(Left) Erica Stankwytch Bailey, artist; (Right) Ed and Kate Coleman, artists
The 76th Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will take place at Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville on Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all four days, with more than 100 crafters filling the two-level building with their wares.
“The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands has been happening for more than 70 years and the growth and evolution that has occurred in that incredible history is something I am truly in awe of,” says Erica Stankwytch Bailey of ESBJewelry. “This fair is run by artists for artists. There is so much intentionality and dedication put into the planning of this event, all in the pursuit of creating a fair that will be successful for the artists and enjoyable for the community. “
Throughout the weekend, local musicians will take the downstairs stage to create a festive atmosphere at the fair. There will also be live demonstrations every day in a variety of media, from metalwork to pottery. “Education is a huge part of the mission of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and this year we will be adding a new twist to our demonstrations,” says Bailey. Exhibiting and member jewelers will participate in a Sawing Challenge in which they race to saw out the same design from a piece of metal. “If you’ve ever seen a jeweler’s saw blade, then you will know that they aren’t much thicker than dental floss, so we will definitely see a few broken blades,” says Bailey. “This is a great opportunity to educate the public and have a lot of fun at the same time.”
Admission to the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands is $10 and children 12 and under attend free. “The artists that you will meet there are incredibly dedicated to their craft, all in a lifelong pursuit to design and create quality objects,” says Bailey. “Our dedication to and passion for our craft can be seen in the infinite small details of our work, in the countless hours spent, in the joy of our processes and the articulate expression of our hands.”
Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville is located at 87 Haywood Street, Asheville. For more information, visit CraftGuild.org, call 828.298.7928 or email info@craftguild.org.
