October 5 2013 The charming mountain village of Dillsboro NC will have a dash of Paris this Saturday with artists stationed under colorful umbrellas and tents, creating their treasures during the fifth annual
Colorfest: Art and Taste of Appalachia festival.
Visitors attending this
FREE festival are encouraged to
stroll among painters as they capture hues of fall in the mountains and
interact with crafters, authors, growers, chefs and musicians.
Among
the featured artists are:
Jane McClure of nearby Sylva who captures the essence
of the mountains with paintings of barns, cabins, waterfalls and rustic scenes;
Susan Phillips of Hiawassee GA, a detail artist who paints primarily
landscapes, and whose work was recently honored by the Southern Appalachian Art
Guild.
Other artists include:
Nanci Leigh of Franklin, designer of
intricate gemstone jewelry, and
David Ammons of Tuckasegee. Ammons is an expert chair
caner who has mastered many forms of weaving over his 30-year career.
Local
musicians and street entertainers add music to the festive atmosphere, while
restaurants and shops are open to serve the crowds throughout the
day.
The festival kicks off at 10 AM. with the unveiling of a
Dillsboro mural "On Hallowed Ground", painted by Dillsboro's own Doreyl Ammons
Cain. The mural depicts the 1882 founding of Dillsboro. Chief Michel Hicks of
the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians will be on hand to present the mural,
while Cain will share her mural story.
"This mura
truly reflects the spirit of Appalachia, revealing its creativity and courage," Cain
said.
Colorfest, Art & Taste of Appalachia is produced by the
non-profit
NC heritage organization Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, in partnership with the Jackson
County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Visual Artists
Association.
Funding for the program is supported by the North Carolina
Arts Council and the Jackson County Arts Council.
Festival hours are 10 AM to 4 PM. For festival info or lodging, call (800) 962-1911 or go to:
www.MountainLovers.com.
For additional local information about events and attractions visit The Sylva NC Guide.
October
20 - 23, 2016 Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands This
68th annual event includes nearly 200 juried exhibitors, craft demonstrations,
and live regional music and entertainment. Both levels of the Asheville
Civic Center are filled with artisans selling their works of clay,
fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper,
wood and jewelry. 
