The holiday spirit is on the way and the Appalachian Center for Craft will be helping to usher it in with the center’s Annual Holiday Festival.With everything from craft demonstrations to holiday music, the event brings entertainment to tourists and locals alike with enjoyable activities.
“This is a huge regional event spanning over three days,” Promotions and Development Coordinator Jane Roberts said. “There’s great shopping opportunities plus the exhibits and demonstrations. It’s a great holiday trip with the family.”
The New Works in Metal exhibit presents jewelry, sculpture and decorative ironwork. Advanced studio students from the Craft Center’s metals studio are featured in the exhibit, located in Gallery One. The Festival Exhibition, located in Gallery Two, showcases an array of crafts by Craft Center alumni, artists in residence as well as and faculty and students.
Much of the work in the exhibits will be for sale, and the gift shop features a room full of prized creations by students that will be available for purchase.
Artist demonstrations are scheduled throughout the weekend. From felting to pine needle basket making, local artists will set up around the lobby to demonstrate their craft mediums.
The glassblowing demonstration will be located in the actual studio to have access to the necessary materials.
These demonstrations are only to show attendees how the craft is made, not necessarily an instructional event. However, Gallery Manager Gail Looper assures that the public is welcome to ask as many questions as they like.
Like any typical holiday gathering, the event will have food and music.
The Walkway Cafe will serve hearty soups, deli sandwiches, salads, baked goods, homemade sorbet and gelato. Rob Ring , an acoustic guitarist, will provide background holiday music to enhance the festive atmosphere.
According to Roberts and Looper, the shopping experience can be considered one of the highlights of the Holiday Festival. With more than 100 artists’ work up for grabs, they promise the event can contribute to finding those perfect Christmas gifts.
“It’s something fun to see artists in the region demonstrating and exhibiting their crafts,” Looper said. “All the artists have a connection with the Craft Center. It’s a wonderful shopping atmosphere, and a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
The Holiday Festival is scheduled Nov. 28 to 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Center for Craft. For more information, call (615) 597-6801 or visit www.tntech.edu/craftcenter.
