Tullahoma Art Festival Continues Its Slow Decline

story by Russel Mobley

May 26, 2010

The 150 exhibitors expected by Tullahoma Fine Arts Center executive director Lucy Hollis never materialized for its 42nd annual Tullahoma Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, which was held May 22 and 23 on the lawn of South Jackson Civic Center. Only 24 artists and craftsmen manned booths at this year's event. And despite good weather, few of the public were drawn to the show.

Festival participation has steadily declined since the late 90s. Last year there were less than 40 artists at the event. Although the number of artists has never exceeded 100 during the last 20 years, it did hover around 70 until recent years.

Link to winners and images from 2010 show

Frank Gee of Gallatin received Best of Show in Fine Art at the annual Tullahoma Fine Arts and Crafts Festival for his acrylic and watercolor paintings. Other winners announced at the closing of the show on Saturday include Bob Levine of Tullahoma, Best of Show in Crafts; Duane Hill, first place, drawing; Jaceena Shepard, first place, painting; Jane Axman-Hyner, first place, photography; Jonathan Griffith, first place, pottery; Kerri Latil, first place, jewelry. Gee also recieved the Winsor & Newton Watercolor Award.

Apparently this year's poor response from artists and the public will not deter the Center from planning another festival. During Saturday's award presentation, Hollis told attendees the next year's show would be better, because it would coincide with TFAC's hosting of the American Watercolor Society's traveling exhibition. And the society's renown would attract the public.