COSBY TN - "2005 was a good year, we got a lot accomplished." Says Doug Bittinger, President of Treasures Of Appalachia, Inc. "We finally got our driveway and parking area put in so customers have convenient access to the gallery, we have a big roadside sign up to help people find us, we purchased an 18 foot by 30 foot tent that will offer shelter for our workshops and band performances, we are officially incorporated with the state of Tennessee as a non-profit corporation and are in the final stages of acquiring 501c(3) status with the federal government, and Marie has succeeded in finding us another grant."
"There are a lot of people we need to thank." Says Vice President Len Landrum, "Rick Faust of Faust Screen Designs in Newport for all his help in getting the sign built and installed, Maria and John Holloway for their patience and support as our land lords, Donnie Hartzog of Power House Ministries for loaning us his sound equipment, and David Popiel and his staff at The Plain Talk newspaper for their ongoing support in helping us get the word out about Treasures and what we're trying to accomplish."
Treasurer Varena Landrum continues, "And we couldn't do any of this without the help of Pat Trautman, Jo Freshour, Lynn Andersen, Joyce Jones and Bill & Pam Knudson who volunteer their time as shopkeepers. Doug, Marie, Len and I all have full time jobs to attend to as well as overseeing the operations of Treasures, there's no way we could keep the gallery doors open 6 days a week without their generous support."
"We'd also like to thank the Cocke County Partnership," says Secretary Marie Bittinger, "and the Tourism Department especially, for their help and support. Tourism Director Linda Lewanski recently helped us get an A.B.C. (Art Builds Communities) grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission that will help pay the expenses of our first show next year."
The Treasures of Appalachia Art & Craft Gathering schedule for 2006 is:
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Pickn' Plantn' & Plown' - May 12th & 13th. This show will be a welcome back party for spring and focus on plants and flowers. Old time mountain music will be performed live and there will be a variety of workshops and demonstrations on the use of botanicals in cooking and household items like soaps, salves and decorations.
Red White & Bluegrass - July 7th & 8th is a celebration of Independence Day. Planned events include a bluegrass talent contest and a drawing for free white water rafting trips.
Apple Pickn' Days - September 8th & 9th. This gathering will again feature an Apple Pie Baking Contest judged by celebrity cooks, with the proceeds going to a local charity. (there is a rumor that TV chef Tyler Florence has agreed to be the lead judge this year)
Knife Makers Rendezvous - October 7th. A gathering of the regions finest Bladesmiths, giving demonstrations and hands-on workshops of their art, including forging metal, shaping and polishing, heat treating and decorative techniques. The highlight of the event will be a Cutting Competition where attending knife makers show off the awesome abilities of their best blades.
All Art & Craft Gatherings are free to the public, with free parking. All workshops are free to the public but because of limited seating, pre-registration will be required. The Knife Makers Youth Workshop (conducted by an American Bladesmith Society member) will be open to children 10 years of age and older but a parent must be present. Details about upcoming shows and workshops will be provided through this newspaper and on the Treasures of Appalachia web site.
Non-Discrimination Statement:
Treasures of Appalachia stands committed to providing all participants an educational opportunity free of
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discrimination. Not only to comply with local, state and federal laws but also to provide an educationally desirable environment. Treasures Of Appalachia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities. In addition, discriminatory harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability is illegal conduct that will not be tolerated.
Treasures of Appalachia is a non-profit Art & Craft Gallery that offers the works of over 40 Cocke County artisans. Everything in the store is locally made, and hand crafted. They also host Art & Craft Gatherings that are open to all artists, crafters, and performers. You may reach the gallery at (423) 487-3111 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Or you may contact Len and Varena Landrum at (423) 487-5448 or Doug & Marie Bittinger at (423) 623-9692 or log onto www.TreasuresOfAppalachia.com.
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