THE FUN RETURNS SUMMER FESTIVALS A WELCOME ADDITION TO HIGH COUNTRY SUMMER EXPERIENCE BY JAMIE SHELL
T
he High Country bounced back in a limited capacity with summer festivals in 2021 following a crippling season due to COVID-19 in 2020. In 2022, however, area festivals return in earnest to allow locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and take part in specialized and themed events, as well as a number of classic events that promise to be worth the time ane experience. Traditionally, festivals throughout the High Country are filled with revelers and activities that range from bluegrass and Celtic music to fine arts and symphonies, from hand-created artwork to varieties of performing arts through drama, dance and more. The following is a listing and brief descriptions of events that are scheduled as of press time to occur during the summer season. As with any public events taking place in the current climate, events can be subject to change, so it’s recommended to consult event websites and area chambers of commerce to the most up-to-date details, including confirmation that the events are taking place, any pandemic-related restrictions in place related to the event, and any additional information to guide your visit. Blowing Rock Art in the Park (May 21, June 11, July 16, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, and Oct. 1) Art in the Park was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent. Today, Art in the Park is host to dozens of fine art and craft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. Art in the Park’s high standards and professional jury attract artisans from all over the Southeast to exhibit in a series of six shows, May through October. The quality of work exhibited draws thousands to the area each month. 46
FILE PHOTO Art on the Greene organizer Kimberly Tufts is pictured with one of her special creations from Kimberly Allynne Designs.
Art in the Park is planned and administered by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, who noted that there will be a reduced number of vendors to allow for social distancing and that the parking shuttle will be available during each show this year. Enjoy arts and crafts from award-winning and acclaimed artisans. Artists are jury-selected and each show features a different set of artists, curated to present a wide variety of mediums. Find gifts and works for personal collections, functional beauties like furniture and cutlery, and wearable art like handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Artists’ tents line Park Avenue right in downtown Blowing Rock so attendees can enjoy proximity to other shopping, as well as dining options and local parks. Artist tents extend along Park Avenue, from Main
Street to Wallingford Street in downtown Blowing Rock. Free shuttle for parking is available by taking the Art in the Park Shuttle to save the time and effort looking for a downtown parking space. The free shuttle runs from plentiful free parking at Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway right to the Art in the Park entrance. The shuttle has the same hours as the show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s only a few minutes ride and the shuttle runs continuously. Look for the red trolley! Free parking is also available in the Maple Street lot and in the parking decks on Wallingford St. and at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Some lots, like Rumple Church and Blowing Rock School, charge a small charity fee for parking. For updated schedule of artists and more information, click to blowingrock.com/artinthepark or call (828) 295-7851. Art on the Greene — Banner Elk (May 28-29, July 2-3, Aug. 6-7 & Sept. 3-4) Visitors are invited to shop the many fine regional and national artists, enjoy good food and experience the welcoming town of Banner Elk. During holiday weekends in the summer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the courtyard outside the Cultural Arts Center at Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk comes alive with dozens of vendors plying myriad media of crafts and art at the Art on the Greene event. “Art on the Greene is geared toward artists who are involved in any medium in the Appalachian tradition of hand crafters,” says show director Kimberly Tufts. “We have metal artists, glass artists, potters, and high-quality jewelry from all types of makers. We have wood workers of all varieties from furniture to home decor wood items, as well as painters in a variety of mediums – watercolor, acrylic and oil.” Master craftsmen from all over the eastern U.S. will be demonstrating and selling their work, as a wide SEE FESTIVALS ON PAGE 48
SUMMER TIMES 2022
