Exhibitions:
The Cumberland Valley tennessee association of craft artists
Works by Regional Fine Craft Artists
August 6 – September 22
- Artists’ Reception, Friday, August 6, 5 PM - 7 PM
A group exhibit by members of the CV-TACA (Cumberland Valley Tennessee Association of Craft Artists) will be on display August 6 – September 22 in Metro Parks’ Centennial Art Center gallery. Exhibitors include: Alejandro Amezcua - jewelry, Paula Bowers-Hotvedt - weaving, Bev Bozard - wood sculpture, Guy Bozard - wood sculpture, Martha Christian - tapestry, Larry M. Cognata - jewelry, Sheila Downs - jewelry, Leslie Fawcett - jewelry, Peggy Hays - pottery, Bill Heim - pottery, Judy Heim - pottery, John Jordan - turned and carved wood, Nan Kennedy - mosaic wall sculptures, Nancy Kula - collages and hand-pulled prints, Troy Berggren Lacy - fiber arts, Lynne Leeson - hand-pulled prints, Linda McLaughlin - jewelry, Laura McWhorter - fiber art, Ron Olson - metal sculpture, Bets Ramsey - fiber arts, Donna Rizzo - clay sculpture, Anne Rob - jewelry, Ray Stansel - wood carving, Brenda Stein - turned wood, Emily Tuttle - collograph prints on handmade paper and Lee Ann Walker - wall quilts.
CV-TACA is part of the larger TACA (Tennessee Association of Craft Artists). Founded in 1965 as an independent, non-profit organization, TACA was established to promote, develop and encourage crafts and craftspeople in Tennessee. Members are offered sales opportunities via such venues as juried craft fairs including the Tennessee Crafts Fair and Fall Craft Fair (held annually in Nashville's Centennial Park) that are enjoyed by thousands of people. Members’ opportunities also include mentoring programs and educational outreach workshops in business and professional development.
Through the years, TACA has received grants and financial support from individual donors, groups and foundations such as the Frist Foundation, LifeWorks Foundation, Metro Nashville Arts Commission and the Tennessee Arts Commission. The success of TACA’s events can be attributed to volunteer efforts by members who enthusiastically assist behind the scenes, providing hospitality and vital, additional support during exhibitions, craft fairs and other special events. Anyone can join TACA. Members include professional craft artists, beginners, students, teachers, schools, art departments, co-ops, guilds, art supply stores, galleries and craft event promoters. CV-TACA members reside in the northern Middle Tennessee counties of Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson and Wilson.
Lena A. Lucas – Centennial Art Center’s gallery manager – says, “This exhibit presents works by the best in region’s creators of fine, handmade crafts...” She continues, saying that handmade crafts “…are more important than ever in today’s world. When a person chooses to buy and use one-of a kind crafts, they grow to understand the difference between interacting with an object – be it functional or purely decorative – infused with the makers’ vision, energy and love versus a mass produced item… Often, there is little or no separation between fine art works and fine craft works…” As to CV-TACA specifically, the Center’s Director, Brenda McSurley, says that they are “… a thriving, supportive, nurturing local organization that is a major creative force in Middle Tennessee! We look forward to having the members’ works displayed in our gallery.”
The public is invited to attend the special opening reception in honor of the exhibiting CV-TACA members on Friday, August 6, from 5 PM to 7 PM. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Also of interest, Tom Rice's outdoor sculptures, birdbaths and garden benches continue on display in the courtyard.
