ColorFest, Art of the Blue Ridge, will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Oct. 23 in downtown Sylva.

The annual event will host some of the most accomplished artists in Western North Carolina.

ColorFest is produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia in partnership with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Visual Artists Association.

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia is producing its “Traditional Heritage Walk” at Gateway Flea Market in Whittier from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14.

With their mission of “keeping heritage” alive, the local nonprofit is presenting vendors who will be demonstrating their crafts, sharing their knowledge with those who come to this third annual Heritage Day.

“We’re going to have a great time,” says Gail Stillwell Cooper, owner of the Shops at Gateway. “My regular dealers here in the market are joining in the fun, wearing heritage clothing, demonstrating and showcasing their wares. They are as excited as I am about the upcoming festive celebration for Gateway. With Catch the Spirit of Appalachia here with their demonstrators, it makes all of us want to pull up a chair, do a little whittling and tell our heritage stories.”

Among the demonstrators this year are the Ammons siblings, David F. Ammons and Doreyl Ammons Cain. David will be demonstrating chair caning. His skill with weaving strips of cane and white oak was learned at the foot of his grandfather, Tom Ammons from Cullowhee Mountain, and practiced for 30 years. Doreyl, an artist who once had her artwork tour with the Smithsonian, will share a mural demonstration entitled “Cakewalk,” and selling limited edition prints.  

Nan and Ron Smith  will be among those in attendance. Nan will be demonstrating crocheting, while husband Ron will have his guitar, sharing his music with all. There will be a book booth where local authors will be autographing and selling their books. Other crafters will be sell handmade wooden birdhouses, pottery, and more.

Call 828.497.9664 more information.

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and the Appalachian Homestead Farm & Preserve recently presented a hand pieced, appliquéd quilt of Jackson County to the staff of Jackson County Recreation Center for its assistance for the past five years with the Patchwork Folk and Fabric Festival held at he center.

To make the display of the quilt more fun, a scavenger hunt has been created for those who would like to find some of the more than 78 items — sports, towns, lakes, natural showplaces, animals, river and more — depicted within the outline of Jackson County.”

The fifth annual Patchwork Folk & Fabric Festival will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 5, at the recreation center. 828.293.3053.