Christ in the Smokies Celebrates Anniversary

Gatlinburg's Christ in the Smokies has been open for one year. End Quote

Knoxville, TN (1888PressRelease) September 17, 2010 - Since Christ in the Smokies Museum & Gardens opened its doors a year ago on September 11th of 2009, the Gatlinburg attraction has realized a steady growth in attendance since opening day. But something was missing.

"When we opened as Christ in the Smokies, people were very enthusiastic about the attraction", said Director Joe Waggoner, who ran the popular museum for many years as Christus Gardens and continues to run the business. "They were complimentary about the dioramas, exhibits, and figures - but many patrons asked about 'The Face.'

"It was apparent people expected to find it at this attraction. After months of research, study and hard work, we are pleased to announce the unveiling of our new Face of Christ Sculpture in the patio prayer garden. We are very excited about receiving this piece of art."

The new piece was sculpted by Otto Preske of Gatlinburg, a master carver renowned throughout the Southeastern United States for his hand carved church statuary, furniture and finely detailed wooden mantels He has been carving for over 50 years and has taught at various schools, including the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.

Preske has owned and operated "Artist in the Wood" in the Great Smoky Arts & Craft Community of Gatlinburg for over 30 years. He not only sells his wood carvings but demonstrates this age old tradition using chisels and mallets - what he calls the "traditional" - with no power tools.

"My prayer is that visitors to Christ in the Smokies will be brought closer to Christ through this remarkable carving," said Preske. "I was able to do this with God's help."

The Face of Christ Sculpture, now the centerpiece of the attraction, measures eight feet tall by four feet wide and one foot deep. The face alone is three feet tall. This awe inspiring sculpture has been carved in such a concave manner that as you walk back and forth in front of it, the entire face seems to move in your direction. A smoky mountain range is also carved into the block along with the verse, "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always" from First Chronicles 16:11

Christ in the Smokies presents 12 scenes from the life of Christ utilizing over 100 life-sized wax figures in dramatic settings. Appropriate music, lights, sound and special effects along with narration from the Bible bring to life these highlights from the beloved story of Jesus. Other exhibits include Precious Gems of the Bible, ancient coins from the Holy Land and Christ in the motion pictures, a collection of movie posters and photos showing 100 years of Biblical films.

The museum also features a unique gift shop offering inspirational gifts, area mementos, and collectibles including a miniature reproduction of the Face of Christ sculpture.

Christ in the Smokies opened after the doors of the former occupant, Christus Gardens, closed its doors in January of 2008. Charlie Moore and Billy Proffitt, local businessmen, saw the need for Gatlinburg to have an inspirational attraction.

"Christ in the Smokies is a unique, one of a kind experience for those visiting the Smokies", states Charlie Moore. They brought together a team of craftsman and technicians to open the attraction in a record time of only four months having to start from scratch with the scenes - along with the remodeling of the familiar building of Georgia and Tennessee marble on River Road.

Christ in the Smokies is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours in the summer and fall. Groups and individuals are asked to call 865-436-5155 for specific dates, times and admission prices or visit our website at www.christinthesmokes.com.

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