Staff Report
The Arts Center in Athens, Tenn., will present its sixth annual Holiday Trunk Show this weekend, opening with a preview party tonight, Nov. 20.
The indoor exhibition and sale of fine art, crafts and handmade gifts from local and regional artisans continues through Saturday, Nov. 22, the same day as the Old-Fashioned Downtown Christmas festival sponsored by the Athens Downtown Business Association.
During the festival, set for 3-8 p.m., downtown shops are open and the downtown square is the center of activity. The Arts Center, two blocks from the square, will be open late, giving visitors a chance to come in from the cold to shop for unique handmade items while carolers entertain.
The artists and crafters participating in the Holiday Trunk Show this year include new and returning exhibitors, offering items for every budget. New booths include original art, functional art and embroidered boots by Art Shop (Julie Jack and Jerry Hagaman); handmade jewelry and woven baskets by Jennifer Dyer; functional and decorative graffiti art by Jordan Hart; wood and clay creations by Dave & Gaile Hickman; recycled "eco" jewelry by Donna McKee; and handcrafted glass jewelry by Mary Whittle.
Returning booths include wire-wrapped and copper jewelry by Howlin' Wolf (McRae Williams); scented goat milk soaps, lotions and other items by Dixie Soaps (Bill and Becky Ensinger); cards, ornaments and letterpress items by Mountain Girl Cards (Amanda Haun); art gourds by the Whimsical Gourd Patch (Sue Hicks); knitted and felted textiles by Tone Haugen-Cogburn; wire wrapped and hammered gemstone jewelry by JAly Designs (Jennifer Aly); signature steampunk and found-object jewelry by Jessica Klaaren Jewelry; rustic centerpieces, birdhouses and holiday décor crafted from natural wood by Walnut Stump Arts (April Greer); hand-quilted purses, pillows, wall hangings, gifts and greeting cards by Jackie Cory; and stained glass by Billie Stevens.
Tonight's preview party, hosted by Athens Area Council for the Arts volunteers, features early shopping privileges, refreshments, door prizes provided by the artists and entertainment by guitarist Oneta Wright. Hours are 6:30 to 8 p.m., and admission is $5 or a donation of nonperishable food items. Tickets are available today at The Arts Center, 320 N. White St., or at the door.
Other shopping hours are admission-free: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.
For more information, go to www.athensartscouncil.org or call 423-745-8781.