Emerging Makers Tent
EMERGING MAKERS TENT
Spring Fair Dates: May 1, 2 & 3, 2026
FRI 10AM-6PM | SAT 10AM-6PM | SUN 10AM-5PM
Artist Set-up Date: April 30, 2026
The Emerging Makers Tent is held at every Tennessee Craft fair as an exclusive opportunity for member artists interested in taking their craft business to the next level. In the Emerging Makers Tent, groups of artists from each chapter work together in a supportive environment to gain practical experience selling their artwork. This experience is designed to help emerging makers take the next step toward exhibiting as independent artists on the main tent circle at Tennessee Craft fairs.
Emerging makers may be artists of any age or background who are:
- beginning their craft career,
- working in a new medium, or
- exhibiting at a Tennessee Craft Fair for the first time.
Spring Fair 2026 Mentors and Artists
SECTION 1 – Front Left
Mentor: Amanda Kohr
Region: SW
City: Memphis
| Region | Name | Medium | Status | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS | Nicole Brady | Clay | MS | Nashville |
| SOUTH | Polly Brown | Clay | S | Columbia |
| MS | Yvonne Snyder | Fiber | MS | Nashville |
| MS | Caitlin Rantala | Painting | MS | Nashville |
SECTION 2 – Front Right
Mentor: Julie Boisseau-Craig
Region: EAST
City: Knoxville
| Region | Name | Medium | Status | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS | Shayla Holt | Mixed Media | MS | Nashville |
| MS | Kim Lane | Clay | MS | Nashville |
| EAST | John Mauro | Glass | EAST | Sevierville |
| EAST | Steven Varga | Metal | EAST | Knoxville |
SECTION 3 – Back Left
Mentor: Dani Banderbob
Region: SW
City: Memphis
| Region | Name | Medium | Status | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS | Kate Ferrell | Painting | MS | Nashville |
| MS | Natalie Maltry | Painting | MS | Franklin |
| MS | Cassis Pitman | Clay | MS | Nashville |
SECTION 4 – Back Right
Mentor: Twyla Lambert Clark
Region: MS
City: Nashville
| Region | Name | Medium | Status | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS | Danielle Hopper | Clay | MS | Pleasant View |
| MS | Emily Ciecka | Printmaking | MS | Murfreesboro |
| MS | Nia Smith | Fiber/Textile | MS | Murfreesboro |
| MS | Ashleigh Wilson | Jewelry | MS | Nashville |
Applications
Applications have closed for the Spring Fair
Emerging Maker Tent artist experiences:
“…I had a really great response towards my work and have had some opportunities open up because of it!”
“…I learned a ton about how people receive my work, what works, what customers lean towards.”
“…confidence and knowledge of the craft fair “hustle.” Confidence to continue and valuable advice from other emerging and established artists at the fair.”
“…there is a wonderful and supportive community.”
“…helpful and encouraging. I am ready to exhibit in my own booth at the next Tennessee Craft Fair.”
Before applying:
- Review the Emerging Makers Tent Overview (includes fair rules and eligibility requirements).
- Join or renew your membership with Tennessee Craft if you haven’t already. Only current members are eligible to exhibit in the Emerging Makers Tent.
- Contact your chapter or the Tennessee Craft Membership Department to connect with local craft fair veterans or previous fairs’ emerging makers.
- If you have further questions regarding the Emerging Makers Tent, please contact our Director of Programs & Community Engagement
