Members of the Off the Beaten Path artist group will be out in full force for the 39th Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree and Crafts Festival, with ongoing demonstrations and exhibits of their work July 2 and 3.
“We’ve decided to make the Jamboree our main summer event,” says Susan DeMay, group vice president and ceramic artist based in Smithville. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the high quality crafts produced in this area, and to raise awareness of our annual Off The Beaten Path Studio Tour.”
More than a dozen Off The Beaten Path members will be participating in this year’s Jamboree. The group has reserved two exhibit spaces and the air-conditioned 303 building on the north side of the square. One tent will feature crafts activities for children, the other a series of craft demonstrations. Friday’s schedule includes demonstrations in clay, wood and jewelry decoration, with additional clay demonstrations planned for Saturday.
“Inside the 303 building Jamboree visitors can take a break from the heat and see exhibits featuring our members’ work in a variety of media, all available for sale,” says DeMay. “We’ll also be on hand to talk about our tour, and invite visitors back to the area in the fall.”
Held the last full weekend each October, The Off The Beaten Path Studio Tour draws thousands of arts enthusiasts to DeKalb and Cannon counties to visit the artists where they work. This year’s 10th anniversary tour, with more than two dozen participating artists, will be held October 29 through 31. For more information on the group and its activities, please visit their website, www.offthebeatenpathtour.com