Press Release 09/2010 (2)

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Press Release 09/2010 (2)
Press Release :: September, 2010


Tennessee’s First Lady Visits MTSU for TACA Biennial Exhibit
Andrea Conte to speak at biyearly fine craft event

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) announces that Tennessee’s First Lady, Andrea Conte will be speaking at the opening reception of the TACA Biennial: The Best of Tennessee Craft on display in the Todd Hall Art Gallery on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The reception is scheduled to be held October 4 from 6 – 8 p.m., and the exhibit runs September 27 through October 15, 2010.

“We are honored to welcome the First Lady to the exhibit’s opening reception,” said Elaine Wood, executive director of TACA. “Whether in her work at the Governor’s Mansion or in her personal art collection, Ms. Conte has been a steadfast champion of fine craft and we appreciate her consistent support of art in Tennessee.”

The TACA Biennial: The Best of Tennessee Craft is presented through a partnership with MTSU and TACA and will feature 48 original works of fine craft in a variety of media, created by nearly 35 artists from towns, cities and communities across Tennessee. Among those who will be exhibiting, visitors will see work from world-renowned trompe l’oeil artist Sylvia Hyman, furniture maker Craig Nutt and mixed media artist Sherri Warner Hunter.

“The Todd Hall Art Gallery at MTSU is happy to host the TACA Biennial, a competitive exhibition with a strong history of high quality work. Hosting this exhibit creates a connection between the art program at MTSU and the larger regional art community, connecting our students with new work and bringing regional artists to our program.” said John Donovan, gallery committee chair, MTSU Department of Art.

TACA has been producing the Biennial exhibition since 1966, beginning one year after the organization was founded. This biyearly event not only encourages and promotes the quality and design among the state’s fine craft artists, but also provides public visibility and recognition for the quality and diversity of craft found in the state.

Participants for this event were selected by a panel of three jurors including representatives from TACA and the art faculty of MTSU. Michael Baggarly received an MA in Sculpture in 2001 and an MFA in Sculpture in 2002 from the University of Iowa. Mr. Baggarly is currently an associate professor and head of sculpture at MTSU. His works have been shown regionally, nationally and internationally and many are included in many private collections, including the Tennessee State Museum. John Donovan is an assistant professor in the MTSU art department. His ceramic sculpture has been included in many competitive exhibitions, including the 3rd World Ceramic Biennale 2005 at the Icheon World Ceramic Center, South Korea. Finally, Jim Hoobler serves as the senior curator of art and architecture at the Tennessee State Museum, responsible for acquiring significant works for the Museum’s permanent collection, and been involved with more than 30 exhibitions. Additionally, Mr. Hoobler is also a published author.

The TACA Biennial: The Best of Tennessee Craft is open September 27 – October 15 and is open to the public free of charge. The Todd Hall Art Gallery is located on the campus of MTSU. Hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on state and university holidays.

Founded in 1965, TACA is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging, developing and promoting crafts and craftspeople in Tennessee. Through the use of Craft Fairs, TACA works to expose the residents of Tennessee to the art of fine craft, while providing a forum for creative and personal expression for the artists.