For the third year, Ripley's Aquarium and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts have joined forces with the city of Gatlinburg to host the annual Fine Arts Festival May 19-20.
The festival is one of several events scheduled for that week-end in Sevier County, held on the same week-end as the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games, Sevierville's Bloomin BBQ and Bluegrass and the Robert F. Thomas Foundation benefit Concert featuring Dolly Parton, it may seem like there’s to much to do and not enough time to do it. But arts festival organizers say their event compliments the others.
The Fine Arts Festival began three years ago when Ripley’s president Bob Masterson thought such an event would be good for the area.
“We were trying to attract more clientele into the city of Gatlinburg,” said Steve File, general manager of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. “We thought a fine arts festival would be a good way to do it.”
Dozens will be in tents on River Road. Staff will begin setting up the tents when the city closes River Road at 2 a.m. the Saturday the festival begins. Tents should be in place by 6 a.m., giving the artist four hours to arrange artwork in their tents before the festival’s opening at 10 a.m. The festival will be open until 8 p.m. on that first day and continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20.
File thanked the city for its assistance with the event and to business owners on River Road who support their efforts. In its promotional materials, File said Ripley’s makes a point to identify the businesses on River Road so visitors know those shops will be open during the two-day event.
So visitors will know where they are going when they come to the festival, maps will be made available.
Along with the artist, there will be a child’s area, musicians and food vendors.
Before the festival kicks off, Ripley’s will host a reception Friday where the artist will meet the public. The Night with the Artist Gala will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., May 18. Tickets are $50 and are available at Gatlinburg area banks and the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce.
Proceeds from the Fine Arts Festival benefit Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and the Sevier County Arts and Council. Admission to the Fine Arts Festival is free. Use of the trolley system is encouraged, with free parking available at the Gatlinburg Visitor’s Center and City Hall.
It's nice to see someone talking about what's going on around Pigeon Forge; thanks for keeping us updated!