Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Calls for Artists

With a quest to flush out the "Hidden Artists," ColorFest is moving ahead with plans for a unique fine arts festival in Dillsboro, Jackson County, NC in 2012. One goal is to find those artists  hidden back in the coves of the Appalachian Mountains and provide a venue for  their work at ColorFest on October 6, 2012.
ColorFest, Art & Taste of Appalachia (Formerly, ColorFest, Art of the Blue Ridge) plans to change the unique historical town of Dillsboro into a Paris-like setting with fine artists painting at easels under colorful umbrellas along the main streets. Fest visitors will  watch as images come alive with splashes of color on each artist’s canvas.

Happening this year on October 6 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, ColorFest is a feast for the eyes, ears and taste buds. Along with artwork in the medias of painting, sculpture, glass art, clay, fiber art, canning, fine art jewelry, wearable art, outdoor art, fine pottery, ceramics and wood working there will be live demonstrations. Music by local musicians will compliment the picturesque scene. North Carolina produced foods will be available for tasting and NC authors signing their books.  Restaurants and small shops will be open to serve the festival crowd throughout the day.

Prior to the Fest, selected artists will have the opportunity to display works in the windows of shops in Dillsboro from September 6 to October 6. The Window Display is designed to enhance interest in ColorFest as well as individual artists.  A  kick-off reception will be held at the Jarret House.

Other ColorFest events will include the "Young Artists of ColorFest" creative and mural painting workshops and other artists demonstrations throughout the month. The Young Artists of ColorFest workshops will encourage youth ages 6- 18 years to participate.

ColorFest is open to both professional and emerging artists, so if you’re a fine artist and would like to join in the fun of ColorFest, go to spiritofappalachia.org and return the application promptly. The number of artists accepted is limited to 40.