Qualla Arts & Crafts Exhibit at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center announced that it is hosting the traveling exhibit “Qualla Arts and Crafts: Tradition and Innovation.”

Founded in 1946, Qualla Arts & Crafts of Cherokee, N.C. is the oldest Native American artists cooperative in the U.S. The exhibit was curated by Western Carolina University and opened in conjunction with the 65th anniversary of Qualla. Western Carolina University is located located in Cullhowee, N.C.

The art of the past and present Cherokee artists is rooted in culture and place. The exhibit showcases the work of several Cherokee artists, including Joel Queen, Karen George, Fred Wilnoty, Geraldine Walkingstick and Davy Arch. Visitors to this exhibit will experience the innovation of Cherokee artisans, with objects ranging from archaeological artifacts to contemporary crafts.

“Qualla Arts and Crafts: Tradition and Innovation” will be on display in the Proffitt’s Gallery space inside the Main Gallery from now until the end of November 2015 and is sponsored by the Blount Partnership.

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is located at 123 Cromwell Dr. in Townsend, Tenn. and open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free for Heritage Center members; Adults $6; Seniors 60 years of age and older and children ages 6-17 $4; children 5 and under are free.