Butternut Creek Festival 2010 best yet

The 12th annual Butternut Creek Festival was the best yet. A great location, friendly vendors, hardworking volunteers, and beautiful artwork make Butternut one of the best festivals in the southeast.

Union County 's Butternut Creek Festival is well known throughout the region as a great destination. Quality craftsmanship is always the focus of Butternut Creek Festival but the shady park is an added bonus. Top artists and craftsmen display their wares in Meeks Park along side Butternut Creek.

Not only has the Butternut Creek Festival been named a "Top 20 Event" by the Southeast Tourism Society for two years in a row, it is also well known as great place to do a show. Vendors say the people are friendly, security is excellent, the food is delicious, the music sets a perfect mood, and Blairsville is a great little town to visit. This is from seasoned vendors (and these folks do a lot of traveling).

The organizers of the event, High Country Artisans, Inc., do a great job of choosing a varied selection of art and craft vendors (only 65 are selected each year). Show Chairman Mike Smith says, "As popularity of the festival grows, so does the number of applicants. We could let hundreds into the show, but we don't." Mike went on to explain that too many vendors make it harder for the artists and craftsmen to make a profit. Limiting the number of accepted applicants insures that each exhibitor has a good chance of doing well during the two day event.

The Butternut Creek Festival is a true team effort. The High Country Artisans work hard throughout the year to make sure the two day event is a success. Everything from public relations to booth logistics and booking entertainment is accomplished entirely by the dedicated volunteers.

The High Country Artisans, Inc. would like to extend a special thanks to Commissioner Lamar Paris and the Union County Recreation Department. Without them the Butternut Creek Festival would not be possible.

Thanks also to the artists, craftsmen, sponsors, entertainers, food vendors, and visitors for helping make the entire event a fun, safe, and entertaining weekend. High Country Artisans, Inc is a non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

Local Artists & Craftsmen selected for Butternut Creek Festival in Blairsville, Georgia

Twenty local Union County artists and craftsmen have been selected to participate in the 12th Annual Butternut Creek Festival in Blairsville, Georgia on July 24-25, 2010. These talented artists have made it through a highly selective, juried competition that results in only the best of the best being chosen. Congratulations to these twenty local artists and craftspeople!

Larry Akins was selected for his fine knives and his photography, while John Allrid's toys and woodcrafts were judged among the best.  The unique musical instrument creations of Paul and Susan Bergstrom should delight all visitors at the Festival. Barbara Cone and Carol Demme are two of the excellent fine painters selected and their styles and subject matter are very different.  Ellen Gerber's works in scrimshaw, as well as her fine paintings, exhibit an unbelievable attention to details.

Gene Harrison continues to explore the world of stained glass with his unique leaded glass pieces. Linda Karmgard and her sister, Madeline Scoda, join forces in creating a wide variety of beautiful, as well as utilitarian, purses and totes.  Some of Linda's jewelry will also be on display. Karen and Francis Moates will be exhibiting both their unusual fused glass creations and wonderful wood turnings. Phyllis and Sam Reina will have some of the most unusual works of pinecone art and other wood creations. 

The decorative art creations of Emmett and Joan Roach are sure to add interest and variety to the show.  Richard Saberton will again be displaying his wide variety of fine crafted handmade wire-wrapped jewelry. Master scroll-saw artist Robert Snow will delight everyone with the intricate details of his pieces. Magnificent digital photographs will be the highlights of Marcia Stewart booth.  Mark Wingertsahn's whimsical clay birdhouses, as well as his functional pottery, are creations of beauty and add a unique touch to the festival.

Four community service booths will be at the 2010 Butternut Creek Festival. Remember to show support by purchasing a homemade goodie or raffle ticket! Community service booths include an annual bake sale by the Union Hospital Auxiliary, quilting demo by the Misty Mountain Quilt Guild, quilt raffle by the Friends of the Union County Library, and the Union County Senior Center Art Class.

2010 Butternut Creek Festival in Union County

The High Country Artisans are in the final stages of preparation for the 12th Annual Butternut Creek Arts & Crafts Festival in Union County. Banners are ready to go up, almost 70 of the finest artists and craftsmen are scheduled, and there is a great entertainment line-up.

