Paintings, sculptures, photographs, woodwork, you name the medium, chances are it’s at Highlands Village Square Art & Craft Show going on it’s second day at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Over 80 artisans came from all over the region to exhibit their work. Show Coordinator Cynthia Strain said she has some artists who have been participating for 20 years, but is always excited when new artists are added to the roster.
“New vendors keep it fresh,” said Strain. “Shoppers have their favorites, but they always want to see new things and every show is different. I want to make it special every year.”
The Show is sponsored by Highlands Mountaintop Rotary and Strain said their support is incredible.
“They have been absolutely wonderful,” she said. “All of them are so supportive, and the vendors are very thankful for all their help setting up.”
Highlands Mountaintop Rotary sponsored the craft show and was on hand selling raffle tickets for items donated by the artists.
In an effort to raise money for Rotary, a raffle was organized with items donated by the artists.
“We’re trying to raise some money for Rotary and the vendors are so generous to donate their work,” said Strain. “With the quality of work here, this is a destination for people who are looking for high quality arts and crafts. I’m thrilled about that.”
Hand-painted gourdes from Those Kooky Chickens, owned by Tim and Karen Chambers of Highlands.
Owners of Those Kooky Chickens, Tim and Karen Chambers of Highlands, have been participating in the Show since it’s inception over 20 years ago.
“The Park is beautiful, and Cynthia really does a good job,” said Chambers. “She works hard, it’s not easy doing this and she always gets great artists at the show. I remember we did it back when it was on a slab before the Park was built.”
Dr. John Baumrucker is at the show spreading the word of the Highlands Bolivian Mission selling hand-made items crafted by youth at the Mission.
Those Kooky Chickens create hand painted gourds and window screens depicting a variety of chicken scenarios. Why chickens?
“When we started with chickens it just took off,” said Tim. “They’re international, everybody loves chickens.”
Jeanie Stephenson, owner of Stephenson’s Sculptures in Bronze, made the trip from Tennessee, between Nashville and Chattanooga, and was here last year and had a great time.
“It was really good last year,” she said. “The people are wonderful, Cynthia is great, and this Park is great.”
Stephenson makes molds with wax and casts her own bronze statues. Her work consists primarily of things and creatures found throughout nature.
Jeanie Stephenson, owner of Stephenson’s Sculptures in Bronze has a variety of nature inspired bronze sculptures.
“My work is inspired by my wildlife rescues like raccoons and dogs, so I have a lot of models,” said Stephenson.
Michele Eigler, out of Crusoe, N.C., established Ecofab Arts by reusing glass from other objects and creating brightly colored, hand-painted glass flowers.
“We wouldn’t come back if we didn’t like it,” said Eigler. “This show is great with good artists and good people. Cynthia and Rotary really do a good job.”
Show Coordinator Cynthia Strain scores something for herself at the Craft Show going on June 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Highlands.
Local Author Jeannie Chambers discusses her book “Tunnel of Time,” with a show-goer.
Kevin Fitz-Patrick is doing his thing and taking photos of extremely small insects and chatting about upcoming Bio Blitzes.
Pictured at the top of the article are hand-painted glass flowers from Michele Eigler of Ecofab.
Article and Photos by Brian O’Shea
plateaudailynews@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @plateaudailynews
Like us on Facebook HERE
Advertise click HERE
Such an interesting article — and awesome photography, Brian! Congratulations, Cynthia. 👏👏👏 You hit it out of the Park!