COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Tech University's School of Art, Craft & Design will host the 27th annual Celebration of Craft on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event takes place at the Appalachian Center for Craft, Tech's satellite campus in Smithville, and is free for guests of 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 glass blowing are among the many craft demonstrations visitors can enjoy. All are encouraged to explore the open studios and ask questions.
The main stage will feature music and dance performances by Global Education Center showcasing a wide array of cultural expressions from around the world. Visitors can get a schedule of performances at the welcome tent. Nearby, guests will find a great selection of food and drinks including pork rinds, kettle corn, coffee drinks, Italian ice, sandwiches, hot dogs, tacos and burgers. Food trucks including Habibi’s Mexican Grill, That Dang Coffee Truck, Southern Soft Ice, Bunz on the Run and Country Boys Gourmet will be serving up crowd favorites all day.
Kids and families can enjoy free face painting and hands-on craft activities where they can create their own works of art with guidance from Tech art education faculty and students. Drop-in activities will include origami birds, indigo dyeing, cardboard circle weaving, foam shape printmaking and pencil pinwheels, providing fun and learning for all ages.
During Celebration of Craft, purchases of handcrafted items in the Craft Center gallery will be discounted 25%, including paintings, prints, ceramics, glassware, handwoven textiles, jewelry, woodturned utensils and more created by fine craft artists from across the region. Visitors will also have the opportunity to shop the Visual Art Society student sale, located in the Craft Center’s cafe.
The Appalachian Center for Craft is located at 1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville, Tenn. Leashed pets are welcome in outdoor areas only. Additional information is available at www.tntech.edu/celebrationofcraft or by contacting the Craft Center at craftcenter@tntech.edu or 931-372-3051.
