The Who Ha Da Das are gathering in Renaissance Park Saturday and Sunday for Who-Fest, a festival of quirky folk art formerly known as Finster Fest.
"The earliest Who-Fest actually was Finster Fest when Howard Finster was still alive," said David Smotherman, owner of Winder Binder Gallery and Who-Fest organizer.
"The people who started it are called the Who Ha Da Das, a loose confederation of really strong Southern folk artists who decided it was better to promote themselves together than individually. That's why it's called Who-Fest because it's the Who Has' art festival."
Smotherman said more than 55 artists from 10 states will be exhibiting in the park. In addition to two jewelers, he said mediums will include pottery, metal, glass, stained glass, primitive folk art, painting, wood and textiles.
"It runs the full gamut," Smotherman said of the exhibits, "it just tends to lean toward the weirder, folkier side of the art world."
Who-Fest will kick off with a preview partytonight that doubles as a "Sweet 16" party for Smotherman's Winder Binder Gallery and Bookstore. The anniversary party will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the gallery, 40 Frazier Ave.
"We'll have a cheesy photo book like at a Sweet 16 party, and the girls are all going to wear tiaras," Smotherman said. "During that time, all merchandise in the gallery will be 16 percent off, too."
The $10 admission to the preview party will be donated to Make-a-Wish Foundation of East Tennessee.
If You Go
* What: Who-Fest.
* When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
* Where: Renaissance Park, Manufacturers Road.
* Admission: Free.
* Phone: 413-8999.
Entertainment
Saturday
11 a.m. Matt Evans, Christie Burns and Folk School showcase
1:30 p.m. Charles Allison's songwriter showcase
3 p.m. The 4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Orchestra (nine-piece Atlanta ensemble)
Sundayv
1 p.m. Folk School showcase
3 p.m. Sweet Georgia Sound big band