Show runs Aug. 16-28

Townsend, Tenn. – Inspired by a show at the United States Botanic Garden which featured artwork of plants from all national parks, an exhibit featuring native plants of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park opens Tuesday, Aug. 16 at the Townsend Visitors Center (7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, Tenn.).

Free and open to the public through Aug. 28, the exhibition features local artists and members of arts and crafts guilds displaying and demonstrating works of art such as botanical illustrations, sculptures, quilts, ceramics, wood furniture, corn husk dolls, baskets and more. Some are made from natural plant dyes, have wildflowers in their design, or are inspired by native plant subjects such as orchids and ginseng. The exhibit also highlights plants used for medicinal value, ones used for food, tools, dyes and endangered species.

The Townsend Visitors Center is staging the show to mark this year’s centennial of the National Park Service (NPS) and to highlight the diversity of the flora protected within the national park.

“We are thrilled to present this exhibit showcasing the biodiversity of plants and landscapes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Kim Mitchell, Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority director. “We hope this exhibit will inspire people to explore and value plants in their native habitats, especially at our amazing national park.”

The event culminates with artist demonstrations and live entertainment on Saturday, Aug. 27.

For further details about the award-winning artisans attending or event specifics, please contact Mary Ruden at 865.579.1162 or rudenm@gmail.com