Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, one of the sponsors of A Moment in the Mountains in Gatlinburg

Experience the magic of A Moment in the Mountains in Gatlinburg and discover an unforgettable creative journey of art, culture, and the stunning Smoky Mountains.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE-The picturesque Appalachian town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is set to host a one-of-a-kind creative retreat titled A Moment in the Mountains. The event runs from September 22 to 24, 2023. This immersive experience, guided by visual artist and photographer Nona Faustine, promises to be a transformative journey that delves into history, identity, representation, and contemporary racial and gender stereotypes.

Born in 1977 and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Nona Faustine is a distinguished photographer and visual artist. She earned her degree from the School of Visual Arts and completed the MFA program at The International Center of Photography at Bard College. Faustine’s artistic focus revolves around themes of history, identity, representation, and the profound exploration of contemporary racial and gender stereotypes, offering viewers a critical and emotional insight into the past. Her photographic creations have garnered global recognition and have featured prominently in national and international media outlets.

Award-winning Artist

Nona Faustine Photo: Grace Roselli

As an award-winning artist, Faustine’s notable series, White Shoes, captures her at locations intertwined with a haunting history, notably former African burial grounds. Simultaneously, the ongoing Mitochondria series portrays Faustine, her mother, sister, and daughter in their shared Brooklyn, NY, home, highlighting their familial bond and intertwined destinies. Additionally, Faustine has ventured into publishing, releasing her new book, titled White Shoes.

During this three-day retreat, attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate local artists and build meaningful connections within a vibrant and inclusive creative community. Sponsored by the renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, which has been a beacon of education and culture since 1912, and supported by local hospitality leaders Mahavir & Dev Patel of Aatmos. A Moment in the Mountains aims to be a catalyst for the Appalachian Renaissance.

Appalachian Renaissance

The Appalachian Renaissance was a cultural revival movement that emerged in the early 20th century. It emphasizes the preservation and celebration of Appalachian traditions, arts, and crafts. This movement significantly impacted the creative community in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, by fostering a renewed appreciation for regional culture and inspiring artists and craftsmen to showcase their talents. Gatlinburg became a hub for artisans, attracting creatives who were drawn to the area’s rich cultural heritage. The Appalachian Renaissance not only preserved local traditions but also helped establish Gatlinburg as a vibrant artistic enclave. It contributes to its enduring reputation as a center for arts and crafts in the Appalachian region.

Embracing Creativity: Reclaiming the Outdoors

One of the central themes of this retreat is enhancing and reclaiming the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community’s relationship with the great outdoors. Nona Faustine, along with acclaimed photographers Renee Cox and Justine Kurland and poet Pamela Sneed, will share their stories, experiences, and artistic work.

Renée Cox, a diverse Jamaican-American artist, photographer, curator, actress, and political activist, uses self-portraiture to confront sexism and racism. In a separate artistic realm, Justine Kurland, a celebrated American photographer, explores themes of wanderlust, freedom, and the American landscape through her impactful series of photographs, exemplified by Girl Pictures. Pamela Sneed is an American poet, performance artist, actress, activist, and educator. Her book, Funeral Diva, has brought her recognition for poetry and prose. It was the winner of the 2021 Lambda Literary Award for lesbian poetry. The aim of the trio is to spark meaningful conversations and connections while exploring the diverse Smoky Mountain landscape and the deep woods of Appalachia.

Behind the scenes, Brian Gorman, the managing partner at the visionary company Army of Moon People, and Ms. Faustine have collaborated with Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and Aatmos to craft a program of events that will make this weekend truly unforgettable. The itinerary includes eight in-person classes hosted by Arrowmont, presentations of work, panel discussions, intimate roundtable performances, conversations, and a podcast. There will also be trips within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for poetry readings, shared meals, and opportunities to visit local artists’ studios.

Widespread Enthusiasm: A Warm Welcome from Gatlinburg

The project has garnered enthusiastic interest from the Multicultural Student Life & Frieson Black Cultural Center student groups at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Furthermore, it has indirectly received recognition from The National Park Service through its pioneering program, “The African American Experience in the Smokies.”

“Gatlinburg and Arrowmont have a long-standing tradition and history as a community that welcomes and promotes artists from all walks of life,” said Trudy Hughes, Arrowmont’s CEO. “We are honored to host A Moment in the Mountains and add to the narrative that Gatlinburg is an inclusive hub of art-loving people and a community that welcomes all who seek expression through nature and creativity.”

Mahavir Patel, President and CEO of Aatmos, added, “Arrowmont has created such an inclusive environment for everyone to come and connect with the Smokies and experience true Appalachian hospitality. We are glad to be a part of that with ‘A Moment in the Mountains’ and all that Nona Faustine is trying to do.”

A Project Close to the Heart

Brian Gorman, managing partner at Army of Moon People and the concept creator behind ‘A Moment in the Mountains,’ expressed his heartfelt dedication to this project: “I can confidently say this is the most heartfelt project of my career. This is my third time working with Nona and her work – and her as a person – it has been such a source of inspiration. I am so excited for more people to get to have that experience. This is truly an important program and part of what I see as an Appalachian Renaissance.”

Experience Appalachian Hospitality

Visitors from out of town will have the opportunity to experience a new level of Appalachian hospitality at the transformed Rocky Waters Motor Inn situated at the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg. This peaceful oasis offers rejuvenating lodging where nature lovers can disconnect, slow down, and appreciate the lush surroundings of the Smoky Mountains. The retreat kicks off with a welcome event at the Heirloom Room, Rocky Waters’ upscale dining destination. During the cocktail reception, guests will retrieve their weekend passes and mingle with fellow participants and artists.

A Moment in the Mountains in Gatlinburg

A Moment in the Mountains promises to be a unique and transformative experience that combines art, nature, community, and inclusivity. Nona Faustine, supported by a dedicated team of individuals and organizations, leads this retreat poised to establish itself as a cornerstone of the Appalachian Renaissance.