Skip the malls, the traffic, and the same old gift options and visit the Annual Holiday Festival at TTU’s Appalachian Center for Craft for a unique holiday experience the weekend immediately following Thanksgiving, (Fri.-Sun.), November 28, 29 & 30 from 9am-5pm.

Bring the family and enjoy craft demonstrations from 10am-2pm each day of the festival and exhibitions showcasing the work of Craft Center-affiliated artists locally and throughout the region.

Shop for gifts for everyone on your list and for any budget while listening to live music by acoustic guitarist, Rob Ring.

Stop by the on-site restaurant at the Craft Center, the walkway café for hearty soups, piled-high deli sandwiches, fresh salads, homemade gelato and ice cream.

“The Holiday Festival at the Craft Center is an excellent opportunity to welcome the season,” said Gail Looper, gallery manager at the Appalachian Center for Craft. “We are looking forward to another wonderful weekend of craft demonstrations, world-class exhibitions, one-of-a-kind gifts, live music and more.”

Craft Demonstrations, provided by Craft Center and other regional artists, are from 10am-2pm each day of the festival and include felting, woodturning, chair making, basket weaving, book arts, spinning wool, ceramics, glassblowing, weaving, wooden bowl and bird carving, and more.

Holiday Festival Demonstration Schedule:

Friday, Nov. 28
Felting
Woodturning
Chair Making
Book Arts
Basket Weaving
Double-Walled Ceramic Teapots

Saturday, Nov. 29
Glassblowing
Woodturning
Pine Needle Basket Making
Spinning Wool
Weaving
Basket Weaving
Book Arts

Sunday, Nov. 30
Purse Making
Woodworking
Wooden Bowl Carving
Weaving
Woodturning
Bird Carving
White Oak Basketry

The showcase exhibitions for the 2008 festival include work by Craft Center alumni, faculty, artists in residence, students and others.

“I’m very excited about the exhibition planned for Gallery One,” said Sarah McClary, artist in residence in the Craft Center’s exhibitions program and TTU graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree concentration in metals. “It highlights the new work of our advanced students in the metals program featuring jewelry, sculpture and decorative ironwork.”

The wide range of contemporary craft available for purchase in The Gallery, features the work of 100+ regional artists and includes a variety of handmade furniture, blown glass work, jewelry, pottery, turned wood vessels, scarves, candles, ornaments, books, and craft supplies.

“Shopping in The Gallery during the Holiday Festival, and throughout the year, is the perfect way to find handcrafted, unique gifts for the people on your list or find something special for yourself or your home,” said Jane Dudney Roberts, promotions and development manager at the Craft Center. “And, if you just can’t make a decision on what to get friends and family, we can help you out with our Craft Center gift cards.”

TTU employees receive a 10% discount for purchases in the Craft Center’s gallery during the festival and throughout the year, with a valid Eagle ID Card.

If you can’t get to the Holiday Festival the weekend after Thanksgiving, the Craft Center’s gallery and exhibitions are open daily until 5pm on Tuesday, December 23rd.

The Appalachian Center for Craft is conveniently located approximately six miles from Interstate 40 at Exit 273 (Smithville/McMinnville). Go south on Hwy. 56; turn left immediately after crossing Hurricane Bridge. This drive leads to the Craft Center.

For more information about the Holiday Festival, contact Gail Looper at 931.372.3051, email her at glooper@tntech.edu or visit www.tntech.edu/craftcenter.