Updated: 8/22/2008 6:52:28 PM
The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts may soon lose its lease on a historic piece of Gatlinburg property, but school supporters don't want to see that happen.
The Pi Beta Phi national fraternity owns 72 acres of land in the heart of Gatlinburg.
The fraternity is considering selling the property, which would cause Arrowmont to lose its lease.
Protesters gathered at noon Friday to rally against the sale. They said the school's contribution to the community is more important than another tourist attraction in Gatlinburg.
"More congestion, more of what we already have. This is a gift to our community. This our our legacy. This is who we are," demonstrator Virginia McKinney said.
Pi Beta Phi first built a settlement school in 1912 and has owned the property since then.
If the sale goes through, the fraternity has pledged $9 million to Arrowmont for them to find new facilities and continue the school's work.
"We have a long history of involvement in and service to the Gatlinburg community," said Arrowmont Director David Willard. "We are recognized as one of the premier arts and crafts schools in the country. We are committed to honoring our tradition and history. Our intention is for the school to continue."
