'Smudge Feather' to be raffled at art fest

As of Friday, April 6, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

AUBURN -- A unique part of American history will be up for raffle at an arts festival in Auburn this month.

A Native American "Smudge Feather" will be raffled at the The Georgia Piedmont Arts Center's cottage during the Spring Phling tent festival, a collection of fine arts and crafts held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14.

GPAC president Kathleen Gill called the feather "a very special component." Raffle tickets cost $2, or three for $5, and are available before and during the festival, Gill said.

"You need not be present to win," she said.

The Native American artist, known at GPAC as "Red Bear," created and donated the Smudge Feather for the fundraising raffle, Gill said.

"Indigenous tribes of the Americas have used these types of prayer feathers since time began," she said.

At the festival, expect more than 20 regional artisans selling their wares, free adult mini-art lessons, a children's art activity, blacksmithing demonstrations and music by 106West School of Music.

Relocated from Winder, the not-for-profit center occupies a historic house in downtown Auburn. Its mission is to "cultivate, facilitate and promote a community in which all art forms can thrive cooperatively," according to the center's website.

For more information, call the Georgia Piedmont Arts Center at 404-202-3044 or visit www.GeorgiaPiedmontArtsCenter.com

Gwinnett Daily Post