TOWNSEND, Tenn. – If you’ve ever wondered how fibers are made from wool or how to spin fibers into clothing beginning with raw materials, you can learn these skills and more April 15-17 at the seventh annual Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival. The free event will be held at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (GSMHC) and the Visitors Center in Townsend, and it will include classes and demonstrations for visitors of all ages. The festival runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday.
Visitors will learn about how animal felts are made into fibers, goods and products from interactive classes, shows, exhibitions and demonstrations, including carding, spinning, dyeing, weaving, felting, tatting and knitting.
Fiber Arts classes begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 15, and continue throughout the event. A detailed list of fiber arts classes and the registration forms are available at www.smokymountainfiberartsfestival.org. Registration is required to attend classes.
Geri Forkner is this year’s featured instructor. Her mixed media fiber art, along with the addition of wearable technology, has made Forkner’s work come full circle as she strives to make beautiful insightful pieces. Her work has been represented in museum collections in New York, Atlanta, Houston and even West Point Military Academy.
“We are excited to see this even grow throughout the years,” said Kim Mitchell, director of tourism for the Blount Partnership. “The Townsend Artisan Guild continues to add and come up with new and different events, classes and instructors every year. It’s really a fun and interesting weekend to see how natural fibers go from sheep to shawl.”
There will also be an animal exhibit displaying the different kinds of felts from sheep, llamas, angora rabbits and goats. Visitors will learn how to care for these animals and how to produce high quality felts.
Experienced fiber artists will share their knowledge by demonstrating techniques and the use of tools. Classes designed to educate groups of middle schoolers and advanced artisans will provide opportunities to learn techniques and expand their knowledge.
The Townsend Artisan Guild will offer an exhibit and sale of art from its members. Paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, and woodworking will be on display.
Visitors can also purchase handmade items from Southeastern crafters including clothing, jackets, mittens, scarves, gloves and more. Tools to make the products, as well as wool and yarn will also be sold at the festival.
“For the seventh year, Townsend will be the destination for those interested in the transformation of plant and animal fibers into creative art forms and unique clothing,” said Susan Cooper, president of the Townsend Artisan Guild. “The Townsend Artisan Guild is pleased to work with the community of fine artisans and crafts persons and the business community to encourage the further exploration and enjoyment of the arts through the Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival.”
For more information about Blount County, please contact the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority at (800) 525.6834 or visit www.SmokyMountains.org. Follow the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority at www.Facebook.com/PeacefulSide and Twitter.com/PeacefulSmokies.