Art on the Quiet and Creative Side of the Smokies

Townsend Artisan Guild 

While taking a walk on a gorgeous fall day just outside the Smokey National Park in Townsend, Tennessee, U.S.A., I stumbled across Townsend Artisan Guild.   The Townsend Artisan Guild was founded in 2007 for fine artists and fine crafts persons from East Tennessee to promote education, exploration, awareness, and development of arts.

 The group strives to promote community interest in and appreciation of the arts through participation in events, demonstrations, classes, festivals, and workshops.  I noticed the sign and several Halloween displays outside.  This eye catching witch from the Wizard of Oz was created by a local 3rd grade class and a perfect example of their community outreach.

Artistic expression of local 3rd class

another part of inside of artisan guild

Once inside, I was welcomed by one of the artists. We chatted about our backgrounds.  I mentioned that I made beads and jewelry and she made art with paper mache.  I was invited to take a behind the scenes tour.  I was warned that they were only opened recently and everything was not on display yet or ready for public view.  I snapped at the opportunity. 

Artisit's dogs

Lots of us have studio pets.  I for one have 3 cats.

Artist working with paints and wax.

The next artist that I met was working with paint and wax and she had her 2 dogs / studio pets at her feet.   I love how she has tin buckets of brushes on the shelving in back of her.  I was surprised that her work area was so neat. Beaders like myself usually have piles of beads on their work table and lots of stuff spilling all over.  I would never let anyone see my work area without extensive advance notice.  They would be certain I was a crazy cat lady.

Felted jacket being worked on

I was delighted to see there were numerous fiber artists there. Even though I am not a fiber artist,  I frequent fiber artist Sandra Sapienza's NeedleArts Adventure Retreats which are held twice a year and attended by many well know fiber artists.  I am always amazed at what these artists create.  

More fiber art 

Isn't this a beauty!

Work area of Silk Scarf Painter

Again, I am amazed at how neat and organized these talented artists are.  Maybe there is a lesson here for beaders like myself.  This work area is used by an artist that paints on silk.  I took notice of the paints for the silks lined up together in one spot and how tidy everything is.  The scarves were breath taking.  I loved the vibrant colors and scenes on them.

I couldn't leave without buying something.  I loved it all but what would a beader buy but a necklace!  I just had to have a bear necklace made by my tour guide and paper mache artist Sharon Webb.

Of course, I have 2 bear necklaces for sale in my Etsy store.  

Chunky Bear Necklace by Bay Moon Design

This turquoise bear necklace has a very handsome and strong looking ceramic bear focal by ceramic artist Moriah Betterly. I created a leather and chain necklace using turquoise Irish waxed linen thread to add to the Southwest colors in the bear. The long necklace is 28 inches around and the bear is 2 inches long and 3 inches wide and is available for purchasse HERE.

Brown Bear Necklace by Bay Moon Design

This brown bear necklace is a one of a kind handmade chunky wood statement necklace. This necklace has a very handsome and strong looking ceramic bear focal by ceramic artist Moriah Betterly. I created a multi strand necklace with one strand made with large linked natural brass chain and the other with red Irish waxed linen thread. The brownish red and subtle yellow beads are vintage chunky wood beads. Reddish green Greek ceramic beads were added to give the wooden necklace more color. I added a bronze leaf clasp to add to the woodsy theme of the animal totem necklace. It is also available for purchase HERE.

If you are in the area next Sat. Oct. 24, 2015, stop by Cades Cove Winery in Townsend, TN for the Townsend Artisan Guild  exhibit where lots of these goodies will be on sale.  Also, sample some Cades  Cove Wines.  Blackberry is my favorite.


By the way, I spotted 2 bears in Cades Cove!