A Rebirth Of The Tullahoma Fine Arts And Crafts Festival Or . . . The End?
If Lucy Hollis is right, this year's arts and crafts festival will reverse a trend begun more than a decade ago.
According to Hollis, executive director of the Tullahoma Fine Arts Center, sponsor of the annual Tullahoma Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, 150 people will show their creations next weekend on the lawn of the South Jackson Civic Center. She insisted that was the number of partcipants she expected,"if they all come through."
Hollis said artists would be coming from as far away as Miami, Florida and Columbus, Ohio.
In an interview Friday, Hollis gave the names of two local artists she said would be attending. When contacted, one of the two artists said they would not be at the festival this year due to a scheduling conflict.
Festival participation has steadily declined since the late 90s. Last year there were less than 40 artists at the event. And public attendance was down from previous years. Although the number of artists has never exceeded 100 during the last 20 years, it did hover around 70 until recent years.
TULLAHOMA ARTS AND CRAFTS ARTISTS FESTIVAL APPLICATION
The Sunday edition of a local newspaper listed the names of 22 artists and 3 food vendors who are expected to attend.
The festival is a source of income for the center. Artists are charged $75 for an exhibit booth. Admission to the event is $1.
Roger Murray, a former Tullahoma High School teacher, will serve as festival judge.
On Friday, Hollis was on the phone attempting to raise money for the juried awards. She said there no major awards to be given out this year. Winners would be limited to first, second and third place awards in several categories.
Festival tickets for TFAC members to sell were mailed on Thursday.
Hollis said she was "optimistic" about this year's festival, despite the still sluggish economy.
The 42nd annual festival will be held in front of the South Jackson Civic Center on Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, May 23, from Noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $1.
Hollis said entertainment on Saturday would be provided by the Middle Tennessee Cloggers.
Part of the center will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday for viewing of an exhibit by Tullahoma High School art students.
"We hope the community comes out (for the festival), because it is put on for their benefit," said Hollis.
Photo: Tullahoma High School art student © Russel Mobley / Middle Tennessee Arts.
