Published: October 02, 2009 09:40 am      

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. scheduled from Oct. 8-25

Autumn’s brisk air signals all of nature to transform the Great Smoky Mountains from lush green to a majestic patchwork quilt of colors. The celebration of fall also encompasses one of the southeast’s most popular events — the 34th annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. From Oct. 8-25, the Gatlinburg Convention Center converts into a multi-level mecca of the top craft people from all across the U.S.

Promoters Sam and Tracey Large have developed and coordinated this event for three decades, as it attracts over 180 of America’s finest craft people. The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is recognized as one of the top 20 events in the southeastern U.S. by the Southeast Tourism Society.

A unique characteristic of the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is the fact that artisans not only make their art available for viewing and sale, but also demonstrate their special talents and skills.

One such craft person is potter David Howard, who discovered his interest in clay while taking pottery electives as an undergraduate at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. Twenty years later his hobby has turned into a full time vocation. Howard’s work is primarily traditional and functional folk pottery reminiscent of the 1800s. Dishes, bowls, cups, plates, lamps and other fine pieces are all microwave and dishwasher safe. All of Howard’s pieces are finished with a lead-free glaze.

"One of the greatest joys I have is when someone tells me they use my coffee mug every day," added Howard.

His production consists of about 250 original pieces of art each week and he looks forward to the craftsmen’s fair this fall.

Another craftsman who is very familiar with the success and popularity of the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is Charles Adams, of Troy, AL, who has expertly created a unique collection of stained glass works, including windows, doors, clocks, Tiffany-style lamps, kaleidoscopes, sun catchers and perhaps his specialty — stained glass angels.

Charles has been participating in the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair for nearly 18 years and, although he designs inventory for over three months, in preparation for the show, he says, “I still rarely have enough merchandise to meet the demand found at this show. I’ve met people at the show from throughout the U.S. as well as Germany and England. In fact, a gentlemen from Texas ordered a five-foot stained glass angel for his church and sent a driver to pick it up so it wouldn’t get broken." The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair continues to be a highlight for Charles...each and every year.

Randy McGovern, wildlife artist from Acworth, GA, was spotted by his fourth-grade teacher as a potential artist and advised his parents to send him to art lessons. Working in a precise realistic style in oils, McGovern feels compelled to portray animals in their most noble character.

"I love to create moods through the use of light sources and rich colors," McGovern said.

He is best known for his ability to hide a number of hidden creatures in each of his paintings. McGovern feels that hiding creatures is actually a function of being a realist since so many of God’s creatures are naturally camouflaged in their surroundings.

So, as you can see, this event is indeed a favorite among the nation’s best crafts people. Fair promoters take great pride in the quality level of the show which is assured by each entrant being juried for quality and unusual skill. Although more than 80 percent of the participants in the show are typically perennial favorites, new exhibitors join the show each year, so there is always something new and fresh for visitors to look forward to.

So make your plans now — visit the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, but be sure that you give yourself plenty of time because you will not want to miss all that this year’s fair has to offer including the country, bluegrass and gospel music of Keith Longbotham and Band and Dennis Lee and Band.

The 34th annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will be held Oct. 8-25 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Music shows are 1, 3 and 5 p.m. daily and 1 and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Entertainment is included in the admission cost: $6 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Group rates available. For additional information, call (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com.