GATLINBURG - The Smoky Mountain School of Appalachian Arts and Culture has kicked off , with ninety area eighth-grade students attending. Each student was able to attend tuition-free, thanks to a partnership between SmartBank and Sevier County Schools.

Students learn basketweaving at Arrowmont. Image courtesy of Arrowmont.

“We are thrilled to partner with SmartBank to offer ninety children this unique opportunity,” said Sevier County School Superintendent, Jack Parton. “The Arrowmont School is the perfect backdrop to educate our children about the area’s rich traditions.”

The week-long program offers an intensive study on traditional Appalachian Arts and Crafts, emphasizing basketry, woodturning and weaving. Students will also be exposed to spinning, dyeing, weaving, broom making, coopering, in addition to presentations on Appalachian history and folklore.

Transportation is being provided to and from the students’ respective schools each day, with the exception of Thursday, when students are invited to spend the night on the Arrowmont campus for a celebration of their experience. Parents and community supporters are encouraged to attend on Thursday night, for an open house that will run from 7:00-9:30p.m.

“The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a very special piece of this area’s culture and tradition,” SmartBank President & CEO, Billy Carroll said. “We are very grateful to be able to work with both Arrowmont, as well as Sevier County Schools, to bring this together and make a big impact on the lives of our area’s youth.”

The program lasted a week.

For more information on Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, visit www.arrowmont.org.

SmartBank is a full-service commercial bank founded in 2007, with thirteen branches and three loan production offices spanning East Tennessee and the Florida Panhandle. Recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional client service, strategic branching and a disciplined approach to lending have contributed to SmartBank’s success. More information about SmartBank can be found on its website: www.smartbank.com.