Arrowmont on fire

[john lucas]

I heard about the fire in Gatlinburg last night and tried to find out some info but my computer wasn't working properly or at least wouldn't work the Arrowmont website correctly. Gonna watch the local news this morning to see if can find out more but apparently a couple of building have burned on the Arrowmont campus. I'll try to let you know what I find out later. On another forum it was someone said the Bill Mays posted on facebook that everyone got out safely.

 

[Jamie Straw]

These fires are just awful, and it sounds like TN is getting some of the worst in terms of loss of life and property. Condolences to all. I love the landscape in the Carolinas and imagine TN is just as beautiful. 🙁

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Tennessee is just as beautiful and some ways more so.

 

[john lucas]

Gatlinburg is an interesting place but has gotten too crowded over the years and doesn't have all the great art stored like they used to. Arrowmont however is a very special place. I've taught there once and been to several symposiums there. A group of us got together a few years ago and spent a week just playing with no instructor. Unfortunately I haven't been able to take a workshop there. Great workshops but it's a little beyond my budget. I do visit however whenever I can.

 

[stu senator]

Received this a few moments ago.

Do not think they would mind sharing this.

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Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts’ iconic campus was not lost in the fire. Gatlinburg is currently inaccessible to all but emergency personnel. Arrowmont executive director Bill May is on campus and has been able to provide updates.

The fire destroyed three Arrowmont buildings – Hughes Hall Dormitory, Wild Wing Dormitory and the maintenance shed containing tools and equipment. All remaining structures on campus are secure. Information regarding additional smoke and heat damage is not available at this time. Power and phone service is limited.

“All Arrowmont personnel are safe,” says Bill May, “We have received many emails, phone calls, texts and social media posts expressing support and concern for Arrowmont and for the people in our community who have suffered loss. We are very grateful for our local and national community and the outpouring of support. Hope is not lost. We will rebuild.” Bill May is appointing a recovery team to assess damage and plan for the rebuilding of lost structures. We will inform the community when more information is available.

Arrowmont has received numerous requests regarding donations to support the recovery. To make a secure donation online, go to www.arrowmont.org and click the “donate” button. Send checks to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, P.O. Box 567, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 37738.

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Stu

 

[John Torchick]

Google "Gatlinburg fire" and you will see some really sad pictures. It will hit that area real hard as Christmas is a big time for tourists. There are lights in the downtown area plus people shop at the places in Gatlinburg. Restaurants do a great business, also. I was watching the Weather Channel and the trailer at the bottom of the screen said they are now worried about mud slides. Some of the mountains are practically straight up and down so water will pick up speed and really cause some erosion and mudslides.

 

[Bill Weaver]

Gatlinburg is an interesting place but has gotten too crowded over the years and doesn't have all the great art stored like they used to. Arrowmont however is a very special place. I've taught there once and been to several symposiums there. A group of us got together a few years ago and spent a week just playing with no instructor. Unfortunately I haven't been able to take a workshop there. Great workshops but it's a little beyond my budget. I do visit however whenever I can.

John you are right. The whole area down there has commercialized to the point you can drive thru area and not know where you are at.
I visited the area of Sweetwater many times as a small fellow, since my Mother was from down there (Sweetwater) I even learned from an uncle on how to handle a team of mules pulling a wagon when I was 10 or so. Those memories are long gone since I drove thru there back in October nothing the same. Last time I was up the mountain to see Gatlinburg was back in the late fifties. I'm sure I would be in for a shock.

 

[Andy Chen]

I heard about the fire in Gatlinburg last night and tried to find out some info but my computer wasn't working properly or at least wouldn't work the Arrowmont website correctly. Gonna watch the local news this morning to see if can find out more but apparently a couple of building have burned on the Arrowmont campus. I'll try to let you know what I find out later. On another forum it was someone said the Bill Mays posted on facebook that everyone got out safely.

John, if you are on Facebook, Bill May, the Executive Director of the school has been posting the situation there regularly. Also you can see a video clip of him at http://www.knoxnews.com/videos/news...ve-director:-most-school-saved-fire/94598866/. The bottom line, there was substantial damage from the fire but all the staff is OK and I don't think there is any class going on at the present time. They will need a lot of donation to rebuild but I am sure the school will rise from the ashes stronger than before.