The Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival has grown to be one of the finest food festivals in the country. Interestingly, one of the main reasons for this is that it’s not just about food. One component that helps sets the event apart from other outdoor food festivals is its prestigious arts and crafts show, the Foothills Craft Fair. In its eighteenth year, this fair has become known for the range and quality of items for sale. The show is juried to bring the best contemporary and traditional crafts as well as fine art.
Julie McIntyre, Crafts Fair chair, said that this year the Fair will include potters, metalworkers, jewelers, wood and leatherworkers, fabric and clothing artists, glass artists, recycled object artists, basket weavers, a twig furniture maker, and a puppet maker. “I am personally looking forward to seeing all the heirloom quality work created by many returning artists as well as many new artists,” she said.
Since each item must be hand made by the exhibiting artisan, the Foothills Craft Fair presents a great opportunity for visitors to talk to exhibitors and learn about the artistic process. Some crafters demonstrate their skills while at the Fair, and many are willing accept special orders. McIntyre indicated that many Festival-goers get a head-start on their Christmas shopping at the Craft Fair each year.
Though the Foothills Craft Fair is a relatively small show, it has established a reputation for quality, variety, and accessibility. Visitors wander in and out of the exhibitor booths set under huge trees along the Pacolet River and find excellent pieces at affordable prices. According to McIntyre, the Foothills jury process has been quite successful in producing not only wide range of products, but also extremely high-quality artisans. Artists and craftsmen understand that their works should be priced to sell and, as a result, this Fair tends to please both exhibitors and attendees.
Visit www.BlueRidgeBBQFestival.com for more information.
– article submitted