Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Top artisans and craft people from the local area and across the nation will participate in the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair this week.
The 40th Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will be open July 17-26, 2015 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg, Tenn., and while it is a great place to see and buy handcrafted items, what makes this event so special is that the artists and craft people will be on hand to speak with visitors and demonstrate their special talents and skills.
The Southeast Tourism Society recognizes the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair as one of the top 20 events in the southeastern U.S.
A favorite of the show is potter David Howard, who operates the Treasures in Earthen Vessels Pottery studio in Gatlinburg. He specializes in traditional and functional folk pottery such as dishes, bowls, cups and cookware that are safe for the oven, microwave and dishwasher.
Wine Goblets by David Howard, Treasures in Earthen Vessels Pottery
“One of the greatest joys I have is when someone tells me they use my coffee mug every day,” said Howard.
He recently released these beautiful wine goblets. Be sure to visit him in booth 8G at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair.
Wildlife artist Randy McGovern travels from his home in Acworth, Ga. for the event. He paints beautifully realistic nature scenes in oil and is famous for hiding a number of smaller animals within the painting, creating challenge for the viewer to locate the creatures. In the past, McGovern has delighted visitors to the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair by working on a painting right in his show booth, where people can see the animals come to life with every stroke of his brush.
This is a juried show, meaning organizers of the show require photo submissions of work samples and hold each and every artist and crafts person to a strict standard of quality and skill before acceptance to exhibit in the show.
The event will also feature free live country and bluegrass music by Dennis Lee and “The Fiddle Man” Tim Watson.
The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily July 17-26, 2015, except for Sunday when it is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $7 and children 12 and under are admitted free.
The Gatlinburg Convention Center is located at 234 Historic Nature Trail (light #8) in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
