4th Annual Trade Fair

By Jubilee P. Reid

The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum is preparing to host its 4^th Annual Living Legacy Trade Fair. Sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission, the C. Scott & Muriel S. Mayfield Family Foundation, and the Hugh M. Willson Family Foundation, this free event will be open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, August 22^nd and Saturday, August 23^rd.

At this year’s fair, more than 30 local artisans will be demonstrating an assortment of skills including woodworking, Japanese sashiko embroidery, clay bead making, spinning, weaving, coffee roasting, brass spoon making, basketmaking, pottery, lampwork, and blacksmithing. Other demonstrations will include black and white photography, cornhusk dollmaking, honeybees, Revolutionary War reenacting, and antique hit-and-miss engines.

Older children and adults can participate in a variety of short classes held on both days of the fair in which visitors can learn about cheesemaking, cooking fry bread, and about cooking with mushrooms and fresh herbs. E.G. Fisher Public Library and a tie-dye artist will be demonstrating crafts in which younger children can participate.

Among this year’s artisans is silhouette artist Chris Casey, returning to the fair for the second time. Visitors who would like a silhouette made should register for a time slot on Friday or Saturday using the Eventbrite link available on the museum’s website. For $35, visitors can have a custom silhouette skillfully cut from high quality paper using surgical scissors and framed for an additional fee. Chris Casey is one of very few silhouette artists in the United States and learned this unique skill from his father. He can create silhouettes of children of any age including babies. This centuries-old portrait form makes wonderful family keepsakes.

A king-size quilt, skillfully pieced and quilted by members of the Heritage Quilt Guild of McMinn County, will be displayed at the museum during the Trade Fair. This fall-colored quilt features a variety of traditional quilt blocks. Visitors can purchase tickets for an opportunity to win this quilt for $2 apiece or $5 for three tickets. The drawing will be held on December 2^nd, and the quilt can be mailed to an out-of-town winner. All proceeds from the drawing benefit the guild which donates quilts to multiple charities.

The Living Legacy Trade Fair has been a museum tradition for four years now and attracts approximately 700 visitors over the weekend each year. Many of the vendors will have handmade wares available for sale as unique gifts or a local touch to your own home décor. This fair is an excellent opportunity for adults and children alike to learn about many historic skills kept alive by local craftworkers. There will be something to interest visitors of every age. Come by the museum on the 22^nd or 23^rd to enjoy a fun afternoon while supporting local artisans and the museum!