Conference Schedule

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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”

by Elaine Pinson

Arts and Crafts Demonstrations

Saturday 12:00pm – 6:00pm
(Repeats on Sunday.)


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

by David Van Epps

“The Art & Craft of Stained Glass”

by Dianne Lee

Historic House Tour

A Fundraiser for the Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Saturday  1:00 – 5:00pm

last bus will leave at 3:30

(Repeats on Sunday.)

The Preservation Society of Asheville is pleased to offer a number of unique historic homes for this year’s Arts & Crafts Conference house tour. All proceeds go to the Preservation Society to fund their efforts to protect and preserve Asheville and Buncombe County’s architectural heritage. All of the homes are located in the National Register listed Grove Park, a neighborhood featuring multiple homes that are examples of design principles and construction practices of the early 20th century, including those of the Arts & Crafts movement.

Click here to find out more information about the Preservation Society’s Historic House Tour

Silent Auction:  Second and Final Session

Saturday  12:00pm – 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 the form below.

Walking Tours of the Historic Biltmore Industries

Saturday  3:00pm – 4:00pm 

(Repeats Sunday.)

Founded in 1905 and supported by George and Edith Vanderbilt, Biltmore Industries was one of the longest lasting Arts and Crafts cottage industries, making and carving furniture, bowls, bookends, trays, picture frames, and 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.

Arts and Crafts Book (and Movie) Club Discussion

**UPDATED TIME**  Saturday  2:00pm – 3:00pm

Led by Pat Bartinique

“The Three Gatsbys: Two Movies and a Book”

Small Group Discussions: Session #2

Saturday  4:30pm – 5:30pm

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.

Asheville Art Museum Event

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Behind the Scenes: Walter B. Stephen and William Waldo Dodge Jr.

The Asheville Art Museum has the largest public collection of William Waldo Dodge’s sterling silver bowls, trays, and presentation pieces and of Pisgah Forest Pottery’s glazed, decorated, and crystalline vases and bowls — and attendees of the National Arts and Crafts Conference are being offered an exclusive look at this new exhibit. The cost is $25 and includes admission to the entire museum at any time during the day. A special private tour of the upcoming exhibit “Useful and Beautiful: Silvercraft by William Waldo Dodge” and a current exhibit “Walter B. Stephen Pottery: Cameo to Crystalline” is offered on Saturday, February 19th starting at 4:00pm. To register, go to AshevilleArt.org or call (828) 253-3227, ext. 124 or click HERE.

Saturday Night Movie

8:00pm – 9:30pm

“The Indomitable Teddy Roosevelt”

The award-winning film combines early film footage, meticulous recreations, and the music by John Philip Sousa to create a spectacular visual experience. Free admission provided by the non-profit Arts & Crafts Research Fund.

Sunday, February 20th

SUNDAY SEMINARS

Seminar #5    

9:00am – 10:00am

“When Art and Craft Meet Technology: Rookwood in the 1920s”

by Riley Humler

Seminar #6     

10:00am – 11:00am

“The Elusive Victor Toothaker:

Designer, Craftsman, and Coppersmith”

by Robert Rust

Due to health concerns, “The Notorious Women Photographers of the Arts and Crafts Era” will not be presented in 2022. We apologize for the inconvenience.

All Three Selling Shows Open For Final Day

Sunday  11:00om – 4:00pm

Our annual Arts & Crafts Shows will have its final day on Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Once again, don’t miss this 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.

Arts and Crafts Demonstrations

Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm


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

by David Van Epps

“The Art & Craft of Stained Glass”

by Dianne Lee

Small Group Discussions: Session #3

Sunday  12:30pm – 1:30pm

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.

Historic House Tour

A Fundraiser for the Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Saturday  1:00 – 5:00pm

last bus will leave at 3:30

The Preservation Society of Asheville is pleased to offer a number of unique historic homes for this year’s Arts & Crafts Conference house tour. All proceeds go to the Preservation Society to fund their efforts to protect and preserve Asheville and Buncombe County’s architectural heritage. All of the homes are located in the National Register listed Grove Park, a neighborhood featuring multiple homes that are examples of design principles and construction practices of the early 20th century, including those of the Arts & Crafts movement.

Click here to find out more information about the Preservation Society’s Historic House Tour

Walking Tours of the Historic Biltmore Industries

Sunday  1:00pm – 2:00pm 


No, not the 1895 Biltmore House, but the 1905 Biltmore Industries on the grounds of the Grove Park Inn, 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.

Close of the National Arts and Crafts Conference & Shows

We will promptly close at 4:00 PM

Sign up for the February 2023 conference if you have a favorite room! You can make reservations over the phone or with the Grove Park Inn staff while you’re here! In the meantime, our shows will immediately close at 4:00pm and exhibitors will begin the long process of teardown, so it’s important that all customers vacate the halls by 4:00 pm. We thank you for your understanding in this matter.