Friday through Sunday, October 12-14, 2018 is the first fall occurrence of the popular Hands On Gatlinburg event that offers you personal tuition from an expert artisan as you create your own art or craft work.
The unique, handmade items available from Gatlinburg’s flourishing arts & crafts community make wonderful gifts for loved ones, or heirlooms to keep, and the chance to perfect your own skill and create your own, makes for an even more meaningful work of art. Hands On Gatlinburg lets you make your own jewelry or ornament, or your own work of art, or craft item – everything uniquely handmade, and this time by you!
Image courtesy of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Started in 2016 originally as a spring event, in 2018 it has now expanded to include a weekend in fall too. While we thought most of the artisans were down in Gatlinburg at the annual Craftsmen’s Fair, it turns out that plenty of them will be in their studios out on the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Trail. It’s probably a quieter time to learn how to make your own unique work.
This season, around two dozen classes will be offered in a variety of crafts. Note that the classes are small and intimate, and many have been booked months in advance – but don’t despair, simply call to find out if there’s room for you in a class, because these things frequently experience changes at the last minute.
It’s also true to say that if you miss a recurring event here in the Smoky Mountains, you’re actually in great shape to book ahead for next year. You know you’ll be coming back, and next time you’ll be first in line!
What media are available this year to work in? There’s stoneware, wood, fused glass, fiber art, painting and watercolor of course, and clay too. Then there’s flint, leather, tile painting, silk, feathers, basket weaving. And all of these media are worked in a variety of techniques for various results.
Click here for a complete schedule of classes . And here for the Hands On Gatlinburg web site. And check out this video clip for a taste of the event:
