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Recent Press Releases
Release For Media: May 15, 2013
ARTISTS RECEIVE HONORS AT 42ND ANNUAL TACA TENNESSEE CRAFT FAIR
Presented by the Tennessee Associaiton of Craft Artists in Centennial Park
Nashville, Tenn (May 15, 2013) – Artists braved record lows and rainfall to receive top honors at the 42nd Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair, May 3-5 in Nashville’s Centennial Park. After evaluating work of the 190 artists on-site, guest juror Jeffrey Adams of the Appalachian Center for Craft selected Alan Daigre of Readyville, TN as Best of Show. The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), a nonprofit, hosts its Craft Fairs and presents awards to recognize excellence and propel artists to new heights in their careers. Through Craft Fairs and other programs, TACA fulfills its mission to encourage, develop and promote craft and craftspeople of Tennessee.”
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Release For Media: April 29, 2013
MEDIA ALERT: TACA TENNESSEE CRAFT FAIR THIS WEEKEND (MAY 3-5, 2013)
Presented by the Tennessee Associaiton of Craft Artists in Centennial Park
Nashville, Tenn (April 29, 2013)
WHAT: 190 artists from Tennessee and neighboring states will welcome an expected crowd of 50,000 visitors on the lawn of Centennial Park for the 42nd Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair May 3 - 5. Fairgoers will experience craft from creation to finished, handmade products. Media such as wood, clay, glass, weaving and papermaking will be on display and available for purchase. Demonstrators will be onsite making fine craft for all to see. Children and parents will find hands-on activities for children in the Publix Kid’s Tent where community partners from the mid-state area provide engaging craft projects for kids of all ages. The event is free and open to the public
WHO: The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) is a statewide, nonprofit organization. Founded in 1965, TACA is dedicated to encouraging, developing and promoting crafts and craftspeople in Tennessee. Through their Craft Fairs, TACA works to introduce the residents of Tennessee to the art of fine craft, while providing a forum for creative and personal expression for the artists. For more information, visit www.tennesseecrafts.org.
WHEN: May 3, 4 and 5, 2013 beginning at 10 a.m. each day, continuing until 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
WHERE: Join us in Centennial Park, Nashville, TN on the lawn in front of the Parthenon.
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Release For Media: April 08, 2013
HANDCRAFTED PATHS LEAD TO CENTENNIAL PARK
Artists travel varied roads before arriving at the 42nd Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair May 3rd, 4th & 5th
Nashville, Tenn (April 08, 2013)— More than 190 artists will travel from all corners of Tennessee and nearby states to display and sell one-of-a-kind, handcrafted work at the 42nd Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair held in Nashville’s Centennial Park on May 3rd, 4th and 5th. The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), a nonprofit, hosts the event each year to fulfill its mission to encourage, develop and promote craft and craftspeople.
For the first time in its long, celebrated history, the spring event welcomes artists from outside the state. Fine craft artists from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia will join Tennessee craftsmen and women on the lawn of Nashville’s Parthenon. Guests of the Fair will see their favorite Tennessee artists return, while enjoying additional booths showcasing the rich craft tradition of the South. At the Fair, visitors will find time-honored and contemporary crafts created with clay, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood and more.
Each of the artists participating at the Fair has realized a different pathway to Centennial Park. Some have come through professional programs and university art departments, others through mentorships with master craft artists; a handful have learned on their own through trial-and-error and by watching online videos. Some chose craft as their first career, while a few stumbled upon a new passion after retirement. Exhibitor Anderson Bailey of Chattanooga, TN shares his unique journey. “I grew up going to the TACA Craft Fair with my folks. In high school, I returned to the Fair on field trips with art classes. At that time, I got a glimpse behind-the-scenes by talking with the artists on-site. My connection to TACA continued after college when my work was selected for the show. In my first show as a professional artist, I won TACA’s Best New Exhibitor Award. I am thankful to TACA for its inspiration and support of my career.” Despite the various roads travelled, the 191 artists participating in the annual event have one thing in common; all have an intense dedication to craft and create the finest art in our region.
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Release For Media: January 16, 2013
DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES TO SELL ART
Tennessee artists will learn to shamelessly market their work at an upcoming workshop led by nationally-renowned “Art Biz Coach” Alyson B. Stanfield
Nashville, Tenn (January 16, 2013) – The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) invites the Art Biz Coach, (founder of the ArtBizBlog.com) Alyson B. Stanfield to Nashville to teach Tennessee artists how to promote themselves in today’s ever-changing marketplace. Stanfield will present Shameless Self-Promotion for Artists on March 23 and 24, 2013 at Watkins College of Art, Design and Film. Topics covered will equip artists of all media with tools to market their work in-person and online.
