Conference Schedule

Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society Mad Hatter's Gala and Auction

Wednesday, February 16th, 2022

Pipe & Drape and Table Setup

8:00am – 8:00pm

This is an early arrival day for many of the exhibitors and attendees. If you have never had the opportunity to explore funky downtown Asheville, tour the famous 1895 Biltmore House and Estate, taste our award-winning craft breweries, drive the winding Blue Ridge Parkway, walk our Arts and Crafts neighborhoods, or soak in the world-class Omni Grove Park Inn Spa, you should consider coming early and making this a real vacation.

The Omni Grove Park Inn is again extending a special Arts and Crafts Conference discounted rate of $152.00 per night for unlimited nights before and after the Friday and Saturday nights Weekend Conference Package, so take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to stay at the country’s most famous Arts and Crafts resort hotel. See our registration page for details.

Thursday, February 17th

Exhibitor First Setup Session

8:00am – 7:00pm

With more than 115 exhibitors — including antiques dealers, contemporary craftsfirms, magazines, non-profits, historic sites, and book publishers — it takes nearly two days to get every truck and van unloaded and every booth filled to the brim with the best the Arts and Crafts movement has to offer. But by 1:00pm on Friday, they will all be ready for you.

Pre-Conference Workshops

Part One: Thursday, February 17th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Part Two: Friday, February 18th from 8:00am to 11:00am

Each year we offer a series of hands-on workshops for those of you who have arrived early. These are limited in size and the classes fill up quickly. Pre-Conference Workshops are not included in the Conference Events Pass registration fee and require a separate sign up process. To sign up, please call the office of the National Arts and Crafts Conference at (828) 628-1915.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Please call the office of the National Arts and Crafts Conference at (828) 628-1915 to sign up for the workshop of your choice. Have the names of the registrants and a credit card ready.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

Arts & Crafts Embroidery (Part One)

with Natalie Richards

Registration Fee: $200.00

2:00pm – 5:00pm

The “Coppersmithing with Frank Glapa” and “Printmaking with Laura Wilder” workshops have been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to their return in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the Pre-Conference Workshops

The Craftsman Reception – cancelled for 2022

From the Stickley Museum:

“After much consideration, we have decided to cancel this year’s party that was originally scheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2022. However, the Kickoff Party is a highlight of the museum’s annual event calendar, and we look forward to its return in 2023.”

Friday, February 18th

Exhibitor Final Setup Session

8:00am – 1:00pm

While you are enjoying breakfast, attending a hands-on workshop, exploring Asheville, or sitting in on a Small Group Discussion, our exhibitors will be putting the finishing touches on their booths in anticipation of the 1:00pm opening.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

Session #2

Arts & Crafts Embroidery (Part Two)

with Natalie Richards

8:00am – 11:00am

The Small Art Metal Project (One day only)

with Ron VanOstrand is sold out for 2022.

Click here to learn more about the Pre-Conference Workshops

Walking Tours of the Historic Grove Park Inn

Hourly Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Join a GPI historian for an informative 45-minute walking tour that will take you to places you might not have found on your own, and will provide you with fascintaing stories about the famous — and infamous — guests, from Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald to presidents from FDR to Obama. A tour not to be missed!

Walking Tours of the Historic Biltmore Industries

Friday 10:00 – 11:00am

(Repeats on Saturday and Sunday.)

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.

Small Group Discussions: Session #1

Friday 11:00am – Noon

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.

Click here to see a list of the Small Group Discussion Sessions

All Three Selling Shows Open

Friday 1:00 – 6:00pm

This will be your first opportunity to see and add to your collection some of the finest antiques and new works in the Arts and Crafts style. Our exhibitors save their best pieces for this weekend, so take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity. A complete list of exhibitors is included here.

Silent Auction: First Session

Friday 1:00 – 6:00pm

Known as the largest and finest Arts and Crafts silent auction, this two-day event serves as a fund-raiser for the non-profit Arts and Crafts Research Fund. Have something to donate for a tax deduction? Contact us using this form.

Arts and Crafts Demonstrations

2:00 – 6:00pm

(Repeat on Saturday and Sunday.)

“Limbert Furniture Designs: From Ebon-Oak to Spade Cutouts and More”

by David Van Epps

It has been said that the furniture of Charles Limbert is Arts & Crafts furniture “that has gone to finishing school in Europe.” Such an observation gives rise to the query as to what that ‘educated furniture’ was all about. In these 20-minute sessions, attendees can expect to learn about the design elements of Limbert’s furniture that were unique among the Arts & Crafts masters of the period and were influenced by his travels in Europe. Photos and actual samples will be used to illustrate the design features.

David has been a collector and builder of Arts & Crafts style furniture for more than 50 years. He has spent many hours researching the history, construction techniques, and design elements of the period, with special emphasis on his particular passion, the “Holland Dutch Arts & Crafts” furniture of Charles Limbert. There will be time for your questions and informal discussion at each session.

“The Art & Craft of Stained Glass”

by Dianne Lee

A stained glass skylight installed in the historic elevators in the GPI. Photo courtesy of Dianne Lee.

Stained glass artist Dianne Lee, a former GPI exhibitor, will demonstrate design processes similar to what were used during the Arts and Crafts era, such as cutting and foiling using a copper foil project. The leaded glass method will also be covered. Dianne will share with you her experience in integrating both new and vintage stained glass into your home.

Arts and Crafts Book Club Discussion

Friday 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Led by Pat Bartinique

“Making Magic: The Marion Mahony Griffin Story”

by Glenda Korporaal

Click here for more information about the Conference Book Club

FRIDAY SEMINARS

OPENING NIGHT

8:00 – 8:15pm

Opening Remarks by Bruce Johnson

Seminar #1

8:15 – 9:00pm

“From Victoria to Bauhaus: The Evolution of Arts & Crafts Design”

by Andre Chaves

Seminar #2

9:00 – 9:50pm

“The Tragic Life of Juanita Gonzales: Newcomb Pottery Visionary”

by Tom Folk

Click here to learn more about the Seminar speakers

Saturday, February 19th

SATURDAY SEMINARS

Seminar #3

9:00am – 10:00am

“Working in the Shadows:

The Surprising Life of Albert Stickley”

by Jill Thomas-Clark

Seminar #4

10:00am – 11:00am

“The Dignity of Labor:

African-American Connections to the Arts & Crafts Movement”