The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development celebrates the state’s makers by partnering with Tennessee Craft to feature craft artists at all 14 Tennessee Welcome Centers across the state Oct. 2-11. Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam, serving as gonorary chairman, will be making stops for various events, displays and hands-on demonstrations.
The new tradition of Tennessee Craft Week also celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Tennessee Craft, a 500 member organization serving as the premier connecting point for local, independent makers and their audiences through Craft Fairs, exhibitions, professional development and educational programs.
In addition to spotlighting makers at welcome centers across the state, other Tennessee destinations are participating in Tennessee Craft Week. Participants include The Pink Palace Museum and The National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, The Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, and numerous Nashville events during ARTOBER, a month of arts celebration.
“Showcasing these craft artists at our Welcome Centers provides an opportunity to highlight the authenticity and creative spirit of Tennessee to our guests as they are traveling through our state,” said Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett. “It not only offers an experience that only can be ‘Made in Tennessee,’ but a product as well.”
For a full listing of Tennessee Craft Week events, visit http://tennesseecraft.org/tennessee-craft-week/events-list/ and for events across the USA, visit AmericanCraftWeek.com