by Madison V. Fisler
Aug. 16, 2013. The Avery County Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival will run from Aug. 16-18 at historic Banner Elk Elementary School in downtown Banner Elk.
This event, which has been an Avery County installment for 22 years, brings together 85 of the top artists and master craftsmen (and women!) to the High Country for a weekend of art, entertainment and fun.
“This is something that we really pride ourselves in,” said Sue Freeman of the Avery County Chamber of Commerce.
“We select vendors based on prestige and talent, and are very selective in our artisans.”
The free event spans three days. On Friday, the event is open from 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and finish out on Sunday from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
The variety of the festival is unsurpassed, featuring artists from right here in the High Country to places far away. From woodturners to jewelry artists, African painters to whimsical artisans, there is something for everyone at the Avery County Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival.
And the threat of rain won’t deter vendors at all. The vendors will be set up on the pavement and inside the Banner Elk Gym, so mud will not be a problem.
There are even kid-related vendors, including an alpaca farm and Genesis Wildlife Rescue doing demonstrations with their rescued animals.
“These are not common artists,” Freeman said.
“Some of these artists have quilts in the White House, pieces in the Smithsonian. We have everything from whimsical jewelry to high-end custom furniture. There really is something for everyone at the Festival.”
Unlike most festivals, the Fine Arts and Master Craft Festival’s vendors accept cash, check and credit/debit cards.
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