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Arts and Crafts in the Smoky Mountains
Over 2 ½ million visitors pour through Gatlinburg, TN (population 3,382) every year on their way to the Great Smoky Mountains Park in eastern Tennessee. With over 512,000 acres of beautiful wilderness and mountains, that park has been a jewel since it was established in 1934.

One of the best ideas I saw in Gatlinburg was the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. The local chamber of commerce boasts its eight mile long loop on the outskirts of Gatlinburg as "The largest concentration of independent artisans in North America creates pottery, jewelry, wood carvings and artwork daily." The effort started in 1937 when special maps showing the artists' home studio locations were published.

In 1978, twenty-eight original members officially formed the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community along the trail. Today the community has grown to over 100 artists. Only four of the original 28 are still there and I visited with one of them, Judy Bailey, who is also the current president of the community. She started Gatlinburg Ceramics (www.gatlinburgceramics.com) in 1973.

Efforts like the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community make a lot of sense for other communities to copy. Similar organizations exist across the country, including Handmade in America and Appalachian by Design. These organizations can be an economic development tool for fostering new entrepreneurs, help to create a special "sense of place", and can act as a catalyst to entice more visitors to a town. Do you know the artisans in your area? Do they know each other? What would the impact be to them and your community if you all worked together promoting their craft?

Next week I'll look at communities building their arts industry by focusing on artist relocation.

The Blog Log
Visit my weblog to see where I've been and what I learned along the way. This week I blogged on generosity in the heartland, the amazing action in Wimbledon, ND, and a gem in PA as well as several other topics. www.boomtowninstitute.com

On the Road Again
In addition to my travel blog I'll list my upcoming engagements in each issue of The Agurban. Come see me when I'm in your neighborhood!