One of the most anticipated events in the Southeast, this year's Butternut Creek Festival takes place on Saturday, July 24th and Sunday, July 25th . Look for a fantastic shopping experience, delicious foods, interesting exhibits, toe-tapping music, and friendly faces - all spread out along the shady banks of Butternut Creek in Blairsville, Georgia!

HCA members recently met to discuss last minute details and to review last minute preparations. During the meeting volunteer workers were briefed on various assignments and duties were assigned. Festival committee members reported that everything is on schedule and they are looking forward to the event!

Artist Ted Cooper donates to High Country Artisans in Blairsville, Georgia

Richard Saberton, Photographer Ted Cooper, Deborah Cooper, Ellen Gerber, Mike Smith, and Roger Gerber at Meeks Park Pavilion in Blairsville, Georgia

Well known wildlife photographer Ted Cooper recently donated one of his original wildlife photographic prints to Blairsville's High Country Artisans. The large photograph is printed on canvas and depicts a waterfall with black bear. A handcrafted frame decorated with pine bark and native moss completes the piece.

This beautiful photo print, approximately 3 x 4 foot, will be raffled off at the 12th Annual Butternut Creek Festival on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. It is currently on display at United Community Bank's main office and tickets are available now for $1.00 donations ($5.00 donations receive 7 tickets). This artwork will make a wonderful addition to someone's home or office and is destined to become a treasured heirloom!

Winner need not be present to win but MUST be available by phone from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2010 to make arrangements for pick up OR the next name will be drawn. Winner should claim prize at the pavilion in Meek's Park by 4:00 p.m. that same Sunday since it cannot be shipped.

Tickets are currently on sale at Carol Moore Demme's Gallery on the Main located at 3073 Chevy Drive at Main Street USA in Blairsville, Georgia. Please call (706) 897-7692 for directions. Tickets may also be purchased from HCA members Barbara Cone, Ellen & Roger Gerber, Carol Anne & Gene Harrison, Marilyn Jobe, Linda Karmgard, Sharry Morrison, Dione & Larry Outlaw, Phyllis & Sam Reina, Berta & Richard Saberton, Madeline & Robert Scoda, Judy & Mike Smith, Judy & Robert Snow, Linda Wimmers, Mark Wingertsahn, and Karen & Francis Moates.

Butternut Creek Festival in Blairsville, Georgia is Top 20 Event for 2nd year in a row

The Butternut Creek Festival in Blairsville, Georgia has recently been designated for the 2nd year in a row as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. High Country Artisan Gene Harrison says, "We are excited to get this designation. The best events across the Southeast compete to receive the prestigious Top 20 designation and it means huge exposure for the Butternut Creek Festival."

According to www.southeasttoursim.org, The Southeast Tourism Society represents tourism interests in 12 Southeastern states and speaks with a unified voice on matters of legislation, public policy and the future of the travel industry. The Southeast Tourism Policy Council is the advocacy voice for the Southeast Tourism Society, which is headquartered in Atlanta and whose states stretch from West Virginia to Florida to Louisiana.

Bill Hardman Jr., president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society, says, "Tourism ranks first, second or third as the largest industry in every state in the Southeast. Representing that industry to governmental leaders, particularly in Congress, is the fundamental mission of the policy council."

High Country Artisans Celebrate Christmas

The High Country Artisans recently held a Christmas Party at United Community Bank in Blairsville, Georgia. Eighteen HCA members enjoyed delicious food, fun games, beautiful decorations, and good fellowship.

During the party, guests exchanged handmade Christmas ornaments. Everything from hand carved Santas and stained glass to painted snowflakes and beaded icicles were carefully unwrapped. There were also presents - everyone was watching out for Dirty Santa - he (or she) might just decide to take his pick! It was a night to remember for all that attended.

The High Country Artisans are known for putting on one of the best festivals in the Southeast. The annual Butternut Creek Arts and Crafts festival delights visitors with juried displays and live demonstrations - all along the shady banks of Butternut Creek in Meeks Park, Blairsville, Georgia.

The High Country Artisans would like to wish everyone a wonderful and blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

Butternut Creek Festival 2009

The 11th annual Butternut Creek Festival was a success for vendors and the community. Not just in numbers of visitors and amount of sales, but also in the variety of quality artwork available. Perfect weather (with below normal temperatures for July) also added an extra special atmosphere to the event this year. People were energetically carrying out armloads of purchases including everything from flying metal pigs to fine art landscapes.

