November 18, 2019
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Adult Classes
We are very fortunate to be located near the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Our guests are able to take advantage of the school’s top-quality art instruction in well-equipped studios. It is a great place to meet new friends in a creative learning environment.
Wine Nights In 2020 the art school is offering wine nights. The classes are held from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and a glass of wine and materials are included in the course fee of $50. Here are some upcoming offerings:
Weaving is only one of the arts areas students can explore.
January 17: Woven for your Wall, Ceramic Decal Collage, Rings for All Occasions
February 21: Weave and Wear It, Sculptural Painting, Print/Wine/Repeat
March 13: Earrings: Cut to Patina, Wine and Wax, Painted Silks
Arrowmont Adult Short Courses Short courses will be held February 24-26. The Monday to Wednesday classes also are held from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for a course fee of $90. Here are the offerings:
Surfacing with A Smoothing Plane. Students will learn the fundamentals of using wooden and metal smoothing planes to obtain wood surfaces ready for finish.
Nailed It: Tool Making for Clay. Ceramic learners will make their own forming, trimming, and decorating tools.
Figure Sculpting. Sculptures will learn how to sculpt the human figure in a naturalistic way using a live model. The pieces will be fired and available for pickup a few weeks after the class.
Appalachian Broom Making. Those who complete the class will leave with two different styles of brooms: a cobweb broom and a hearth sweeper.
Complex Enameled Surfaces. From graphite, sugar firing, and retexturing techniques, students will add to their enameling skill sets.
Framed Weaves: Constructing and Using Your Own Frame Loom. During this class, attendees will construct their own looms to fit their needs. Then they will make a wall hanging, bath mat, or other small piece on their new looms.
Pairing an art class with the Buckhorn Inn’s Great Winter Escape is a great way to add creativity and relaxation to your winter! Additional information on the 2020 classes may be found at http://www.arrowmont.org/classes
July 10, 2017
Arts & Crafts of the Smokies
More than 100 artisans can be found in the Arts & Crafts Community.
The Buckhorn Inn is fortunate to be located in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Established in 1937, this community is the largest group of independent artists in North America. The 8-mile loop features more than 100 shops. There visitors can watch the artisans at work and browse their creations. Many of the artists specialize in traditional Appalachian arts. You may pronounce it “Ap-pa-LATCH-a” as many locals do, or “Ap-pa-LAY-cha” as is the case in many other parts of the country. Regardless, it is the birthplace of many unique arts and crafts.
Background of Arts & Crafts in the Smokies
The people of the Smoky Mountains have been described as self-sufficient, creative, and inspired by the natural beauty around them. Practical items used everyday have taken on the role of folk art by virtue of the excellent craftsmanship and elegance of design. Folk art typically is defined as works that are artistic but also have practical use. Crafts, on the other hand, are items usually produced for a practical use but are decorated. Sometimes solely practical items become objects of art by being repurposed.
Examples might be jugs used for decoration or rugs used as wall hangings. Traditional Smoky Mountain arts & crafts include painting, woodworking, and weaving. This area also features glassblowing, basket weaving, and metal working. The community has shops focusing on pottery, leathercraft, and broom making. Many of the artists in our community are second- and third-generation artisans. They use traditional methods that have been passed down to them. These traditional pieces are finding a resurgence of popularity. Many collectors appreciate the timeless quality of uniquely handcrafted works. They look forward to handing down these treasures to future generations.
The Gatlinburg Convention center will host the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Thanksgiving Show from November 21-26. The Holiday Show will be held from November 27-December 3.
Be sure to visit the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts shows.
For more information on the shows please visit http://www.GatlinburgCrafts.com Please watch this blog as we feature some of our artistic neighbors!
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