The arts come alive during Pickin’ and Paintin,’ a new event at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park on Aug. 19 – 21. Over the weekend, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community and art students from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School will partner to paint Adirondack chairs while the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival provides musical entertainment. Beginning August 22, the Fall themed chairs will be offered for purchase at an online auction to raise funds for the high school art department and student art scholarships to Arrowmont.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park will donate a portion of the weekend admission proceeds to the fundraising efforts.
“Adirondack chairs are the epitome of mountain relaxation, and they are perfect for painting mountain scenes. The lucky bidders who win the uniquely painted chairs will enjoy them for years to come,” said Marcus Watson, administrative director. “We are proud to support our local arts community as they mentor area high school art students with this fun and meaningful project.”
Throughout the weekend, hit songwriters from the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival will perform in the Amphitheater at the top of the SkyLift. The three-day music festival features multiple concerts, headlined by Larry Gatlin and other successful songwriters and artists, along with workshops to help aspiring songwriters hone their craft. Visitors can also see working artists and students painting chairs onsite and at studios in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community.
The custom painted chairs will be auctioned online Aug. 22 through Sept. 11. For more information visit gatlinburgskylift.com.