Union County 's Butternut Creek Festival is becoming well known throughout the southeast as a great destination. Automobile tags in the main Meeks Park parking lot revealed cars from as far away as New York and Illinois . A visitor from Atlanta said, "We have been coming for five years now and it gets better every year. I always buy a piece of pottery - that's what I collect."

Quality craftsmanship is always the norm at Butternut Creek Festival, but this year standards went up a notch. Top artists and craftsmen are now vying for a spot along Butternut Creek. Not only has the Butternut Creek Festival been named a "Top 20 Event" by the Southeast Tourism Society, it is also becoming known as great place to do a show. Vendors say the people are friendly, security is top notch, the food is delicious, the music is just right, and Blairsville is one of their favorite towns to visit. This is from seasoned vendors (and these folks do a lot of traveling).

The organizers of the event, High Country Artisans, Inc. do a great job of choosing a rounded selection of art and craft vendors (only a limited number are selected each year). Show Chairman Mike Smith says, "As popularity of the festival grows, so does the number of applicants. It gets harder and harder to juror each year."

The Butternut Creek Festival is a true team effort. With only twenty members, the High Country Artisans work hard throughout the year to make sure the two day event is a success. Everything from public relations to booth logistics to booking entertainment is accomplished entirely by these 20 dedicated volunteers.

The High Country Artisans, Inc. would like to extend a special thanks to Commissioner Lamar Paris and the Union County Recreation Department. Without them the Butternut Creek Festival would not be possible.

Thanks also to the High County Artisans, the artists, craftsmen, sponsors, entertainers, food vendors, and visitors for helping make the entire event a fun, safe, and entertaining weekend. High Country Artisans, Inc is a not-for-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

High Country Artists donate to Union County Senior Center

High Country Artisans Ellen Gerber, Madeline Scoda, and Bob Scoda recently presented a check to Union County Senior Center Director Kathy Hill for the Senior Center Art Program. This is the second donation this year.

Artist and volunteer painting instructor Ellen Gerber says, "The seniors love to express themselves through painting and drawing. It is a great way to reduce stress. These generous donations buy necessary supplies to keep the art program going."

Besides cash donations, High Country Artisan, Inc. also donated space in the multi-member tent during the recent 2009 Butternut Creek Festival in Blairsville, Georgia. Union County Senior Center artists had an attractive display of both prints and note cards at the festival.

Paintings, note cards, knitted items, handmade kitchen towels, beaded jewelry, and other quality items are also for sale at the center. All proceeds go directly to fund center activities.

Butternut Creek Festival is Top 20 Event

Gene Harrison, Linda Roberson, Cindy Williams, and Mike Smith with Top 20 Event Certificates

Blairsville's Butternut Creek Festival has recently been designated as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. High Country Artisan Gene Harrison says, "We are excited to get this designation. The best events across the Southeast compete to receive the prestigious Top 20 designation and it means huge exposure for the Butternut Creek Festival."

The Blairsville Union Chamber of Commerce would like to announce that the Blairsville Scottish Festival will again be on the Top 20 list (for the second year in a row). It is an honor for Union County to have two events listed as Top 20 events by such a prestigious organization.

Blairsville's two Top 20 Events join the ranks of some pretty famous festivals. Upcoming this month on Mar. 17 th is the Sixth Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade and Pub Crawl with green fireworks, Celtic music, and the Irish Order of Elvi (Elvis look-alikes). This hilarious event is held at Arkansas ' Hot Springs National Park and attracts people from all over the world.

High Country Artisans donate to Union County Senior Center 's art program

High Country Artisans Group Picture

High Country Artisans' members Ellen Gerber and Bob Scoda recently presented a check to Union County Senior Center Director Kathy Hill. The donation is earmarked for an ongoing art program at the center.

Artist and volunteer painting instructor Ellen Gerber says, "The seniors love to express themselves through painting and drawing. It is a great way to reduce stress. This donation will buy necessary supplies to keep the art program going."

