For Over 30 Years, Dogwood Mall has been a Favorite for Craft and Art Seeking Celebrities
Following his retirement from years as vice president for 70 jewelry stores and his wife’s experience as president of a craft guild, Roy Holmes and his wife, Sherry, decided on their next venture, Dogwood Mall. Established in 1988, Dogwood Mall boasts one of the largest collections of local arts, crafts and souvenirs in the Smoky Mountains.
Located in Townsend, the space showcases the work of local artists, procuring exclusive rights on their goods. Customers are overwhelmed by the selection of beautiful, unique items at such great prices. Many of the items are sold at wholesale prices because at Dogwood Mall the artist rents the space and customers are buying direct.
Discover Native American pottery and jewelry, oil paintings, handmade knives, custom shirts and hats of the Smokies, local honey, preserves and much more. Dogwood Mall features Kicking Bird Pottery, also sold at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum but at higher costs, and Jeremy Doss Fine Art, the artist chosen by Southwest Art magazine as one of the “Young Artists to Watch.” Also look for products crafted by Mountain Makers, a local husband-wife business in Townsend who has been featured in Paula Dean and Southern Living magazines for their cutting boards and other special items.
“People are looking for things that are not the typical Gatlinburg ‘made in China’ look,” says Holmes.
Among the people who visit Dogwood Mall are a slew of celebrities, as well as a member of British parliament, searching for a one-of-a-kind find.
Prominent patrons include musician Kid Rock, Rascal Flatts’ lead guitarist Joe Don Rooney, actress Dale Dickey, actor Kevin Nealon, The James Bond Girl from Goldfinger, Shirley Eaton and many more. “Some of them we don’t recognize, such as the actor Andy Stalh from the movie The Blind Side, but you find out from conversation,” Holmes says.
Holmes attributes the popularity of Dogwood Mall in part to the mall’s longevity and reputation for world-class, exceptional items. “Sherry deserves much of the credit,” says Holmes. “She did the original set up of the mall, selected all the crafters and set the incredible standard. It’s been 30-plus years. Word gets out. After a while, people know if you’ve got good stuff, good quality and unique things,” explains Holmes. “That’s what everyone’s looking for.”
Wanna Go?
8455 Hwy. 73
Townsend, TN 37882
865-448-2281
