2023 Master Artist Apprentice Program Pairs Announced
From Tennessee Craft –
NASHVILLE, TN (December 1, 2022) – Tennessee Craft, in partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission, announces the Master Artist Apprentice Program (MAAP) pairings for 2023. The mission of the MAAP is to encourage and invest in the continuation, advancement, and creation of Tennessee craft by recognizing the value of the master craft artist and apprentice relationship as a way to preserve the state’s cultural heritage.
“The Master Artist Apprentice Program provides a six-month immersive mentorship professional opportunity on an annual basis for three emerging artists to refine their work and advance their craftsmanship under the concentrated guidance of seasoned professional artists. And so terrific of the master artist mentors to give forward their time and expertise.” says Tennessee Craft Executive Director Kim McCurdy Waag.
“It is exciting to see the beautiful growth and relationships that evolve from artists working closely together. Every year new professional artists and apprentices are selected in diverse media throughout Tennessee. The program, sponsored by and coordinated in concert with the Tennessee Arts Commission, culminates in a vibrant exhibition at the Commission’s gallery each fall.”
Meet the Artists:
The 2023 apprentices selected are FIBER/TEXTILE: Aja Bain (Nashville) to be mentored by Louise Nuttle (Jonesborough); CLAY: Victory Folsom (Watertown) to be mentored by Louis Colombarini (Dowelltown); and METAL: Dace Ruthven (Memphis) to be mentored by Jim Masterson (Memphis).
The partnership between Tennessee Craft and the Tennessee Arts Commission provides Tennessee artists with relevant and alternative educational experiences, promotes and facilitates fine craft as a viable career path for Tennessee artists, fosters deliberate mentoring, and creates professional development opportunities for Tennessee craft artists.
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About Tennessee Craft: Tennessee Craft, formerly The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), works to continue and create Tennessee’s fine craft tradition. With more than 500 members throughout the state, Tennessee Craft serves as the premier connecting point for local, independent makers and their audiences through craft fairs, exhibitions, professional development, networking, mentorship and other educational programs. Visit tennesseecraft.org to learn more.
Tennessee Craft is being supported, in part, by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