Attendees will learn traditional and modern marketing tools to advance their art careers. Sessions include discussions of tried-and-true methods that involve organizing and expanding contact lists and drafting the perfect artist statement. Stanfield also discusses trending topics involving the do's and don'ts of artist websites, learning to build and maintain a blog and utilizing the best practices of social media in easy-to-grasp terms event today’s Luddites will understand. With Stanfield’s guidance, artists make use of their newfound knowledge by creating an action plan of how to put these lessons to work in their careers.
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Release For Media: December 6, 2012
PLACING THE FUTURE OF TENNESSEE CRAFT IN GOOD HANDS:
Master craft artists and apprentices receive mentoring grants through arts partnership
Nashville, Tenn — Tennessee craft masters, Alan LeQuire, Kim Winkle and Richard Dwyer, will mentor rising stars during 360 hours of one-on-one instruction in 2013. These artists, all recently selected for the Master Artist/Apprentice Program (MAAP), possess significant skills and creative aptitude that will live on in the hands of their apprentices. MAAP updates the traditional master/ apprentice relationship, by rewarding those involved with a grant to ensure craft art is not lost in Tennessee. The time-honored, yet innovative initiative results from a partnership between the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) and the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC). In total, MAAP participants will receive $12,000 to continue and contribute to Tennessee’s handmade legacy.
“TACA is the perfect partner organization to deliver fine craft mentoring,” says TACA Executive Director Teri Alea. “In addition to accomplishing our mission, passing along these skills helps ensure that crafts continue to be practiced within our communities, providing livelihoods to craft makers and raising the cultural and economic vitality of our state.”
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Release For Media: October 26, 2012
TENNESSEE ARTIST HONORED AT ARTCLECTIC
Lesley Patterson Marx receives honors from the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists at the University School of Nashville’s Artclectic
Nashville, Tenn — Lesley Patterson-Marx (Nashville, TN) is the inaugural recipient of the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists’ Best of Tennessee Craft @ Artclectic Award. A panel of jurors chose Patterson-Marx ’s exceptional work in printmaking among the 20 talented Tennessee craft artists during Artclectic’s Patron Party on Thursday evening. The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), presents the award to further its mission to “encourage, develop and promote craft and craftspeople of Tennessee.” Lee Ann Merrick, coordinator of Artclectic, shares, “These artists are the heart and soul of Artclectic. It is important to recognize such creativity coming from our own state.”
TACA developed the award in partnership with Artclectic to create pathways for Tennessee artists to further their careers. TACA Executive Director, Teri Alea reveals, “Bringing attention to the finest handmade work is always a focus. As an artist-driven organization, we also look for ways to nurture talent and promote next steps. Partnerships, like the one we have developed with Artclectic, benefit our artists and audiences.”
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Release For Media: October 19, 2012
BEST OF THE BEST: TENNESSEE ARTIST RECEIVES BEST OF SHOW HONOR
Kem Alexander is the 2012 TACA Biennial: The Best of Tennessee Craft’s Best of Show
Nashville, Tenn (October 19, 2012)— Kem Alexander (Chattanooga, TN) secures the title of Best of Show for the 2012 TACA Biennial: The Best of Tennessee Craft. Juror Martha Connell presented the award in front of a room filled with artists, politicians, media and lovers of craft at the public reception for the exhibition held in the Changing Galleries of the Tennessee State Museum last weekend. The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), a nonprofit, presents the show to provide public visibility and appreciation for Tennessee’s contemporary and traditional craft. TACA’s Executive Director, Teri Alea, shares, “We are thrilled for Kem and what this means for her career. The exhibit and awards nurture artists’ passion, honor their work and support their goals. Each piece and artist in the show represents an important contribution to Tennessee’s craft legacy.”
With the finest Tennessee craft on display, Connell exclaimed, “It was a difficult task selecting the Best of Show! Its subtitle, ‘The Best of Tennessee Craft’ is an apt tribute to the visual feast that is created by the works of the participating artists. I spent much time viewing each piece carefully, fully appreciating the labor of love that went into the making of each object.” In addition to Best of Show, Connell awarded Cindy Billingsley (Franklin, TN), Emily Eversgerd (Telford, TN), Tim Hintz (Smithville, TN), and Jennifer Sargent (Memphis, TN) with Merit Awards for their work in clay, metal, wood and fiber, respectively.