Besides the cash donation, High Country Artisan, Inc. also voted to donate space in the multi-member tent during the upcoming 2009 Butternut Creek Festival. Union County Senior Center artists will be displaying and selling both prints and note cards at this exciting juried event.

Paintings, note cards, knitted items, handmade kitchen towels, beaded jewelry, and other quality items are currently for sale at the center. All proceeds go directly to fund center activities.

High Country Artisans installs new officers for 2009

Ellen Gerber, Mike Smith, Bob Scoda, and Linda Karmgard

The High Country Artisans, Inc. recently held their October meeting in Blairsville, Georgia where officers were installed for the upcoming year. New officers will be Mike Smith President, Linda Karmgard Vice President, Ellen Gerber Secretary, and Bob Scoda Treasurer.

The High Country Artisans currently meet on the 3rd Monday of each month. Meetings are held at the United Community Bank Community Room with a covered dish dinner at 6:00 p.m. and the business meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. The next High Country Artisans meeting will be on November 17, 2008. All artists, craftsmen, and art lovers are welcome.

Annual Butternut Creek Festival Showcases Fine Arts and Crafts

The recent Annual Butternut Creek Festival in Meeks Park was a huge success. The festival showcased many fine artists and craftsmen. Sponsored by the High Country Artisans, the two-day event was well attended and most visitors purchased at least one handcrafted item.

Paintings, pottery, jewelry, baskets, furniture, photography, quilts and sculptures were for sale. There were exhibits and demonstrations throughout the event.

English basket maker, Terry Porter demonstrated his craft by making beautiful large baskets. He keeps the reeds soaking in water to keep them pliable and soft. Gene Harrison demonstrated the art of making leaded glass. His work is detailed and colorful. Jim Watts pleased everyone with his handcrafted oak rockers. Many visitors rested a while then bought a chair to take home. Local artist, Carol Moore Demme displayed her large animal portraits. The life-like paintings are full of intense expression. Chinese artist, Godwin Kou, demonstrated his calligraphy skills. Long lines of people waited for their names to be written in Chinese. His booth was very popular. Local photographer Marcia Stewart had an impressive display of her digital photos including shots of local fauna and flora. She says, "Photography is my passion." Her photographs are works of art.

Approximately sixty artists had their work in booths located along the shady banks of Butternut Creek. Visitors enjoyed good food and music. Many people relaxed and listened to the live bands. The Marshall Platt band, from the Franklin/Asheville area, was exceptional. They had the audience tapping their toes.

The festival featured some of the finest arts and crafts in the southeast. Artists and craftsmen from Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee gathered for the weekend. Visitors, artists, and vendors are already looking forward to next year's Butternut Creek Festival.

Butternut Creek Festival the county's official arts and crafts show

Union County Commissioner Lamar Paris signed a proclamation on July 17, 2008 which made the Butternut Creek Festival the county's official arts and crafts show. Congratulations to all the members of the High Country Artisans for this honor.

High Country Artisans elects new officers for 2008

Butternut Creek Festival coming soon to Blairsville, Georgia

The High Country Artisans, Inc. recently held their September meeting where officers were elected for 2008. New officers will be Gene Harrison President, Linda Karmgard Vice President, Jane Garcia Secretary, and Judy Smith Treasurer.

Larry Garrett, Lamar Paris, Mike Smith, and Gene Harrison at the Pavilion in Meeks Park

Current officers are President David Garcia, Vice President Carol Demme Jones, Secretary Carol Anne Harrison, and Treasurer Judy Smith. They have done a wonderful job during the past year. Their dedication and accomplishments are greatly appreciated.

During the September meeting a raffle was held to replenish the High Country Artisans, Inc. petty-cash funds. Birthday girl, Carol Anne Harrison purchased the winning ticket. She won a beautiful painting by decorative painter, Judy Smith. Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Carol Anne!

Treasurer Judy Smith, Secretary Jane Garcia, President Gene Harrison, and Vice President Linda Karmgard

The High Country Artisans currently meet on the 3rd Monday of each month. Meetings are usually held at the United Community Bank Community Room in Blairsville, Georgia with a covered dish dinner at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. The next High Country Artisans meeting will be on November 19, 2007. All artists, craftsmen, and art lovers are welcome. For more information visit the website at www.butternutcreekfestival.com.