Nashville, Tenn – More than 190 regional artists will display and sell one-of-a-kind, handcrafted work at the 43rd Annual Tennessee Craft Fair held in Nashville’s Centennial Park on May 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Tennessee Craft, formerly known as the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), hosts two juried events each year to fulfill its mission to continue and create Tennessee’s fine craft tradition. As this ever-anticipated event approaches, emerging and veteran makers busy their hands, creating exceptional works of art for fairgoers. Attendees will move their feet to visit each artist booth in search of unique treasures from the area’s top artists. The functional and decorative work ranges from traditional to contemporary and represents a variety of media including clay, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood and more.
Artists will be on site with craft available for sale from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. “Our pop-up marketplace allows makers to gather on a beautiful stage to share their talent with the public,” Teri Alea, Tennessee Craft Executive Director, said. “At this event, artists share their work, stories and processes with shoppers, making each interaction special. This experience is unique to shows like ours and we thank those who have made it a tradition to support local artists by buying their art,” she said. “We see in life that what is supported endures.”
By showcasing local artists, Tennessee Craft hopes to shine a spotlight on artists in the region. While the exhibitors have a variety of backgrounds (coming from craft schools, home studios and local co-ops like Fort Houston), all are committed to turning their passion into a profession.
In addition to the fine craft synonymous with the event, Tennessee Craft partners with Publix and several area organizations to present the Publix Kids’ Tent. With the help of a grant from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, hands on, artist-led activities will cultivate the creative minds of children, inspiring our next generation of craft artists. The Clay Lady’s Studios, Artist Co-op and Galleries, the Tennessee Association of Woodturners and the Sheep to Shawl project will all offer live demonstrations of artists in action.
On Saturday morning, awards will be given to the top artists. Following the ceremony fairgoers will be able to distinguish award winners by the banners and flowers that will adorn their tents. The Nashville International Airport will provide free shuttle service from the HCA parking lots on Park Plaza to the Tennessee Craft Fair. The shuttles will run in 15 minute loops on Saturday and Sunday only; all guests are encouraged to use this service. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, partners and donors, this event is free and open to the public.