Annual Robert Tino Homecoming

The Annual Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival begins in October and will feature Sevierville artist Robert Tino. His Gallery, located on the family’s 350 acre farm just off Route 66 on Douglas Dam Road will host two days of festivities on October 1 and 2.

The festivities will begin at 10 am daily and go to 5 pm. Mountain craft demonstrations, storytelling, bluegrass music, stilt walking, pumpkin carving and art and food will be in abundance. Tino, a favorite son and established artist in the Smokies will also autograph 500 of his limited edition prints for sale at the Homecoming.

“Reasons to Remember” is available for $130 and it depicts a swinging bridge crossing the Pigeon River with a father and two children fishing on the bank. Tino says, “the title comes from things that mean a lot to me – being able to spend time with my kids.”

His children, 6 year old Chloe Beth and 8 year old Riley, were the models for the watercolor along with a fisherman of whom Tino had snapped a photo. Asked if he and the children do fish together, Tino responded with a laugh and said, “I paint a lot of things that I don’t have anything to do with. And fishing’s one of them.”

A companion piece to Reasons, called “Follow the Leader” will be sold as a package with the first print for a special price of $190. It shows five children lined up crossing a log over a creek. Chloe and Riley and two cousins and a friend are featured in this print. “It’s a happy painting,” said Tino.

Last year Robert and his wife, Mary John hosted over 2000 visitors, many of whom went home and brought back chairs so they could relax and watch the day long festivities. Don’t forget yours either! For more info call 865-453-6315 or toll free 1-800-675-6961.