Art lovers are in luck when vacationing in Gatlinburg Tennessee. Gatlinburg features one of the largest and most famous art communities in all of the Eastern United States. Officially named the Great Smoky Mountains Arts & Crafts Community it features an 8 mile loop of more than 75 artists studios, cafe’s, accommodations and more.
The community is located about 3 miles outside of Downtown Gatlinburg and is a quite different side of the town you may have not experienced. Gatlinburg is a fun place to be, shop and just hang out, but for some it can be a bit touristy. If you are looking for a more rural and hometown feel, then the artists community is something you should experience.
It’s obviously too far to walk the whole way around the 8 mile loop for anyone less than the most fit, but there are several small clusters of shops in mini malls dotting Glades Road.
Our favorite artist in the community is painter Paul Murray. His depictions of the Applalachian Mountain people catch the character or these folks like no one we have ever seen. Other artists include:
Woodcarver Otto Preske (featured picture)
Robert Alwine Pottery
Alice Moore Calligraphy
Baxter’s Stained Glass
Byrnes Woodcrafters
Church Mouse Gallery in a 100 year old church building
Judy Baily – Gatlinburg Ceramics
Hiroko Pewter
John Cowden Woodcarvers
Lorelei Candles
Rustic Broom Shop
Smoky Mountain Pottery
Village Candle
And lots, lots more.
If you are into art at all, you don’t want to miss this wonderful community.
Alan
Tags: artists community, art, paul murray, pottery, candles, woodcrafters
Posted by alan in Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Attractions