TACA Press Release - August 2010


Discover one of Nashville’s Most Enduring Traditions:Community partners create opportunities for children to learn, play

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kids of all ages will find something to love at this year’s TACA Fall Craft Fair. Held September 24, 25 & 26 in historic Centennial Park, the statewide organization invites children of all ages to celebrate the work of the hand by visiting the craft booths, viewing live demonstrations and spending time in the TACA Kids’ Tent. Community partners like The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Tennessee State Museum and The Nashville Public Library’s Puppet Truck have donated time and supplies to ensure all activities are free of charge.

“The children who visit the fair are our most precious resource. These are the artists, collectors and supporters of the next generation of fine craft and we are so excited to offer activities to engage those young minds.” says Elaine Wood, TACA’s Executive Director.

Included among the participants of the TACA Kids’ Tent are Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Tennessee State Museum, The Renaissance Center, and Public Super Markets, Inc. Fine craft-focused children’s activities include weaving bracelets, creating dream catchers, Dale Chihuly-inspired mixed media and paper activities, puzzles, and coloring projects.

New to this fall’s event is the addition of the Nashville Public Library’s Puppet Truck, delivering free, literature-based puppet shows throughout the Nashville Metropolitan area. During the day on Saturday and Sunday, children are invited to sit and enjoy a presentation of “The Frog Prince” at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. The play tells the story of a spoiled princess who befriends a frog who magically transforms into a handsome prince and those who stay for the play will have an opportunity to take part in a question and answer period with the puppet masters.

For more information on any of the community partners listed herein or to learn more about the Nashville Public Library’s Puppet Truck, please visit the TACA website.

The TACA Craft Fairs are produced by the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), an independent, statewide nonprofit organization and recipient of the Tennessee Governor’s Award in the Arts. By maintaining high standards of excellence, the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists is appreciated for producing festivals representing the finest in American craftsmanship. We are proud to be a part of Celebrate Nashville, the #1 Craft Fair in Tennessee as designated by Harris List, and as one of the 200 Best List by the Sunshine Artist magazine.

Founded in 1965, TACA is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging, developing and promoting crafts and craftspeople in Tennessee. Through the use of Craft Fairs, TACA works to expose the residents of Tennessee to the art of fine craft, while providing a forum for creative and personal expression for the artists. For more information, visit www.tennesseecrafts.org.