Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair

Join the Fiber Art Community at the 2023 Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair

We are excited to introduce the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair, a one-of-a-kind event that offers an unforgettable experience for fiber enthusiasts. If you're looking for an event that celebrates fiber arts and crafts, this is the place to be.

The Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair is an annual event that takes place in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. This event is a celebration of all things fiber, and it offers an opportunity for fiber enthusiasts to gather, share ideas, and learn from each other.

Here are some of the highlights of the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair:

Workshops and Classes

One of the most exciting things about the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair is the wide range of workshops and classes available. There are classes for beginners as well as advanced fiber enthusiasts, so no matter what your skill level is, there is something for everyone.

Some of the classes offered include knitting, crochet, spinning, dyeing, felting, and weaving. The instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, and they are passionate about sharing their expertise with others.

Marketplace

In addition to workshops and classes, the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair also features a marketplace where vendors sell their fiber-related products. The marketplace offers a wide range of items, including yarn, fiber, patterns, tools, and accessories.

Whether you're looking for a specific type of yarn or you're interested in exploring new fibers, the marketplace has something for everyone. You can also meet the vendors and learn more about their products and techniques.

Demonstrations

Another highlight of the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair is the demonstrations that take place throughout the event. These demonstrations offer an opportunity to see fiber-related techniques in action and to learn from experienced artisans.

Some of the demonstrations include spinning, weaving, knitting, and felting. You can watch these demonstrations and ask questions, and you may even have an opportunity to try the techniques yourself.

Fiber Arts Exhibit

The Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair also features a fiber arts exhibit that showcases the work of local and regional fiber artists. The exhibit offers an opportunity to see a wide range of fiber-related art, including quilts, tapestries, weavings, and more.

You can admire the art and learn more about the techniques and materials used to create it. The exhibit is a testament to the creativity and skill of the fiber arts community in the Smoky Mountains region.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in exciting fiber-related activities and learn new techniques. We look forward to seeing you there!

Activities:

• April 21 at 9am: Two Color Mittens Tickets. Instructed by Mary Jo Harris, this 4-hour class is suitable for ages 12 and up, and has a basic skill level requirement.

• April 21 at 10am: Fiber Prep for Spinning Tickets. Instructed by Jennifer Bennett, this 1.5-hour class is suitable for ages 12 and up, and has a basic skill level requirement.

• April 21 at 2pm: Using Variegated Yarns without Tears Tickets. Instructed by Mary Jo Harris, this 3-hour class is suitable for ages 12 and up, and has a basic skill level requirement.

• April 21-22 at 10am: Learn How to Hand Dye a Warp and Weft Tickets. Instructed by Patty Benton, this 1.5-hour class is suitable for ages 12 and up, and has a basic skill level requirement.

• April 22 at 9am: Introduction to Stranded Knitting Tickets. Instructed by Mary Jo Harris, this 3-hour class is suitable for ages 12 and up, and has a basic skill level requirement.

• April 22 at 10am: Beginning Wheel Spinning Tickets  Instructed by Jennifer Bennett, this 1.5-hour class is suitable for ages 12 and up, and has a novice skill level requirement.

• April 22 at 10:30am: Beginning Intarsia Knitting Tickets. Instructed by Heather Lanier, this 3-hour class is suitable for all ages and has an intermediate skill level requirement.

• April 22 at 11:30am: Beginning Drop Spindle Tickets. Instructed by Jennifer Bennett, this 1-hour class is suitable for ages 12 and up, and has a basic skill level requirement.

• April 22 at 12:30pm: Intermediate Wheel Spinning Tickets. Instructed by Jennifer Bennett, this 1.5-hour class is suitable for ages 12 and up, and has an intermediate skill level requirement.

• April 22 at 1pm: Portuguese Style Knitting Tickets. Instructed by Mary Jo Harris, this 3-hour class is suitable for ages 12 and up, and has a basic skill level requirement.

• April 22 at 1pm: Weaving on a Triangle Loom Tickets. Instructed by Jackie Martin, this 3-hour class is suitable for all ages and has a basic skill level requirement.

To purchase tickets for these activities, visit https://gsmheritagecenter.org/.../smoky-mountain-fiber-fair/.

Dates: 

04/21/2023, 04/22/2023

History of Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair:

The Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair is an annual event that celebrates the history, art, and craft of fiber arts in the Great Smoky Mountains region. The fair has been a popular event since its inception in 2008, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the rich culture and heritage of the area.

The origins of the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair can be traced back to the long-standing tradition of fiber arts in the region. For centuries, the people of the Smoky Mountains have relied on sheep, goats, and other animals for their wool and other fibers, which they used to create clothing, blankets, and other textiles. This tradition was carried on by the early European settlers who arrived in the region in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the modern era, the art and craft of fiber arts have continued to thrive in the Great Smoky Mountains. The first Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair was held in 2008 as a way to celebrate and promote the area's rich fiber arts heritage. The event was an immediate success, with dozens of vendors showcasing their wares and hundreds of visitors coming to experience the fair's unique atmosphere.

Since its inception, the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair has grown in popularity, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors and vendors each year. The event is now a staple of the region's cultural calendar, with a wide range of activities, classes, and workshops for fiber enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

Today, the Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair is an important part of the region's heritage and a testament to the enduring legacy of the area's fiber arts traditions. The event serves as a platform for local and regional artists to showcase their work and share their knowledge with the wider community, helping to preserve and promote the unique cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains.

About Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center:

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is a museum and cultural center located in Townsend, Tennessee, near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The center is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of the region, including the traditions of the Cherokee people and the early pioneers who settled in the area.

The Heritage Center features a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that explore the natural history, cultural heritage, and folk art of the Great Smoky Mountains region. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the history of the Cherokee people, the region's early pioneers and the development of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

In addition to its exhibits, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center offers a range of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. These programs include guided tours, hands-on workshops, and cultural demonstrations that provide a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture.

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