TN Tourism Partners with TN Craft for TN Craft Week
From Laurie Davis, TN Craft –
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partners with Tennessee Craft to sponsor craft artist demonstrations in all 15 Tennessee Welcome Centers during Tennessee Craft Week Oct. 5-14.
Tennessee Craft Week shines a spotlight on craft artists across the state each October, celebrating handmade craft artwork and encouraging the public to take home an authentic treasure. The Tennessee Craft Week campaign is held in conjunction with American Craft Week.
Talented craft artists at the Tennessee Welcome Centers will share their creative process and skills with guests traveling across Tennessee. In 2017, more than 14 million people visited the Tennessee Welcome Centers annually, creating memories of a “Made in Tennessee” experience. Both residents and guests visiting the state are invited to stop at one of the welcome centers, be inspired by the rich tradition of handmade crafts, and continue to explore Tennessee’s beautiful fall foliage and fun family destinations.
“Showcasing these artisans at our Welcome Centers highlights to our guests the authenticity and creative spirit of Tennessee,” said Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett. “It offers an experience that not only is ‘Made in Tennessee,’ but a product as well.”
“Tennessee Craft Week continues to grow each year with more artists and events showcasing the depth and breadth of talent,” said Teri Alea, Tennessee Craft executive director. “Craft artists make a personal connection with guests traveling through the state, and demonstrate how our rich craft tradition not only defines our heritage but also our future.”
Upcoming Demonstrations
Carthage Craft Artist Demonstration
Friday, October 5, 10 am – 4 pm, TN Welcome Center | I-40, Smith County
Craft artist Mirrah Johnson be stitching and making tatted lace by hand, using natural fibers. She will stitch on naturally dyed fabric using needle turn technique. Lace will be made with a tatting shuttle.
Portland Craft Artist Demonstration
Saturday, October 6, 10 am – 4 pm, TN Welcome Center | I-65, Robertson County
Woodcraft artist Travis Curtis will be sharing the technique of traditional Windsor Chairmaking. He will be using a shave horse to make spindles for the chairs. He will have samples of the beautiful furniture he has made on display.
Ardmore Craft Artist Demonstration
Saturday, October 6, 10 am – 4 pm, TN Welcome Center | I-65, Giles County
Craft artist Susan Van Dyke will have several baskets in progress to demonstrate techniques for visitors. She will also have a few tapestry looms for education, and a wall weaving that travelers can try their hand at weaving on. She will also be displaying finished baskets.
Clarksville Craft Artist Demonstration
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 10 am – 4 pm TN Welcome Center | I-24, Montgomery County
Tangled Tiles Glass artist will cut glass, wrap each piece in copper foil and demonstrate the soldering process. Additionally, Davis will take the leftover glass scraps and make small tile pieces for creating a glass on glass mosaic panel, suitable for hanging in a window.
For a full listing of events in Tennessee, visit TNVacation.com or TennesseeCraft.org
For events across the USA, visit AmericanCraftWeek.com.
Follow Tennessee Craft on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest #TNCraftWeek
