Press & Awards
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Recent TACA Happenings | Press Releases
Release For Media: April 20, 2012 BEST IN CRAFT: TACA BIENNIAL WILL SHOWCASE FINEST IN STATE 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. Click to download the full release.
Release For Media: April 16, 2012 CELEBRATING THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF CRAFT 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.” Click to download the full release.
Release For Media: April 9, 2012
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. Click to download the full release.
Release For Media: February 27, 2012 Calling all artists! Today’s market is a challenge – are YOU doing everything you can to be successful? Click to download the full release. | Interviews available upon request. | Additional images available upon request.
Release For Media: December 13, 2011 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. Click to download the full release.
Press Release :: September, 2010
Press Release :: Setpember, 2010
Press Release :: August, 2010
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. |
