Kem Alexander, of Chattanooga, secured 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. 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 said, “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 in the show represents an important contribution to Tennessee’s craft legacy.”
With the finest Tennessee craft on display, Ms. Connell said, “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, Ms. Connell awarded Cindy Billingsley (Franklin), Emily Eversgerd (Telford, Tn.), Tim Hintz (Smithville, Tn.), and Jennifer Sargent (Memphis) with Merit Awards for their work in clay, metal, wood and fiber, respectively.
The 2012 TACA Biennial: The Best of Tennessee Craft features 63 artists from every corner of the state. The 100 handcrafted works juried into the show were all made in the last two years. This unique requirement offers a snapshot of Tennessee craft today, as well as its future. See the landmark exhibition now through Oct. 21, at the Tennessee State Museum. The exhibition is free and open to the public.