Lyle Wheeler
The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to downtown Asheville from Thursday, July 16, through Sunday, July 19, bringing together more than 100 juried artists from across the Southern Appalachian region for four days of fine craft, demonstrations, music and opportunities to meet the makers behind the work.
Held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, the fair is now in its 79th year and features a wide range of handmade work, including pottery, furniture, textiles, jewelry, sculpture, apparel and mixed media. This year’s event includes the return of Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual after nearly three decades and an expanded presence for the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Emerging Artist Program (EAP).
Founded in 1946, Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual is the nation’s oldest Native American art cooperative and has played a central role in preserving and promoting the artistic traditions of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Amanda McCoy, manager of Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual Co-Op, says the organization’s participation reflects both its history with the Guild and its commitment to strengthening connections within the region’s craft community.
“In our ever-changing economy as well as changes throughout the country all ethnicities and cultures face a multitude of influences from media that threatens our authenticity and meaning,” she says. “Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual will be representing historical, traditional and contemporary artwork of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians by master artisans who will use a unique blend of traditional and modern methods.”
The fair will also spotlight 10 early-career makers participating in the Guild’s Emerging Artist Program. Now in its third year and recently established as a permanent Guild initiative, the program provides selected artists with an opportunity to exhibit alongside established Guild members while gaining experience in the professional craft market.
EAP participant Toryn Davis Black plans to bring a collection of mid-century-inspired furniture, along with smaller functional pieces that showcase her evolving design style. “I expect this experience to feel both inspiring and educational, and I am very excited to be surrounded by makers whose work I have respected for years,” says Black. “I look forward to connecting with the people who attend the show and having the opportunity to share the stories behind my work.”
Textile artist Emiko Kuhs is also participating through the EAP. Having only begun selling her work earlier this year, she says the fair will be her largest market experience to date. Kuhs creates quilted wall pieces and other textile works and sees the fair as an opportunity to engage with audiences who are specifically interested in handmade craft. “My goal with this fair is to figure out if people are interested in my kind of work,” Kuhs says. “Regardless of the outcome, I am honored to have the chance to engage with others interested in the art, and to sell alongside dozens of extremely skilled artists.”
Visitors can watch live craft demonstrations, learn about educational opportunities and enjoy bluegrass and traditional music performances.
Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is located at 87 Haywood Street. Admission to the Craft Fair is $12 for adults, and children under 12 are admitted free. Learn more at CraftGuild.org/CraftFair.
