Folk Art Center Demo Session & Summer Craft Fair

A very hot July found me mostly indoors enjoying a 5-day demo session at the Folk Art Center and our annual Summer Craft Fair at the Harrah’s Cherokee Convention Center in downtown Asheville. My booth in the atrium by the front entrance was the perfect spot to greet visitors and share Guild insights—including membership, our permanent collection, and exhibit spaces—whenever someone told me it was their first visit.

My “Homage to Heritage Lace” canvases (see May Musings) were still in the Focus Gallery, so I created a small 10” square canvas to display among ladies’ wraps worked in heritage techniques. It sparked many conversations and invited visitors to explore my larger pieces. Now that exhibit has closed, and the two smaller “Quarter Turn” squares will remain on display while the larger works return to the market.

The July demo was lively, and the weekend bustle felt like old times—before Covid and Hurricane Helene. People are making an effort to find us on the Blue Ridge Parkway (despite GPS), and I truly appreciate every special trip. Two weeks later, our Guild’s Summer Craft Show at Harrah’s showcased 100+ members. The first day was slow, but the weekend crowds made up for it, with special zones for emerging artists and membership inquiries, plus live music that gave the hall a festive vibe.

As always, I volunteered for lunch relief, then hosted the Educational Outreach booth to answer questions about Guild membership and teaching centers. The camaraderie of fellow artists and our catered Saturday dinner always makes the show extra special.

Studio Refresh & Upcoming Demo

Back in my cool studio, I replenished lace gloves, Tunisian lace scarves, and thread lace baby items ahead of my next demo August 14^th–17^th. I also restored a lovely vintage wedding hankie—light and small items are perfect for hot summer days. While estimates remain out, I’m grateful for time to create my own pieces before fall and the holidays.

Music & Memories

This last week, my musical friends and I enjoyed the annual Brevard Summer Music Festival, including a stellar production of Mozart’s Magic Flute—a show I last saw in Salzburg as a teenager. Next up is An Evening of Operetta, stirring memories of European childhood: the theater, ballet, and opera that shaped my love of heritage arts.

And, as always in my birthday month, I’ll treat myself to a massage, movies (hello, Jurassic Park: Rebirth), and of course—more music!

Have a happy August and stay cool!

“I do what I love and I love what I do.”

– Rita de Maintenon