THE CAT: Always Prominent in Most Fair Posters

Fine Craft, Fine Art, Fine Fair
 
*THIS SUMMER IN BILTMORE VILLAGE the 36th Annual Village Art & Craft Fair Was A Success

The 36th Annual Village Art & Craft Fair was a success, said a number of the artists and artisans.


SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: From hard to soft. * Belzak/Mediabear

Although the overall number of attendees were down from the previous year, the new and seasoned participants were glad they came and set up shop.

"It's one of the best festivals anywhere," said Karen of Pets For Keeps, located on Long Shoals Road near T.C. Roberson High School in South Asheville.

In fact, this year's fair, held August 2 and 3, 2008, was one of the nicest ever -- and for all the right reasons.


GABRIEL SHAFFER: Glad to be included in the 36th annual Village Art and Craft Fair. FYI: Shaffer goes solo at his next show, Sept. 12, 2008, at Satellite Gallery on Broadway in Downtown Asheville. * Photo: Byron Belzak / Mediabear

Great artists. Great artisans.

Wonderful setting. Wonderful weather.


36TH ANNUAL FAIR: Tents galore * Belzak/Mediabear

Not overly crowded. Not oversold.


ROBERT GRIFFIS RODENBERGER: His first year, and glad to be there. * Belzak/Mediabear

Someone new.


JEFF PITTMAN: One of Asheville's finest and most popular. * Belzak/Mediabear

Someone established.


Biltmore Village: A popular store * Belzak/Mediabear

Even the storekeepers within Biltmore Village enjoy the annual fair crowds. 


ALL SOULS: Everyone benefited at the fair, including those who loved the homemade cakes and bread, which helped raise money for All Souls church. * Belzak/Mediabear

The 36th annual Village Art and Craft Fair was just right -- truly, a taste of heaven.


PRETTY PURSES: Once Upon A Time Productions by Denise Meyers * Belzak/Mediabear

The artisans and artists set up their wonderful wares.


HANDCRAFTED POTTERY: Always a fair favorite * Belzak/Mediabear

The weather obligated, gorgeously, except for one, quick downpour at the end of the day on Saturday.


FINDING THAT SOMETHING: At Gabriel Shaffer's booth * Belzak/Mediabear.com

The crowds came. The crowds bought.


DENISE MEYERS: Bagging appreciative art-and-craft seekers * Belzak/Mediabear

The artisans and artists were pleased.

Old-timers, who never miss the annual fair found, that there was, as always, something new to be enjoyed.

The fair, founded by John Cram, owner of the New Morning Gallery, which is located in Biltmore Village, always attracts the finest creatives.

The works that they bring always has an freshness, an aliveness, oftentimes a playfulness about it.

Many participating artists consider it to be of considerable honor to be selected. It is well known that the show has a high-bar requirement and is truly a juried show. And understandably so. The fair draws from the South's finest artists and artisans.

The 36th annual fair was held on Sat., Aug. 2 and Sun., Aug. 3, 2008, on the grounds of All Souls church within Biltmore Village.

Biltmore Village is situated across the street from the famous Biltmore Estate, which is located just south of Downtown Asheville.

As every year, the fair itself and the parking are free to the public.

As always, this year's fair logo featured a cat in the always redesigned logo.

For those who missed this year's fair, there will be another: the 37th annual Village Art and Craft Fair, schuduled for early August, 2009.

The wait, as always, will be worth it.


BIG PHOTOGRAPHY: Great views, great value. * Belzak/Mediabear

Because there's always something new and different at a Village Art and Craft Fair. 

And, of course, that's what keeps the seekers of one-of-a-kind handcrafted works coming back year after year after 36th year.

For posters, tee-shirts and more about the 36th annual fair, Click Here>

For more info about New Morning Gallery, which is owned by John Cram, the founder and ongoing organizer of the fair, Click Here>