The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is an 8 mile loop of shops, studios, cafes, and galleries located just 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg. It was established in 1937 and it is now a booming and incredibly important part of the Great Smoky Mountains area. The loop has even been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail. Throughout the community, visitors will meet artisans who create handmade quilts, baskets, stained glass, pottery, jewelry, dolls, ceramics, clothing and watercolors. The work of these artisans has become a great part of the culture of the Great Smoky Mountains, and you can find some really amazing pieces on a visit here.
While most shops are open 7 days a week all year long, the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community holds several special holiday shows throughout the year. Coming up April 4th through 7th, this group of artisans will be hosting the Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Unique products will be available to buy, and guests may also enjoy many demonstrations of woodworking, basket weaving, and more. Admission is free, so this is a great event for the family. Kids and adults will enjoy spending several hours browsing the aisles of handmade items.
Here are just a few of the booths you might find at this year’s Easter show:
A Troll in the Park: Arensbak Smoky Mountain Trolls (Danish family folklore); Erik Arensbak
Alewine Pottery: Hand thrown pottery; Robert Alewine
Baxter’s Stained Glass: Stained glass, sun catchers, candle holders and night lights
Bead Happy: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets with beads and semiprecious gems; Catherine Anderson
Bears “R” Us: Red cedar chainsaw carvings of bears, owls and raccoons; Jesse and Trina
Creekside Rustic Furniture: Rustic décor for cabins and chalets, custom work available
Go to www.gatlinburgcrafts.com for more information about the event and the community.