WinterFest Arts Tour is returning Presidents’ Day weekend with four locations on the tour this year.
The weekend of festivals will present 175 artists over two days at the Hardman Farm Historic Site, Helen Arts and Heritage Center, the Sautee Nacoochee Center and Unicoi State Park and Lodge.
“We are pleased to have Unicoi back on board and welcome Hardman again,” said Jennie Inglis, marketing and development coordinator of Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center.
The tour will be Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At each location, local and regional artists will display, sell and demonstrate their skills and bring to life new and exciting pieces. Visitors may purchase raffle tickets to win artwork contributed by participating artists. Food service or vendors will be present at some sites.
There is no charge for WinterFest at each venue, but a multipart ticket may be purchased to enter to win one of three grand prizes valued at $250 and above from Helen Arts & Heritage Center, the Sautee Nacoochee Center or Unicoi State Park & Lodge. One ticket is $10 or a book of five tickets for $40. To be eligible to win, the ticket must be stamped at three locations. Tickets may be purchased online or during the event.
The Hardman Farm Historic Site is a unique stop on the WinterFest Arts Tour. The nineteenth century Italianate mansion will be open, with no admission fee, and period dressed docents will be available to share the story of the farm. The farm will have a few craft vendors and art demonstrations.
Guests may experience a mixture of heritage, art, and fine craft at the Alpine Winter Festival at the Helen Arts and Heritage Center in downtown Helen. The center’s heritage museum presents the “Story of Helen.” Over 50 artists are represented in the galleries.
The Fireside Arts and Craft Show at Unicoi State Park and Lodge is in its 48th year and some of the artisans who have attended the show since its inception 48 years ago still participate. It will host 75 artisans and crafters this year.
The artists at the Sautee Nacoochee Art Festival come from Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama. All of the 30-plus artists who participate are juried, ensuring the best original local and regional artwork. Over 250 artists are represented in the center’s gallery shops.
A number of other opportunities to explore are also available at the Sautee Nacoochee Center. The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia will be open and welcoming visitors for free. The Heritage Site slave cabin and blacksmith shop will be open and staffed. Hands-on activities will be offered in the Native Peace Garden.
Selected as one of the Top Twenty Events by the Southeastern Tourism Association in 2018, WinterFest continues to be an event that draws visitors from near and far.
Free parking is available at Hardman Farm, the Sautee Nacoochee Center and at Unicoi State Park with limited free parking at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center.
While it is a fundraiser designed to support the educational efforts of the Sautee Nacoochee Center, WinterFest is an important economic driver for Northeast Georgia during an otherwise quiet time of year. The event is coordinated by the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and funded in part locally by the White County Commission and the Sautee Nacoochee Corporate Partners Program. The National Endowment for the Arts, Georgia Council for the Arts and the Georgia Humanities Council also support the event.
For details, visit WinterFestArtsTour.com or call 706-878-3300.