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Release For Media: September 18, 2012
WILL TRAVEL FOR CRAFT:
Craft artists and patrons from across the nation flock to Nashville for the 34th Annual TACA Fall Craft Fair September 28, 29 and 30
Nashville, Tenn (September 18, 2012)— Craft artists from across the US will travel to Nashville’s Centennial Park September 28-30 for the 34th Annual TACA Fall Craft Fair. With 30 states represented, fairgoers will enjoy and experience a wide range of American craft. The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), a nonprofit, hosts the event each year to fulfill their mission to encourage, develop, and promote craft and craftspeople. More than 200 artists will package their handmade items and journey from all corners of the country to the nationally recognized, juried Fair. Visitors will relish in the variety of craft on display. Patrons can expect to find classics created with wood, clay, and glass, as well as novel pieces made from bone and found objects. With such a breadth of craft available, there is something for everyone at the TACA Fall Craft Fair.
While the public is sure to enjoy the 34th Annual event, TACA’s mission-driven staff and board stay busy behind-the-scenes to champion artists. A callout on the organization’s Facebook page led to an added layer of support for the 33 new exhibitors traveling to this year’s Fair. With a little help from their friends, TACA compiled a series of comments into a Craft Fair Survival Guide. “We want each artist’s weekend to be a huge success,” shares veteran exhibitor and board member, Tim Hintz. “When you are hundreds, even thousands of miles from home, leaving items behind can make or break your weekend. This tool will benefit artists, allowing them to put their best foot forward for the patrons of the Fair.” The support continues throughout the weekend in Centennial Park; TACA pairs new artists with returning exhibitors in the organization’s Booth Buddy Program. Hintz continues, “One of the great things about being part of TACA is joining an extensive network of artists helping other artists.” These programs will allow new artists to shine on the national stage of the TACA Fall Craft Fair.
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Release For Media: September 14, 2012
BEST OF THE BEST: TENNESSEE ARTIST TO RECEIVE BEST OF SHOW HONOR
Selected artist revealed at upcoming public reception for the 2012 TACA Biennial
Nashville, Tenn (September 14, 2012) — Martha Connell will reveal her selection of the 2012 TACA Biennial’s Best of Show at a public reception on September 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tennessee State Museum. The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), a nonprofit, presents the exhibition and reception to provide public visibility and appreciation for Tennessee’s contemporary and traditional craft. “The Biennial is a wonderful outlet for Tennessee’s fine craft artists to showcase recent work,” shares TACA’s Executive Director, Teri Alea. “I look forward to Martha’s announcement of Best of Show. Her choice will forever impact the life of an artist and our state’s ever-evolving craft legacy.”
With the best Tennessee craft on display, juror Martha Connell will have a difficult task selecting the Best of Show among the pieces she chose for the show. Connell, however, has a background that has prepared her for the challenge of judging the diverse submissions that represent the depth and breadth of handmade craft in Tennessee today. Connell shares, “It was a great pleasure to jury the 2012 TACA Biennial. Its subtitle, ‘The Best of Tennessee Craft’ is an apt tribute to the visual feast that is created by the works of the participating artists. I spent much time viewing each piece carefully, fully appreciating the labor of love that went into the making of each object.”
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Release For Artists: June 22, 2012
34th Annual TACA Fall Craft Fair | Call for Entry
Preseted by the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) in Centennial Park
More than 200 artists from across the nation will exhibit in the 34th Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair in Centennial Park September 28-30, 2012. Some of the United States most talented artisans will display their work for an estimated 50,000 attendees. Invited artists receive many benefits at TACA shows, including load-in and load-out directly behind their booths (weather permitting), booth-sitters for breaks, and complimentary breakfast each morning. To be considered for this highly-anticipated, juried event, interested artists must apply online by midnight on July 15, 2012
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Release For Artists: June 11, 2012
Cumberland Valley Seeks Members to participate in Bi-Annual Chapter Exhibition
Applications available through June 29, 2012
Click above for more information about this opportunity for CV-TACA members.
