by Pete Prunkl

"I'm relieved to be here," said Donald Hall as he began his seminar in front of the 1300 Arts and Crafts enthusiasts who filled the immense Heritage Ballroom at Asheville, North Carolina's Grove Park Inn.

Hall related that when visitors to his home viewed his expansive collection of Rookwood and Fulper art pottery, they often asked, "Did you make them?" Here among the faithful, as he confessed his love of simplicity, craftsmanship, and preindustrial agrarian ideals, Hall was assured that not one person would say "Oh" and hope he'd change the subject. He then leaned forward on the podium and uttered what would become the secret password at the 1999 Grove Park Inn Arts and Crafts Conference, "You understand."

Antiques, ambiance, academics, and a swirling, enveloping mist of understanding have covered the mountains of western North Carolina every third weekend in February beginning in 1988. Author, woodworker, and collector Bruce Johnson originated the Grove Park Inn conference 12 years ago, hoping to lure perhaps 75 collectors to the inn during the off-season. About 300 came the first year, with a third of them returning each year since then, and others have joined the parade. This year between 1500 and 2000 registered for the entire three-day conference, held February 19-21, and an equal number arrived for the two-day show and sale. One notable 12-year veteran even spent his honeymoon at this year's conference; yes, he did bring his bride.

Johnson's tireless enthusiasm has made this the country's most important Arts and Crafts show, a must for all nationally prominent dealers specializing in the vast array of Arts and Crafts home furnishings. Jim Messineo of Boston's JMW Gallery is typical. He said, "This is my best show of the year for eight of the twelve years I've been coming here."

The setting could not be more appropriate. When completed in 1913, the Grove Park Inn was an Arts and Crafts showplace. Behind its massive stone and boulder facade, sleepy-eye windows, and red tile roof were Roycroft furniture and lighting, Old Hickory rockers, and Heywood-Wakefield wicker. Mottoes by the great educator and craftsman Elbert Hubbard adorn walls and fireplaces. Many of the inn's original furnishings remain in the Great Hall and in Memorabilia Hallway.

The hotel is a magical place that casts a spell of civility over everyone, especially those who love Arts and Crafts. Conference-goers and dealers report feeling more sociable, affable, and at home when they visit the Grove Park Inn. They congregate in the Great Hall and converse into the early hours of the morning on art, philosophy, restoration, and prices.

On Saturday morning, some registrants skipped Michael James's excellent seminar on Heintz Art Metal to stand in line outside the Grand Ballroom for the eagerly awaited antiques show. When the doors opened at noon, a casual observer could have mistaken collectors for marathon runners. Four abreast, they rounded the first turn into the ballroom with badges flying and checkbooks at the ready. Within minutes, sold tags were everywhere. Craig McIlwain of Maumee, Ohio, was one who benefited from the initial surge. He quickly sold a tall-case clock by Colonial Clock Company for $1800. "I may have underpriced it," he admitted.

Because the show opened to the public at 1:30 p.m., conference registrants had a scant 90 minutes of private viewing and buying time. When it was announced that the masses would be entering the ballroom in five minutes, purchasing decisions accelerated. By 1:45, the aisles were packed.

The conference is more than antiques, ambiance, and academics; it is a celebration of 20th-century Arts and Crafts. Throughout five large conference rooms and spilling out into the long corridor were sales booths of 45 modern-day artisans, the new masters who create and re-create the look of Arts and Crafts furniture and every imaginable accessory. Termed "modern craftsfirms" in the catalog, they brought wares ranging from small jewelry, tile, picture frames, and pottery to room-size carpets, furniture, and wall coverings.

Though some artisans traveled from as far as California, the largest group was from East Aurora, New York, near Buffalo. Once the home to Roycroft (1897-1925), the country's most enduring and largest Arts and Crafts manufacturer of furniture (plus other furnishings), East Aurora is known today as an art, commerce, and conference center. The 14-building Roycroft campus takes in many of the original Roycroft buildings, including the inn, meeting hall, and printing shop. Restoration began in 1976, and by 1986 the campus was named a National Historic Landmark. "It is a delightful place to work," said Janice McDuffie of Roycroft Potters, whose shop is located in the original furniture and leather shop.

Many interested in attending next year's Arts and Crafts conference have already made their hotel reservations. They read and heeded the inscription over the massive fireplace in the Great Hall: "Take from the hearth its warmth. From the room its charm. From the Inn, its amity. Return them not. But return." All of the inn's 512 rooms are sold out for next year's conference, February 18-20, 2000. The situation was identical last year.

A sellout should not discourage anyone who loves this genre from attending. "You don't need a bed at the inn to fully participate in the conference," said Bruce Johnson. Asheville has excellent chain hotels and over 30 bed-and-breakfasts. During the conference, a shuttle bus makes regular runs between a downtown hotel and the Grove Park Inn. Many people never register for the conference but attend only the antiques show and exhibits.

Call Bruce Johnson directly for more information. He may be reached at (828) 628-1915.