6th Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival May 15 and 16

By Bennie McCann

Once again for 2010, the Tennessee Arts Commission along with the Southern Highland Craft Guild is sponsoring the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival. This year's festival will be held on May 15th and 16th in beautiful Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The event is free to the public, with proceeds benefiting the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, the Sevier County Arts Council and the Gatlinburg Boys & Girls Club art program.

Juried Events Attract Highly Skilled Exhibitors

This juried exhibition features artists working in 16 categories including ceramics, watercolor, woodworking, glass, jewelry, and more. Exhibitors are competing for more than $10,000 in prizes and purchase vouchers, along with the prestige and press coverage attendance offers. Artists from across the country apply for the chance to display their works at this annual festival.

This year's festivities kick off with "A Night with the Artists Party" on May 14. You'll enjoy appetizers, wine, and mingling with the artists at Mills Auditorium from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Acts from the popular Gatlinburg Tunes & Tales will provide the evening's entertainment. The entry fee is $50, and tickets can be redeemed for $50 purchase vouchers for use at any artist's booth throughout the weekend.

In addition to the grown-up entertainment, the festival provides kids with their own special activities. Local artist Beverly Jones keeps the little ones happy with face painting, watercolors, and other kid-friendly crafts.

The Gatlinburg area is well-known for its arts and crafts heritage, making it a natural choice to host such a prestigious event. In addition to the fine arts on display, you'll have the opportunity to observe master craftsmen at work as they demonstrate techniques such as pottery throwing, spinning, woodcarving, and many other local specialties.

Other Gatlinburg Area Attractions

Shaded avenues and plenty of sidewalk space make Gatlinburg the perfect location for this two-day street fair. Cafés and restaurants offer resting spots for your tired feet, and a variety of specialty merchandise is available in the quaint shops that line the downtown streets.

If you wish to extend your stay in the Gatlinburg area, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy. The beauty and serenity of Great Smoky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away, and Ober Gatlinburg offers breathtaking views of the mountains. The more adventurous will enjoy a visit to Dollywood or a zipline adventure through the forest. The area offers a wide variety of lodgings as well, including secluded chalets and private log cabins which can sleep up to eight people.

Whether you're traveling to Tennessee for business or pleasure, or simply passing through, the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival is worth a visit. Talented artists, a fantastic setting, and outstanding hospitality come together to make an unforgettable trip. The possibility of finding the perfect piece of art to compliment your decor is just an added bonus.