By Jim Watson

In the Great Smoky Mountains, more than flowers bloom at Easter. Every spring, artists, craftsmen and historians converge on the Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg, TN. They flock to this well-known event from all across the country to see the incredible creations of those who normally reside amidst the eight-mile looping trail named the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Every April marks the time for this annual Easter Arts & Crafts Show that features local talent.

Nationally Recognized Artisans Present Their Best Work

This yearly event is the brainchild of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This creative village is comprised of the biggest collection of independent artists and craftsmen in the United States. Since 1937, their impressive work has made its home along the historic eight-mile loop: a Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail with national recognition. From April 20 to April 23, 2011, everything you could ever consider worth displaying in your home, collecting or giving to a treasured friend can be found right here.

Wander alongside row-upon-row of colorful booths and displays. Talk to the artisans as they create small masterpieces in front of your very eyes. There is no smoke and mirrors here. The craftsmen stay true to their roots. The work, traditional in concept and marvelous by device, is all designed and produced by hand. It doesn't get any more American than this.

Find Every Type of Craft You Can Conceive Of

Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to this showplace, you can look forward to original works and classic collectibles produced by whittling, chainsaw cutting, painting, sewing, casting, weaving and carving.

Gaze in wonder as clever fingers and hands produce unique gifts and treasures such as baskets, brooms, candles, ceramics and much more. Among other things, you can select from some of the finest silver jewelry and wearable handmade fashions, along with leather goods, artwork and candles. Think this is like every other show you have ever attended? Not so! The range of skills on display and the remarkable array of unique handicrafts produced will surely astound you.

Rare Art Forms on Display and for Purchase

For instance, the Easter Arts & Crafts Show is one of the few places you can observe and purchase scrimshaw. This ancient art form began with American sailors aboard whaling ships carving intricate patterns and pictures onto pieces of whalebone. Today, artists devoted to this tradition have taken over, engraving on various types of bone. This truly American art is rare, but available at the Easter Arts & Crafts Show.

This is where tradition lives on in the work of craftsmen, some of whom are now 2nd or 3rd generation. What are you waiting for? Grab your girlfriends, pack up the family or set up a church outing and head to Gatlinburg soon. The Easter Arts & Crafts Show happens only once a year, so make your plans now for a Smokies getaway April 20–23.