Hi all, Got back Saturday from a 2 week, 2000+ miles road trip. Went up through Arkansas via I-30; had ribs at the Blues City Cafe in Memphis, and SWMBO shopped Beale street. On to Nashville for the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Parthenon, and the Grand Ole Opry. On up thru Knoxville to Bristol and then to the main course- the Blue Ridge Parkway down to Asheville, NC. On the Parkway were 2 stores operated by/for the Southern Highlands Craft Guild. They had all manner of crafts there (fabric, pottery, flat woodwork, woven basketry and some very nice wood turning pieces). The Guild was a product of several craft schools like Arrowmont, Penland, Berea College and others. They sell Guild members pieces and support the schools. I was wondering if any of the regulars on this NG are members of this guild?
After Asheville, we went over to Pidgeon Forge and Gatlinburg. What a change from when I was last there 40+ years ago! Another Branson, Mo., in the Tennessee hills! We spent some time at Arrowmont and Arrowcraft. Arrowcraft store is also a member of the craft guild, so they had a good selection of turned pieces. Next door is Arrowmont school. They were between classes the week we were there, but the gallery was open. The number of pieces there was not like at an AAW instant gallery, but the quality was outstanding! John Jordan, David Ellsworth, Rude Osolnik, and so many other well known turners had great examples of their work there. The new fall schedule has been published with 4 turning classes that I'll address in a separate post. After that stop, all that was left to see was the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Desoto Falls State Park, Little River Canyon (deepest canyon in eastern US) State Park in Alabama, then on back to Texas via I-59 across Miss., then I-10 back to Texas.
I was relieved to log on here when I gat back and fouond out that Arch had been located, and NOT been blown away by a hurricane! Vacations are always a blast, but it's also good to be back home. Now next year .............
Ken Moon Webberville, TX.