Arrowmont Notes
First Post From Arrowmont
Rolled into Arrowmont in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on Wednesday evening – happy and tired. Current Studio Assistant extraordinaire Justin greets me with an, “I’m sorry I can’t take you to your dorm, I’m doing a slide show in the auditorium right now, but let me tell you where it is and if you have a problem finding it, please come get me.” No worries, Justin. Found dorm, settled in and got fed.
On to Turtle Hollow Gallery!
A few days to call my own before my real duties begin will allow for some sightseeing. Where to go? A great place to start is the Gatlinburg Craft Map. My friend Wug Laku and I separately selected the same location from the craft map. It seemed we were on the same wavelength regarding Turtle Hollow Gallery, located on the 8-mile loop of artist studios and galleries. We were drawn in by the tiny picture in the brochure and the description of the work there.
An oasis of peaceful, well-designed beauty greeted us as the car rolled in to the gravel drive. The gallery sits in an amazing complex with other buildings, all designed by Ross Markley of Turtle Hollow. There is much to take in before ever setting foot inside one of the galleries. The exterior spaces were all designed and built by Ross Markley and peppered with his sculptural work, and must be experienced on their own. Beauty is abundant here.
Gallery Manager and fused-glass artist Kitty greeted us and showed us around the gallery, proudly letting us know that one of Ross’Â sculptures had been on display at the Louvre.
Kitty’s glass work is the best example my companion, Wug, and I had ever experienced. Her sense of composition in her work, her color selections and designs were elegant and cool, yet playful and approachable. The gallery also represents work from several other artists, including detailed botanical paintings, drawings and etchings from nature artist Andrea Wilson, functional and sculptural ceramics, gorgeous wind chimes, jewelry, gourmet teas and more.
There were a couple more galleries in the complex but the owners/managers happened to be away at the time of our visit. Meaning, of course, a return trip in the near future.
If you are in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this Turtle Hollow Gallery complex is a must-see!
Hours: Turtle Hollow Gallery 10am to 6 pm
Gallery Phone 865-436-6188
Turtle Hollow Gallery
248 Buckhorn Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
