70th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

From 70th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands Website:

Approaching its 70th year, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will return to downtown Ashevilles U.S. Cellular Center. Filling both the concourse and arena levels of the venue, craftspeople who are masters in their media will be exhibiting. The variety of craft that will be on display ranges from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, and jewelry. After a curation process of two juries, nearly 200 makers from the Southern Highland Craft Guild will carry on the legacy of these Fairs.

Both July and October hold seasonal editions of the exposition as this extraordinary marketplace offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with artisans adept in their craft. The Summer Edition is July 21 through 23, and Fall is October 20 through 22. Downtown Asheville provides a robust experience for visitors, as the growing spectacular is representative of the creativity that flows in Western North Carolina. The U.S. Cellular Center is a shift in landscape for this event as it was incepted under canvas tents in 1948 on grassy lawns of Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN.

As an avenue to provide a regional marketplaces for mountain craftspeople, the Fairs have since evolved to a popular epicenter of craft in the country. Alongside local residents is the expanding tourist population. In addition to retail, the Craft Fairs hosts demonstrations, supporting the Guilds mission to educate the public about the history of crafts in this region, various craft techniques, and an appreciation for fine crafts.

Collectors and gallery owners visit Asheville to experience and see the biannual shows in July and October, as they are a known destination for shopping and inspiration. Nearly 20,000 visitors to the Fairs each year invest in the regional and local economies while supporting craftsmen and women working in the Appalachian mountains.