The Highlands Redbud Celebration of Fine Art and Craft, which consists of five simultaneous exhibits and demonstrations featuring over 50 artists working in every medium from precious metals to wood will be held two weekends: March 18-20 and March 25-27 in Cookeville, Tennessee. The five events include the “Spring Equinox Art Show” featuring the work of multiple visual artists who will also be doing demonstrations during the event including  Angelo Fernandez, Bill Luton, Mel Presley, Merritt Ireland, and Sharron Eckert . “All About Wood”, an exhibit of wood art from turned bowls to pine needle artworks to fine furniture, which will showcase the work of artists from the region and beyond including Brad Sells, Russ Jacobsohn, Alfred Sharp, Jimmy Greenwood, Jackie Smith, Graham Campbell and the Appalachian Center for Craft Wood Department and many others.  In addition, a jewelry exhibit at Spicer and Company will provide glimpses of the work of three nationally known jewelry artists (Stephen Spicer, Pam Pate, and Kip Kniep).  A nature photography exhibit by Brooke Byars and the opening of a new studio by Sandra Bos introducing a new associate from California,  round out the exciting art and craft weekends in Cookeville during the height of the redbud season.  The historic WestSide of Cookeville, where most events occur within a block of each other, has much to offer. A wide variety of local independent restaurants in several cuisine styles (Cajun, European, Japanese, Indian and American to name a few), are all within walking distance. Upscale clothing, home décor, antiques, gift boutiques,  toy store,  candy store,  cybertag play area  make the WestSide a great destination for all ages.  The Children’s Museum, the Cookeville History museum, and the WestSide History walk offer something for everyone within a block or two walk from the sites of the art. Watch for more information in the coming weeks and check out updates on www.redbuds.org.

CAPTION: Hands of a Pine Needle Artisan – As an extension to the All About Wood exhibit, Cumberland County resident Sharron Eckert has been invited to exhibit works with long leaf pine needles.