Back in 1948 when the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands was first presented, visitors were eager to be face-to-face with authentic mountain craftspeople and their work. The craftspeople themselves were also curious. How would their goods, hand made as their ancestors had done, appear to the modern public? More than over 50 years later at the Asheville Civic Center on July 19-22, the anticipation for this event remains the same.

Today’s public, however, finds that the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s semi-annual fair can quench a variety of modern thirsts. Perhaps they’ll find the gurgling waters of a hand-wrought fountain improves the feng shui in their home, or a basket made from white oak split with hand tools connects them with our cultural history. And during this four-day event from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., craftspeople find they have plenty to share.

Ceramicist Lynn Jenkins of Blowing Rock, for instance, enjoys sharing her latest innovations in the ancient Japanese art of raku pottery. Enamelist Joan Bazzel of Franklin, like many Guild members practicing a craft not native to southern Appalachia, offers a look at new directions of American fine craft. As one of the educational demonstrators featured at the fair, Joan presents an up-close view of the processes of enameling and cloisonné.

Many of the more than 160 Guild members participating in this gathering will be demonstrating techniques of their trade, and with a commitment to education, all exhibitors are happy to discuss their work with the public. Special demonstrations also include natural materials artist HeleHarmon-Cargile (Knoxville), known for her life-like depictions of native American figures from corn husk and other natural materials. New members Steve and Annie Bell (Knoxville) also working in natural materials, will be showing off their traditional broommaking skills. Blacksmith Susan Hutchinson (Weaverville) will demonstrate her techniques with decorative iron work. Hutchinson has been one of the chosen demonstrators at the Artist-Blacksrnith Association of North America (ABANA) conference held in Asheville in 1998.

A children’s craft area returns to the Craft Fair, inviting children to complete simple craft projects with instructor Nora Mosrie. Children’s craft sessions are held each day of the Fair. For a schedule, call the Guild at 828.298.7928.

As always, performances of local and regional talent will be held three times a day during the Craft Fair. Free entertainment happens on the arena stage at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. The line-up features old-time fiddle music, bluegrass, mountain and hammered dulcimer, and traditional mountain songs and ballads.

The craft fairs of the Southern Highlands are held at the Asheville Civic Center on Haywood Street in historic downtown Asheville. Tickets are $5. Children under 12 are free with an adult. Group tickets are available with advanced notice. For more information or brochures, call the Southern Highland Craft Guild at 828.298.7928.

 

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The Smoky Mountain News