p.m. – Hot Duck Soup. Kazoos, slide whistles, banjos, guitars; old tunes like you’ve never heard ‘em played.
3 p.m. – Timberline. Smooth folk harmonies, with guitarist Gene Holdway.

Saturday, October 19
11 a.m. – Southern Crescent Bluegrass. Led by Tommy Thompson, traditional bluegrass standards.
1 p.m. – Split Rail. Strong vocal harmony and a great continuity of sound.
3 p.m. – Moore Brothers Band. Young brothers play bluegrass and gospel.

Sunday, October 20
11 a.m. – Whitetop Mountaineers. Martha Spencer and Jackson Cunningham; traditional Southwest Virginia oldtime music.
1 p.m. – Carol Rifkin and Paul’s Creek. Old timey style.
3 p.m. – Buncombe Turnpike. Original songs by bandleader Tom Godleski; banjo picking by teenage sensation Seth Rhinehart.

 

The Art of Craft – October 17-20 Demonstrations

Mike Lalone: Pottery – throwing, trimming and assembling clay in the ceramic process.

George McCollum: White oak baskets. From harvesting splints to weaving.

Betsy Morrill: Deconstructed screen-printing on fabric. Surface design techniques.

Dede Styles: Natural dyeing and spinning; using natural plant dyes. (Thurs – Fri).

Lenny Moore: Blacksmithing. Transforming metal into art outside the U.S. Cellular Center.

 

If You Go: The 66th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, October 17–20 at the US Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville. Thursday – Saturday 10-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10-5 p.m. Admission: Adults $8; children under 12 free. Group discounts available. Additional information: www.craftguild.org or (828) 298-7928