Join us at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville, July 17-20 and October 16-19.
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 July and October craft collectors and gallery owners from across the country come to Asheville to see the show. They are joined by western North Carolina residents and tourists who appreciate the quality and history of the show, knowing it is an ideal destination for shopping and inspiration. Nearly 20,000 visitors to the Fairs each year invest in the regional and local economies while supporting artists working in the Appalachian mountains, and by spending a summer or fall weekend in beautiful Asheville, NC.
Several new Guild members will be exhibiting at the Craft Fair for the first time in July including Matt Kelleher (clay), Ursula Goebels-Ellis (clay), Kim Thompson (jewelry), Erin Janow (clay), Robin Ford (fiber), Linda Azar (jewelry), Catherine Murphy (metal), and Zan Barnes (clay). For a complete list of exhibitors visit www.craftguild.org.
In addition to providing a retail market for juried members, the Guild 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. The July show features blacksmithing, natural dyeing, basket making and woodcarving.
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 scheduled craft demonstrations
and performances.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Demonstrations & Entertainment
The 67th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands takes place at the US Cellular Center in downtown Asheville.
July 17-20 Demonstrations
Rita deMaintenon, of Fletcher,will demonstrate hairpin, broomstick, Tunisian and thread lace, and give visitors the chance to try out the various techniques.
Carla Fillipelli, of Asheville, will share various stages of the basket making process July 17-19.
Ronnie McMahan, of Black Mountain, will demonstrate woodcarving as a wildlife artist.
Guest craftsperson Lenny Moore will be outside the U.S. Cellular Center at the forge demonstrating the craft of using heat to transform metal into art and functional objects.
Sandra Rowland, of Murphy, will demonstrate the process of using sunprint paint, found materials such as leaves, and sunlight to create unique patterns and designs on fabric.
Children’s Activities. Arts For Life will provide an opportunity for kids and adults to experience hands-on craft activities.
July 18-20 Entertainment
Friday, July 18
11 a.m. – Ric Ledford & Reems Creek Incident.An Asheville based bluegrass band that specializes in a wide variety of traditional, not-so-traditional and original bluegrass music.
1 p.m. – Cane Creek Bluegrass Band.Musicians from Upstate South Carolina specializing in bluegrass and bluegrass gospel.
3 p.m. – Hot Duck Soup.Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for a jolt to your funny bones. The Hot Duck Soup Novelty Vintage Jazz Band is about to assault your senses with wild and zany tunes from the teens, twenties, and thirties!
Saturday, July 19
11 a.m. – Southern Crescent Bluegrass. This band has been together for more than seven years. They play traditional bluegrass and occasionally country or rock with a bluegrass touch, along with some originals. They are a six piece band, with four members native to WNC.
1 p.m. – Split Rail.A great continuity of sound that can only be achieved from years of playing together. Strong vocal harmony is their trademark.
3 p.m. – Carol Rifkin and Friends. Original and traditional mountain music, their fine harmonies blending in an old timey style heavily influenced by the elders of the region, family, friends and diverse interests.
Sunday, July 20
11 a.m. – Mountain Friends. High energy American swing-grass. This is a strong team that combines fine musicianship and pure joy, giving audiences a highly entertaining show.
1 p.m. – Buncombe Turnpike. A variety of heartfelt tunes ranging from traditional and contemporary bluegrass to gospel and Buncombe Turnpike originals. With their crowd pleasing demeanor, seasoned musicianship, and powerful vocals, the band has made a name for themselves among traditional and contemporary listeners alike.
3 p.m. – Moore Brothers Band. Trio of musicians from Hickory who play Americana, Blues, Newgrass, Grass, Country, Jazz & Gospel Flavors.
If You Go: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, at the US Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville. July 17-20, 2014. Hours: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, and 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: Adults $8, children under 12 free. Group discounts available. For more information, call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.