Tech’s Appalachian Center for Craft to hold annual ‘Celebration of Craft’ April 11
Tennessee Tech University’s Appalachian Center for Craft will host its 28th annual Celebration of Craft on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event will feature activities for all ages.
Each of the Craft Center’s studios—glass, metals, clay, fibers and wood—will present demonstrations by Tech faculty, students and resident artists. Woodturning, raku pottery, blacksmithing, weaving and glassblowing are among the many demonstrations visitors can enjoy. Craft Center staff also encourage guests to explore the open studios and engage with artists.
The main stage will feature music and dance performances by the Global Education Center, showcasing a wide array of cultural expressions from around the world. A schedule of performances will be available at the welcome tent.
“Created in the late 1990s, the Celebration of Craft grew out of a pivotal moment that ultimately strengthened the Craft Center thanks to the incredible support of our community, students, alumni, faculty and staff,” said Kim Winkle, director of Tech’s School of Art, Craft & Design. “What emerged is a vibrant annual event that celebrates the Appalachian Center for Craft and honors the rich craft traditions of the Appalachian region.”
A variety of food and beverage options will be available for purchase from vendors, including Bunz on the Run, Habibi’s Mexican Grill, Southern Soft Ice, DonutNV and Get Smoked BBQ.
Children and families can enjoy free face painting and hands-on craft activities led by Tech art education faculty and students. Drop-in activities will include leaf tracings, accordion-fold flowers, butterfly suncatchers, mini bookmaking and a stamping station.
During the event, purchases of handcrafted items in the Craft Center Gallery will be discounted by 25%. Available works include paintings, prints, ceramics, glassware, handwoven textiles, jewelry, woodturned utensils and more, created by fine craft artists from across the region. Visitors can also shop the Visual Art Society student sale, located under a tent on the Craft Center lawn.
The Celebration of Craft will take place at the Appalachian Center for Craft, Tech’s satellite campus located at 1560 Craft Center Drive in Smithville.
Leashed pets are welcome in outdoor areas only. For more information, visit www.tntech.edu/celebrationofcraft or contact the Craft Center at craftcenter@tntech.edu or 931-372-3051.