The weekend following Thanksgiving is more than just the official start of the holiday shopping season.

Glass vase lamp by Curtiss Brock

It’s also time for the annual Holiday Festival at the Appalachian Center for Craft, set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 25-27.

The event will feature — in addition to a relaxing shopping experience offering unique gifts for any holiday budget — daily craft demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., opportunities to meet exhibiting artists, live acoustic music by guitarist Jim Olsen and tasty treats at the walkway café from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

“The Holiday Festival can be a great day trip and family outing to kick off the season,” says Gail Looper, gallery manager.

Felt handbags by Lisa Klakulak

Featured exhibitions are "Felted Wool Wearables" by Lisa Klakulak, former resident artist in the fibers department, and "Craft Center Artists Past and Present," a celebration of the Craft Center’s 25th anniversary.

This year’s featured ornaments are dainty, whimsical creations by Craft Center alumnus Kerry Ebersole.

TTU employees are eligible for a 10 percent discount for purchases made at the Craft Center year-round.

“We are excited about the Holiday Festival because we continue to expand the experiences that shoppers and visitors to the Craft Center can enjoy during this festival weekend,” Looper says.

Friday’s craft demonstrations, for instance, will include glass bead making and weaving in the lobby. Klakulak will also be available in Gallery One for visitors interested in meeting the exhibiting artist.

Face jugs by Jim Sullivan

Saturday will offer wheel-thrown pottery by “face jug” artist Jim Sullivan and glass blowing demonstrations in the Craft Center’s hot glass studio, in addition to glass bead making and weaving.

Sunday’s demonstrations will include the return of Jim Sullivan on the potter’s wheel, glass bead making and weaving.

“We truly have a unique opportunity at the Craft Center to not only provide a pleasant holiday shopping experience, but to offer craft demonstrations, special exhibitions, live music and a café,” Looper says.

Following the festival, the gallery and exhibitions will be open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Friday, Dec. 23. The Craft Center will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 3, following the winter holiday season.

For more information, call the Craft Center at 3051 or visit its web site at www.tntech.edu/craftcenter.