Release For Media: April 20, 2012
BEST IN CRAFT: TACA BIENNIAL WILL SHOWCASE FINEST IN STATE
Applications available through May 17, 2012
Nashville, Tenn (April 20, 2012)— Applications are now available for the 2012 TACA Biennial: The Best of Tennessee Craft. The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), a nonprofit, presents the juried exhibition to provide public visibility for Tennessee’s contemporary and traditional craft. TACA’s Executive Director, Teri Alea, shares, “Every biennial is an opportunity for TACA to spotlight not only the best Tennessee craft, but a unique part of Tennessee culture. By nourishing their passion and supporting their efforts, TACA honors the living legacy of craftspeople and craft-making. We look forward to seeing the stunning work artists submit.”
The 2012 TACA Biennial: The Best of Tennessee Craft will be held from August 24 – October 21 at the Tennessee State Museum. “For decades, the State Museum has worked with TACA to honor and celebrate our outstanding craftsmen,” says Lois Riggins-Ezzell, the museum’s Executive Director. “The Volunteer State has long treasured, embraced and nurtured its vibrant community of craft artists from the majestic mountains of east Tennessee to the mighty Mississippi. We are once again delighted to exhibit Tennessee's finest craft artisans and look forward to featuring their work in the museum’s Biennial exhibit, set for September in our Changing Galleries.” The community is invited to join TACA and TSM celebrate craft at a Public Reception on Saturday, September 29.
Martha Connell will juror the landmark event. With years of experience as the owner/director of her own Connell Gallery/Great American Gallery in Atlanta, curator of several exhibitions in the US and abroad, as well as serving as a juror for many prestigious shows throughout the South, Connell is up to the challenge of judging the diverse submissions that represent the depth and breadth of handmade craft in Tennessee today.
Interested artists may apply online through www.CallForEntry.org by Thursday, May 17.
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Release For Media: April 16, 2012
CELEBRATING THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF CRAFT
The next generation of makers join veternas at the 41st Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair May 4th, 5th & 6th
Nashville, Tenn (April 16, 2012)— More than 20 new exhibitors will appear in Centennial Park for the 41st Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair on May 4th, 5th & 6th. They join 150 returning artists to offer fairgoers a true taste of Tennessee products and culture. The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), a nonprofit, hosts the event each year to fulfill their mission to encourage, develop, and promote craft and craftspeople. New and returning artists will showcase handcrafted creations using materials as diverse as the regions of the state. Guests of the Fair can expect craft classics created with wood, clay, and glass, juxtaposed with novel pieces made from eggshells and found objects. With such a range available, there is definitely something for everyone at the TACA Tennessee Craft Fair.
Last year, JoAnna Bleasdale made her debut among TACA’s tents and walked away with the “Best New Exhibitor” award. The Spencer, TN artist’s hand woven items caught the eyes of TACA judges. She shares, “I didn’t even think I would get into the show. It was wonderfully encouraging to see that my work was not only good enough, but honored! Winning the award last year has had a huge effect on my work. I am producing more, experimenting more with color and working very hard on the smallest details of each piece.” This boost is one many new exhibitors feel after receiving feedback from fairgoers and veteran exhibitors.
“The Tennessee Craft Fair is a great vehicle that allows us to embrace local and regional artists, recognize their talent, and support their craft. We are honored to play a role in the development of Tennessee artists,” states TACA’s Executive Director, Teri Alea. “The Fair provides a great snapshot not just of where Tennessee Crafts are and have been, but where they are going. We are excited to welcome the next generation of craft to our Fair.”
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Release For Media: April 9, 2012
HANDMADE IN TENNESSEE:
Artisans carry on craft tradition at the 41st Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair May 4th, 5th & 6th
Join the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) in Centennial Park for the 41st Annual Tennessee Craft Fair on May 4th, 5th & 6th. The Tennessee Craft Fair is more than a moniker; this show requires exhibiting artists to reside in the state. Visitors will enjoy a true taste of Tennessee products, culture, and tradition from the 170 artisans on-site. Representing a variety of media, exhibitors will travel from all corners of the state to showcase their finest handmade goods at this always-anticipated, juried art event. All works, whether made of wood, metal, glass, clay, and whatever else these creative individuals can get their hands on, are one-of-a-kind. Each purchase will support TACA’s mission and local artists.
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Release For Media: February 27, 2012
NATIONAL EXPERT BRUCE BAKER TEACHES TENNESSEE ARTISANS:
HOW TO MARKET CRAFT IN TODAY'S COMPLEX ECONOMY
Calling all artists! Today’s market is a challenge – are YOU doing everything you can to be successful?
