Rotary’s Art & Craft Show

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: June 2024

Mountaintop Rotary’s Art and Craft Show will be held on June 29 and 30 and again on August 24 and 25 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street in Highlands. Hours are from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Saturday and 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. on Sunday.

This two-day event sets a new standard for art festivals with over 118 of the most respected and sought-after artisans from throughout the southeast and beyond, a testament to its broad appeal.

Serious collectors adding to their collections will find just what they’re looking for. Many return year after year to see their favorite craftsmen’s new offerings. The merely curious will find themselves realizing what they’ve been missing all these years.

To the delight of many visitors, there are always several local artisans represented as well. One such vendor is local photographer Larry Brannon of Level Four Images. Larry has been attending this show since its inception 19 years ago when a few artisans gathered under umbrellas in Village Square. His photographs capture the heart and soul of Highlands and at 90 years old he still can be seen out and about in the area capturing that perfect moment. Don’t miss a chance to stop by and share a few stories with him. As he says, “this show is all about the interaction with people.”

Darren and Michelle Gillett of Scaly Mountain Crafters enjoy bringing a sampling of the items they carry from local artisans in their brick-and-mortar store at 8106 Dillard Road, as well as their own hand-turned wood items including pens, bowls, and kitchen utensils. They are proud to provide a space for 108 local artists to display their work and love the opportunity to bring a sampling to this event. A portion of all their sales, at this show and in their store, are donated to local programs addressing food insecurity.

Children will enjoy the kid’s zone from 1:00-4:00 P.M. each day, featuring face painting and the Teddy Bear Hospital hosted by Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. This clinic for sick bears is staffed with medical personnel who provide children with bears and help them diagnose and treat the bear’s boo-boos. The hospital provides every child with a bear to treat and keep.

Also featured each afternoon from 1:00 until 4:00 P.M. is bluegrass music by Nitrograss. These bluegrass superheroes feature two-time national champion banjo player Charles Wood, whose blistering banjo lays the foundation of this group’s sound.

The event is free, but donations are accepted and encouraged as it is Mountaintop Rotary’s largest fundraiser and allows the club to achieve its goals of helping families and children in need, both locally and internationally. Each weekend also features a Silent Auction with generous donations from the artisans in attendance as well as from our community.

For more information on the show, visit highlandsartshow.com or visit their Facebook page for the latest updates.