Regional spring arts and crafts shows abound
As hillsides in the Tennessee Valley burst into pastel hues, a weekend getaway to an outdoor festival could be your cure for a case of cabin fever.
There are more than 120 festivals taking place across the state between now and June 1, according to state tourism Web sites. One of the biggest, the Four Bridges Arts Festival, is in Chattanooga April 19-20. Sponsored by the Association for Visual Arts, Four Bridges is Chattanooga’s only large fine arts show.
The fact that 692 artists applied to exhibit in this year’s show is evidence of its national reputation. According to Eric Ledford, Four Bridges’ artistic director, 151 artists were selected.
Mr. Ledford said Four Bridges’ location in First Tennessee Pavilion, in combination with the variety of media exhibited, is unique.
“There are other arts festivals in the area, but Four Bridges is big enough and established enough to draw people from all over the country,” said Mr. Ledford. “I think the space is crucial, too, to the success of our show because it’s covered so the art is protected, yet it’s open and still feels like it’s outdoors.”
Katie Haile, marketing director of the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists, agrees that the beauty or individuality of a show’s location enhances its appeal.
The 37th spring TACA Crafts Fair gets under way May 2 in Nashville’s Centennial Park on the grounds around the Parthenon. The three-day show of fine art will display the work of 170 artists.
“It’s a really beautiful site with amazing foliage that makes the Parthenon look phenomenal,” Ms. Haile said, adding that more than 45,000 visitors came to the spring 2007 show.
“The park is a draw and something that is a natural fit for the craft fair. What’s better than going out to a pseudo ‘backyard’ and seeing friends? Our artists have made friends whom they see at the fair on a yearly basis. They tell us they very much look forward to it,” she said.
Susan Palmer Pierce is a reporter and columnist in the Life department. She began her journalism career as a summer employee 1972 for the News Free Press, typing bridal announcements and photo captions. She became a full-time employee in 1980, working her way up to feature writer, then special sections editor, then Lifestyle editor in 1995 until the merge of the NFP and Times in 1999. She was honored with the 2007 Chattanooga Woman of ...