The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) invites all members of the craft and art community to attend Thrive Not Survive, a workshop led by esteemed marketing expert Bruce Baker on March 24 and 25 at the Appalachian Center for Craft. Those in attendance will gain valuable perspective about displaying and selling their work. Artists will walk away with countless tools to assist them in promoting their craft in today’s market. More information on the event is available here.
Click to download the full release. | Interviews available upon request. | Additional images available upon request.
Release For Media: December 13, 2011
PASSING ON TENNESSEE TRADITIONS:
TENNESSEE CRAFT ARTISTS RECEIVE $12K IN MENTORING GRANTS THROUGH THE MASTER ARTIST APPRENTICE PROGRAM
The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) is pleased to announce the ongoing partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) to provide mentoring grants for Tennessee craft artists through the Master Artist Apprentice Program (MAAP). Now in its third year, MAAP pairs master craft artists with apprentices who demonstrate a desire and commitment to further develop their abilities as specialized craft practitioners. Apprentices will receive approximately 80 – 120 hours of instruction from masters during the concentrated learning period from December 2011 to June 2012. In total, our three selected Master craft artist/apprentice pairs will receive $12,000 in grant funding to subsidize their lessons and work.
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Press Release :: September, 2010
STATEWIDE NONPROFIT CELEBRATES THE BEST OF TENNESSEE FINE CRAFT NASHVILLE, TN.
The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) announces that the TACA Biennial: The Best of Tennessee Craft exhibition will be on display in the Todd Hall Art Gallery on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) beginning September 27 through October 15, 2010. An opening reception will be heldOctober 2, 2010 from 5 – 7 p.m. and Tennessee’s First Lady will be onsite for a lecture October 4 from 6 – 8 p.m. “This event is cause for great excitement,” said Elaine Wood, executive director of TACA. “For more than 40 years, the TACA Biennial has been known for being a stimulating and unique showcase of work, each piece expertly created and all exemplifying the high standard of excellence among Tennessee fine craft.”
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Press Release :: Setpember, 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.
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Press Release :: August, 2010
Discover one of Nashville’s Most Enduring Traditions
Annual event encompasses times of traditional to modern craft
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The fall colors of Centennial Park will have stiff competition when more than 200 artists from across the nation visit Nashville for the 2010 TACA Fall Craft Fair. This yearly festival of fine craft will be held September 24, 25 & 26 in historic Centennial Park, as the statewide organization invites residents and visitors to Nashville to celebrate the work of the hand. Artists will be on site with crafts available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking and admission are free and open to the public.
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Press Release :: May 12, 2010
TACA CRAFT FAIR SERVES AS COLLECTION SITE FOR SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE DONATIONS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee during the 39th Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair. The Nashville community and TACA artists worked together to collect 930 pounds of food, benefiting victims of the historic flooding in Nashville and the hungry in Middle Tennessee.
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Press Release :: May 05, 2010
TACA TENNESSEE CRAFT FAIR SET AS DONATION SITE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
The TACA Tennessee Craft Fair, scheduled for this Friday, Saturday andSunday in Nashville’s Centennial Park will go forward asscheduled. The statewide organization is partnering with Nashvillenonprofits The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and SecondHarvest Food Bank to provide opportunities for visitors to the craftfair to donate to victims of the historic floods that ravaged themid-state last weekend.
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Press Release :: April 30, 2010
TACA WELCOMES THE LOST BOYS FOUNDATION OF NASHIVLLE TO TENNESSEE CRAFT FAIR
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) will hold the TACA Tennessee Craft Fair May 7, 8 & 9 in Nashville’s historic Centennial Park. The statewide organization will welcome the Lost Boys Foundation of Nashville as demonstrators during the 39th installment of the yearly celebration of fine craft.
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Press Release :: April 19, 2010
ELAINE WOOD NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF CRAFT ARTISTS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) announced today that Nashville resident Elaine Wood will assume the position of executive director effective immediately. In this role, Wood will lead the staff with a continued and determined focus on supporting craft and craft artists across Tennessee.
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Awards + Recognition
TACA was the recipient of the 1994 Governor's Award in the Arts in recognition of our outstanding contribution to the arts in Tennessee.
Alice Merritt, Executive Director Emerita, received the Tennessee Arts Commission's Gordon Holl Outstanding Arts Administrator Award in 1997 and Southern Highland Craft Guild's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
The TACA Tennessee and Fall Craft Fairs, held in Nashville's Centennial Park, have repeatedly been ranked as one of the "Top Twenty Events in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society, and were designated official Bicentennial Events by the Tennessee 200 Committee.
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