Copper Basin Elementary School will be hosting the Nillie Bipper Art and Craft Festival, Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 266 Cougar Drive in Copperhill, Tennessee. Patrons can expect free admission, door prizes, shopping and food.
According to school Principal Janessa Nipper, the festival isn’t an ordinary, run-of-the-mill craft fair, it’s in honor of her Nana, Billie Nipper. “This project is very personal for me.
“My Nana, Billie Nipper, was an artist that taught me to see beauty and appreciate all art forms. Art education was important to her, and I want to honor her memory by helping to instill this appreciation in my students.”
Billie Nipper was a self-taught artist specializing in paintings of horses. What began as a hobby turned into a career, so the story goes. Her art work hangs in the homes of President Reagan, Shania Twain and Zsa Zsa Gabor.
In the beginning, the artist struggled with confidence, not allowing anyone see a project until she was satisfied. “I’m my own worst critic,” she once said. As she grew as an artist, her confidence grew as well. In 1976, her artwork “became sought-after masterpieces on Gorham fine china.”
Janessa Nipper said, “There used to be an art festival held at Red Clay State Park by the Cleveland Creative Arts Guild, they named it the Nillie Bipper for all that she did for the art community in the area. When her health declined, the show closed.”
Regarding the show at CBES, Nipper said, “We want to do something to give back to our community. The event is free for visitors and free for vendors. Our school wants to bring art and cultural awareness to our students. We have many talents among our students and this is an opportunity for them to both display them as well as be inspired by others.”
She said they plan to display student work from all grade levels and some students will be working booths with parents as vendors. Nipper said, “This will be an excellent opportunity for Christmas shopping. There will be booths both indoors and outdoors. We hope to make this an annual event.”
Contact CBES at 423-496-3271 for more information.