The National Arts and Crafts Conference Schedule

The National Arts and Crafts Conference Schedule
February 18, 2020by Kate Nixon
This week, the 33rd National Arts and Crafts Conference and shows return to Asheville’s own Grove Park Inn, a historic arts and crafts paradise where you’ll find vintage and contemporary designs in furniture, pottery, textiles, metalwork, jewelry, prints and artwork and all the other fields of the Arts and Crafts Movement along with its revival. There’s so much happening this weekend so here’s a master list of all events happening this weekend for attendees and exhibitors!
Wednesday, February 19:

Thursday, February 20:
2:00pm – 5:00pm



Friday, February 21
Exhibitor Final Setup Session
8:00am – 11:00am

No, not the 1895 Biltmore House, but the 1905 Biltmore Industries, which George and Edith Vanderbilt supported. Founded in 1905, Biltmore Industries was one of the longest lasting Arts and Crafts cottage industries, making and carving furniture, bowls, bookends, trays, picture frames, and much more. In 1917 the workshops were moved onto the grounds of the Grove Park Inn, where the Arts and Crafts buildings have been restored as a museum, gallery, cafe, and artisan studios. Step back in time on one of these daily one-hour tours.
One of the most popular aspects of the conference are our daily Small Group Discussions. Here you will have a chance to select a topic to sit down and discuss with other attendees. No advance registration is necessary. These discussions are lead by volunteer attendees.
Arts and Crafts Book Club Discussion

Saturday, February 22

Speaker Ellen Lippert
Seminar: “George Ohr: Sophisticate or Rube?” by Ellen Lippert
9:00am – 10:00am
All Three Selling Shows Open
Noon – 6:00pm
Arts and Crafts Demonstrations
Noon – 6:00pm
Preservation Society House Tour
1:00pm – 5:00pm
and the 1930s. For more information, please visit https://psabc.org/arts-crafts-home-tour/

Special Small Group Discussion: “Behind the Scenes: What Really Goes On at Craftsman Farms” with Vonda Givens, Exec. Director at the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
Walking Tour of Historic Biltmore Industries
Please click here to register for the event:
Gustav Stickley: American Craftsman

Sunday, February 23

Speaker Douglas Keister
This IS a selling show and by Sunday you’ll see plenty of these SOLD signs. You know the old adage, “He who snoozes, loses.” At this show, anyone who hesitates often loses. Sunday of the conference is a hectic day, regardless whether you are in the Antiques Show or the Contemporary Craftsfirms Show, as people realize this is their last opportunity to take advantage of the largest and finest Arts and Crafts show in the country. Our biggest regrets are always those things we didn’t buy…. |
11:00am – 4:00pm
Small Group Discussions