Meet Committee Chair: Laurel Sprague
With the new year came new leadership in the committees of Tennessee Craft. We so appreciate the work of these volunteer leaders from across the state. We could not hope to accomplish all of our goals without their dedication to our organization. So, for the next few weeks we’ll be shining the spotlight on them as a small thank you for all they do for us!
We’d like to begin this series by introducing Laurel Sprague, our new chair of the Fair Committee.
What have you found to be most important through being involved with Tennessee Craft?
Connecting to fellow craft artists, craft collectors and admirers is the most important part of Tennessee Craft for me.
What made you decide to take a leadership position this year?
The more I learn about Tennessee Craft the more I want to be involved—taking on a committee chair position was a natural progression.
What are you most excited about accomplishing this year?
I’m excited to help to support the staff with the craft fairs, and I’m also looking forward to potentially adding new services for participating craft artists at the fairs.
What is your craft / how did you start?
I’m a mixed media artist. I use alternative photographic processes, clay, fiber, and wood. I fell in love with creating as a young kid and began my mixed media work during graduate school in 2010.
What do you find most rewarding about showing at the Fairs?
The best part (other than selling work to a great crowd of collectors) is seeing other craft artists and their work in person. I love the Chapter Tent, Demonstration Tent, and interactive Kids’ Tent. too.
What is your favorite part of being a craft artist?
Creating. There is nothing like working in my studio and losing track of the outside world.
Join us in congratulating Laurel!
She recently accepted a position with SMART! Scrap Made Art in Nashville. SMART! is a re-purposed art supplies store where artists, school teachers, craftspeople and anyone in between can purchase unique recycled items for their work. Customers will be able to purchase these recyclable items – from Popsicle sticks to water bottle tops – in bulk for their projects at affordable prices.
In the future, SMART! will also feature art classes and gallery space. Along with providing a cool new art store for Nashville, SMART! will benefit Progress Inc.’s mission of giving people with intellectual disabilities meaningful employment opportunities – and now you have a great Tennessee Craft connection to this wonderful organization!
Craft is a Community
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Thanks for all of our sponsors and partners that have helped keep Tennessee Craft operating since 1965! We appreciate you!
