Highland Rim Chapter
Tennessee Association of Craft Artists
 2009 Officers:
 President:
   Jeanne Brady
 Vice-president:
   Susan DeMay
 Treasurer:
   Noreen Grisolano
 Secretary:
   Larie Hall
 Historian:
   Carol Ventura
 Board Reps:
   Kim Winkle
   Susan Thornton

February 2009 Newsletter & Minutes

February 10, 2009: Meeting at Appalachian Center for Craft.
Members in attendance: Noreen Grisolano, Meredith Lewis, Laurie Hall, Jeanne Brady, Cheryl Ludwig, Kat Livesay, Jessica Jones, Adele Seitzinger, Jody Windus, Derreld Hallenbeck, Tim Hintz, Nancy Jansen, Sharron Eckert, William Kooienga, Kimberely Winkle, Carol Ventura, Andrzej Gutek.
Jeanne opened the meeting introducing Richard Painter, a local artist and Gail Louper, ACC gallery director. They facilitated a discussion on presenting work to galleries. It was very informative and we thank both of them for their time.

Gimme Some Tongue by Stiv Mackey (right)    
Treasurer's Report: The balance is about $1000.
Bill Mullins is now permanent executive director of TACA.
The HR web page www.finecrafts.org. As a member of the Highland Rim Chapter, you can have your own gallery page for free. Just send the pictures and info to Andrzej at agutek@tntech.edu. Member's pages can accommodate pictures up to 800 pixels/72 dpi. Jpeg is the best format, but all types of photos and prints are OK.
It was agreed to join Cookeville Arts Council for $20. They are writing a letter partially on our behalf to the Fun Fest board to request a change of location for the art booths from last year.
TACA Highland Rim Chapter Booth report: Anyone wanting to participate in the TACA group booth for the spring show must get in touch with Cheryl Ludwig (931-265-2588) ASAP. There are limited spaces available. We had a brief meeting after the chapter meeting of those people who have paid for their spots. Set up (April 30) and tear down are required and working when scheduled during the weekend. Future meeting TBS after March 1st.. Booth fee is $25.
Board Meeting Report: Tim Hintz reported that TACA is looking for a new Director and hope to have the position filled by July 1st.
Board Meeting Report: Kim Winkle reported on board retreat she and Tim attended. One main concern was the decrease in TACA membership over the last 5 years. TACA has very limited office staff and needs volunteers to help with membership drives, working on targeting a younger and more economically and ethnically diverse population. Also needed is help working on the Biennial show – venue TBA. All members are encouraged to recruit new members and/or encourage lapsed members to renew. Membership benefits include: • 20% discount to all workshops from Arrowmount • Booth discounts for TACA shows • Educating the public about art • Website gallery • Scholarships up to $250 available once every 3 years • Biennial show • Mentorship program • Workshops and other educational opportunitieis • Newletter • Directory • Exihibition opportunities • Networking • Insurance at shows • Local chapter events and website • Arts advocacy.
Next Highland Rim Chapter Meeting:
- Saturday, May 9th, 2009, at the Appalachian Center for Craft at noon.
- Tuesday, September 15th, 2009, at Laurie Hall's home and studio in Sparta, 6 pm.
- Saturday, December 5th, 2009, at Carol and Andrzej's new home and studio, noon.
Please RSVP the host before each meeting!
Opportunities:
- Highland Rim Chapter Booth at the TACA Spring Crafts Fair. See www.finecrafts.org for application and details.
- Fall Fun Fest and Craft Fair on September 11 and 12, 2008. Go to www.fallfunfest.com for information and application.
- Virginia Kail has a blog that features different artists. She would be happy to feature new artists. The link to her news section is http://www.virginiakail.com/new.php. Virginia works for American Way Real Estate. This is a good opportunity to publicize your work to realtors and buyers for homes.
- Send photos of your work to Katie Haile at the TACA office to use for TACA publications and publicity.
- Submit your achievements to khaile@tennesseecrafts.org. Submissions are due Feb 16 to be included in this upcoming newsleAtter. For future issues TACA needs information on members in the news. This helps them when they apply for grants.
- UCAA is conducting a survey of artists in the counties served by them. Contact Alice Meiwald at uppercumberlandartalliance@yahoo.com. This survey will help promote tourism, economic development and networking for artists so please participate.
- Contact the Nashville Airport at (615) 275-1614 for info about exhibiting or demonstrating through their Art at the Airport program.
April 14 - Arts Advocacy Day in Nashville. Let your legislators know you’re out there. Contact Bill Heim at redoaktn@dtccom.net
Highland Rim People in the NEWS:
A leaf platter by Susan De May was included in the Lark book series 500 plates and Chargers. This beautiful book curated by Linda Arbuckle includes the work of 5 Tennessee clay artists. Susan De May, Lee Marshall and TJ Edwards recently conducted a marketing workshop at Midsouth Ceramics Supply on marketing and included a wide range of topics related to producing work and getting oneself out there. Susan also has a glazing workshop scheduled at the Appalachian Center for Craft in May.
And what have YOU been up to lately? Submit your “news” to Laurie Hall, Highland Rim Secretary at: wheelnkiln2@aol.com

Please join our Highland Rim Internet group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HighlandRim/ It's simple to join and a fun way to stay in touch between meetings and share information.

Last updated on March 28, 2009. Comments? Send an e-mail to Andrzej Gutek.