Crafting a Legacy at Arrowmont

By Historian and Archivist FRAN DESIMONE BECQUE, New York Alpha

Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts provides educational arts programming in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and will forever hold a place in the heart and history of Pi Beta Phi. On the site of the historic Pi Beta Phi Settlement School, Arrowmont is a testament to the strength and creativity of the women of our sisterhood who forged a unique path for not only themselves, but the Gatlinburg community, artisans, students and instructors.

Throughout the 1910s, a steady stream of Pi Phis journeyed to Gatlinburg to teach at the Settlement School, discovering along the way how handicrafts could help the local community turn their talents into income. Woven goods, pottery and other artisan items were made by residents of the Appalachian region and sold through Pi Phi chapters and alumnae clubs across the country, as well as in a small shop in Gatlinburg known as Arrowcraft Shop. The sale of these handmade items opened economic opportunities previously unimagined by the residents, especially the women who created them. In a rare practice for the time, the women who made the crafts were paid directly—giving them control over their schedule, work and income.

It was that vision that inspired the first Pi Beta Phi Arts and Crafts Workshops, which were established in 1945. Held in conjunction with the University of Tennessee (UT), the summer program gave students the option to earn college credit in handicrafts and community recreation and included the official dedication of the Settlement School Center for Arts and Crafts.

After more than two decades of successful summer craft workshops, Pi Beta Phi celebrated its centennial anniversary with a massive philanthropic project—developing those workshops into a premier destination for artisans, instructors and students of the arts and crafts. At what was originally called Arrow in the Smokies—and quickly became The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts—a full curriculum of classes in conjunction with UT was offered to the public. Later, the school added a studio complex that was aptly named for past Grand President and founding member of Indiana Alpha and D.C. Alpha EMMA HARPER TURNER who originally brought the idea of a Settlement School to the 1910 Swarthmore Convention.

In 2011, after Pi Beta Phi and Arrowmont worked together to implement a mutually beneficial transition, Arrowmont became a fully independent organization. This propelled Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts provides educational arts programming in the heart of Gatlinburg—hosting over 200 creative experiences each year, including supporting youth with creative year-round programming. The school’s workshops are world-renowned for allowing experienced and burgeoning artists to deepen their passions, develop new skills and experiment. The unique mountain setting offers an escape from modern society, encouraging creativity to thrive amongst the students, teachers and visitors. In addition to its workshops, Arrowmont has five galleries that exhibit works from artists in residence, instructors and accomplished artists. Arrowmont is guided by its belief in enriching lives through the medium of arts and crafts.

Arrowmont holds a special place in the heart and history of Pi Beta Phi. Tennessee Gammas BARBARA BLANKS BULLARD and SUSI MACDONOALD GLENN , Oregon Alpha DEBORAH COBURN RICE , Tennessee Beta LOLA HARRISON LLEWELLYN and Virginia Zeta SIMONE ACHA serve on the Arrowmont Board of Directors today, following a long line of Pi Phis who have done the same. Additionally, many Pi Phis still visit the school to attend workshops and fundraise for the organization. Notably, the Nashville, Tennessee, Alumnae Club donates a portion of the proceeds from its Christmas Village to Arrowmont each year.

To learn more about Arrowmont and its connection to the history of Pi Beta Phi, visit pibetaphi.org/arrowmont.