Fourth Annual Hiawassee Festival of Arts to showcase 100 talented artists

"We have a line up of 100 talented artists and are busy putting the finishing touches on this year's exciting Festival. It's a show you can bring the whole family to and not only enjoy the art of some very talented people but you can listen to live jazz, partake of some great food specialties and the kids can be creative at our newly expanded children's pavilion," commented Wendy Smith, 2007 Festival Chairman.

Mark your calendars for this two-day juried show at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds for Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The festival features 100 local and national artists specializing in watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, wood, metal and fiber art.

"The festival is presented by the Mountain Arts Association and its many dedicated volunteers. We are so grateful for their support," commented Cheryl Barrett, MAAPresident. "And, we are pleased to be able to showcase some of our top local artists and provide a venue so they can market their work while attracting nationally-known artists from around the country," she continued. For a complete listing by medium you can go to www.hiawasseefestivalofarts.org . Participating artists compete for more than $6,000 in prizes. Visitors can watch the artists doing live demonstrations throughout the event.

Barbara Terrell, Children's Chair continued, "We have really expanded our children's pavilion this year and hope you will bring the kids out to make some jeweled tiaras and tote bags, paint and personalize a unique visor, paint with the masters and take advantage of some talented people we will have helping stimulate their creativity."

Ms. Terrell explained, "Young talent from North Georgia and Western North Carolina will also be able to participate in the "Artists of Tomorrow" contest. Art students in 1st through 12th grades from Towns, Clay and Union County schools were invited to submit work for scholarships, cash awards and display their work at the festival."

For a distinctive ambience, The World Jazz & Music Society provides live entertainment throughout both days. Complete schedules of the performances are on the web site. Visitors to the area can take advantage of luxurious accommodation choices from first-class resorts and quaint B & B's to rustic log cabin rentals.

MAA is expecting over 5,000 people to enjoy this year's festival and we are indebted to many in the community particularly to United Community Banks, Inc. for their continuing support and Georgia Vision Center of Hiawassee. We also want to thank our sponsors MountainTopGA and Blue Ridge Highlander.com, Ridges Resort and Club, Bender Realty, Hiawassee Hardware, Bank of Hiawassee, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC and Brasstown Valley Resort."

For $5 entry fee and free parking, the non-profit Hiawassee Festival of Arts provides an affordable and spectacular cultural experience for all. For more information, visit www.hiawasseefestivalofarts.org or call (706) 896-9739.