Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov
TOWNSEND, Tenn. – The eighth annual Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival takes place April 21-23 at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend.
The weekend event, organized by the Townsend Artisan Guild, offers more than 40 instructional classes by fiber arts professionals, family activities, demonstrations, live animal displays such as Angora rabbits, sheep and goats, and the always-popular Marketplace of Vendors. There are 34 vendors from East and Middle Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Indiana, and North Carolina who will exhibit their wares.
Nearly 20 of the 40 classes are new for 2017. These include more extensive instruction on crochet, including crocheting socks and Get Squared™; lace, mosaic, and double knitting; Southwest and Russian spindles; fiber fusion; plant based dyeing; weaving; e-commerce for the artist and more. Eleven popular instructors are returning, including Geri Forkner, and three instructors are new to the event.
Visit www.smokymountainfiberartsfestival.org for a complete list of classes including the new and returning classes and instructors.
Among the new programs in 2017 are Girl Scout and Youth Workshops, including outdoor art, drawing and Textile Art for “seniors” ages 15-16. While designed for Girl Scout groups, these programs are open to all youth. All interested youth are asked to register early as the number of participants is limited. For more information, visit www.townsendartisanguild.org/girl-scout---youth-programs.html.
At the Textile Artist Badge Workshop, participants will interview a fiber artist who works with natural fibers, and learn how they are modernizing traditional techniques; examine different types of fleece and how fleece becomes thread, then fabric for clothing or for art. Collect samples, and develop a chat about their origin, texture, dye, and use. Up to steps 1-2 will be completed for the Textile Artist badge.
The 2017 Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival is presented by the Townsend Artisan Guild and the Tennessee Valley Handspinners Guild and recognized by the Arts and Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and USBank.
For more information, visit www.townsendartisanguild.org.
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Director of Communications
amanda.murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
jill.kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Alli.Lapps@tn.gov