It may not seem that old, but the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community (GSACC) is turning 75 years old this year. And there are at least 75 reasons to visit the GSACC while you’re in the Smokies region. At the top of the list is that this area is home to one of the largest craft communities in the southeastern United States. It’s a community as tight-knit as any small town. Many of the artists and crafts-people can be found on any ole day working in their shops and studios. All of this makes for some of the best arts and craft shopping in Tennessee. Let the GSACC help you with your shopping while providing an educational experience all in one.
Located right outside of Gatlinburg on Glades Road and Buckhorn Road is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. If you follow Highway 321 out of Gatlinburg at traffic light No. 3, you’ll see signs along the way that lead to the GSACC. At Glades Road, you’ll drive until you come upon the galleries and shops aligning both sides of the road. From one room studios to small craft malls, artists of every kind display their wares here. Numbering over 100 crafters and artists today, you’ll probably need to few more trips back to fully take in the ever-growing community.
Most of the people you’ll come across in the stores and galleries are the people that actually produced the crafts and pieces of art. The artists and crafters run their shops. They have studios set up in the shops and you will get to watch them actually working on the arts and crafts. You will be able to speak to them, ask questions and discover the joy they have in their passion: their art.
If you ever make it over to take in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, you’ll be amazed at the variety of arts and crafts available for purchase, as well as overall. This is a community that has grown to over 100 crafters and each bring their own style and flare to the crafts they produce. From wood carving and jewelry design, to basket making and leather working, it’s all a part of this community. Also represented are such talents as wood art, painting, textile artists, photography and much much more. If shopping is more of your cup of tea, you won’t find a better place in the Smoky Mountains to spend your hard-earned money than here. Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for that hard-to-please friend or family member? You’re sure to find something unique at the GSACC.
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is one of those places that you always mark on your calendar when you’re back in town. It’s a return trip “must do”. The access to 100s of crafters and artists that make up the community that is located right on the outskirts of Gatlinburg is unlike anywhere else. It’s a true, one-of-a-kind shopping experience in a picturesque setting. If anything, put a star next to the GSACC on your map of Gatlinburg and make sure that your return trip is clearly marked and visible.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
http://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/