SMITHVILLE – Tennessee Tech University’s Appalachian Center for Craft will hold their 24th annual Celebration of Craft on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., at their campus in Smithville, Tennessee.
“We have something for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest with hands-on activities, live artist demonstrations, live music from many genres and food for all tastes,” Gail Gentry, Programs Manager for the Appalachian Center for Craft, said.
Attendance at the celebration has grown over the years and activities have changed with the addition of more hands-on activities for kids and more food vendors according to Gentry.
“It becomes an annual event for many groups and families. Community loyalty and involvement are things that we value highly,” she said.
There will be live, narrated demonstrations in all the studios. Featured demonstrations will include glass blowing, blacksmithing, ceramics, fibers and wood.
The live music will include Rachel Rodriguez with traditional Mariachi and country music from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Kelle Jolly will perform jazz, blues, gospel and folk songs from 1 – 3 p.m. Echo Rowe will finish the day with classic rock and blues music from 3 – 5 p.m.
The silent auction fundraiser will feature artwork donated by regional artists and the Craft Center’s own artists. The proceeds will support educational art outreach programs for high school teachers and students.
The kids hands-on craft activities include build a clay bear, weave a dream catcher, create a tile coaster, fold an origami star book and color a flying butterfly. Student volunteers from Professor Jeremy Blair’s art education classes staff and manage the hands-on activities for kids throughout the day and community volunteers help with the kids’ crafts.
Food vendors for the day are Helen’s Restaurant, Whitt’s Barbeque, Grace’s Lumpia and Country Boy Gourmet Kettle Corn.
The Appalachian Craft Center gallery sale offers a 25% discount on all handmade items in the gallery. The sale is in person from10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and online discounts will be available.
This is a free event, and it happens rain or shine according to Gentry. The Appalachian Center for Craft is located at 1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville.
