The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is the largest independent organization of artists in the United States and is the perfect place to pick up a Smoky Mountain souvenir! The best way to explore the community is on the 8 mile loop road that starts just minutes from Chalet Village on Route 321. Whether you are searching for a beautiful watercolor painting, pottery items or a stuffed bear, you are sure to find it here! While exploring the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, be sure to check out these 4 unique shops:
1. Buie Pottery
Browse through a wide variety of stunning pottery and stoneware pieces at Buie Pottery, where each item is custom-made right in the store! All of the items are fully functional pieces of art that can be used in the home, and all pottery is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. Buie has been creating her colorful and decorative handmade pottery since 1982, and all of her pieces are extremely durable. Some of the items that you can expect to find on the shelves at Buie Pottery include water fountains, vases, table lamps, mugs, salad bowls, dinner plates and pie pans.
2. Dinwoodie Metal Sculptors
Another one of the unique shops that you will find along the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop is Dinwoodie Metal Sculptors. This family-owned business specializes in creating metal sculptures from raw materials, and each piece is made one at a time, ranging from whimsical frogs to decorative water fountains! You can choose from tropical designs that would look fantastic in a beach house, as well as lamp sculptures, napkin holders and much more. You can even have one of the family members create a special design just for you!
3. Otto Preske – Artist in Wood
If you are looking for some impressive hand-carved wood products, there is no better stop than Otto Preske – Artist in Wood! You will find hand-carved fireplace mantels, Christmas ornaments, tree prophets, religious carvings and just about everything else you can imagine! Otto draws inspiration from the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, so many of his carvings bring nature and whimsy into your home, cabin or garden. If you are looking for some custom woodwork, just stop by the shop and talk to Otto about a special order!
4. Talking Turkey Stained Glass Studio
While driving along the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, don’t miss the Talking Turkey Stained Glass Studio! This amazing gallery features hundreds of stained glass windows, hand-stained glass and fused glass that is sure to suit anyone’s taste! When you are visiting the Talking Turkey Stained Glass Studio, take the opportunity to meet with local artisans and experience their craftsmanship first hand. You can enjoy workshops with demonstrations in cutting stained glass and even learn to build your own handcrafted piece of stained glass!
Learn more about Gatlinburg, then enjoy visiting all these unique shops along the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop! We hope to see you soon at Chalet Village!
