December 6, 2024

Fine Craft Show dazzles Knoxville

Knoxville held it’s 48th annual Fine Craft Show at the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park on Nov. 14-16. Artists from all over the region came to display diverse crafts and talents, including glass blowing demonstrations and glass bead making.

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Beautiful wall decor made by Paula Marksbury.

Utensils made out of animal antlers were created and displayed by Mike Malak.
Utensils made out of animal antlers were created and displayed by Mike Malak.

Knoxville held it’s 48th annual Fine Craft Show at the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park on Nov. 14-16. Artists from all over the region came to display diverse crafts and talents, including glass blowing demonstrations and glass bead making.

Father and son check out the tie-dye booth.
Father and son check out the tie-dye booth at the craft show.

Displayed items included a wide variety of crafts, such as the dyed shirts, hand-colored etchings, illustrated children’s books and household items made from animal antlers.

Mike Malak, a taxidermist from Bean Station, Tenn. was one of the crafters in attendance at the craft show. Owner of Smokey Mountain Decor, Malak’s specialty and craft is antler art, which includes chandeliers, lamps and utensils made from different types of antlers.

“ It started out as a hobby,” said Malak. “The chandeliers came first, and the littler things came around just a few years ago.”

The craft show was not just about the adult artisits, but also had a “Make it and Take it Craft” section for the young artists in attendance. The children station included arts and crafts, such as painting and jewelry making.

Hannah Croswell, a UT student babysitting a family friends’ child, loved the activity corner for the children.

“It’s our first time here,” said Croswell. “I heard about the craft show and figured Sam would like it since she is really artistic. She enjoys this stuff.”

Audiences enjoyed a wide variety of crafted items. Elizabeth Wakeman, a first time attendee, enjoyed the tie-dye apparel booth.

“I honestly think it’s kinda cool how all of these artists come together for this show in Knoxville,”said Wakeman. “I love tie-dye and this booth literally has everything. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

The Fine Craft Show would not have been possible without the help and support from the Foothills Craft Guild and many other corporate sponsors and donors.

Members of the community can email Aleex Conner at aleexc@earthlink.net to become a Friend of the Foothills Craft Guild to continue this long standing tradition of supporting fine crafts in Knoxville.

Edited by Jessica Carr