Best of Tennessee Craft: 2021 Biennial

Tennessee Craft seeks entries for its Best of Tennessee Craft: 2021 Biennial exhibition to encourage and promote a high standard of excellence and design among Tennessee craft artists and to provide public visibility and recognition for the quality and diversity of craft found in Tennessee. Up to 75 pieces of artwork will be selected for this craft exhibition, hosted by the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. The public exhibition runs October 29, 2021 through February 20, 2022, with a reception planned (date and time to be announced).

The competition is open to craft artists 18 years or older who are current residents of Tennessee, including students. Artists may submit up to three craft pieces. Original artwork only is accepted; commercially made embellishments must be subordinate to handcrafted work. Finished pieces must show manipulation of materials and originality in design. Laser, CAD- or CNC-assisted works are not allowed unless generated components are subordinate to the finished artwork. Artwork produced with commercial kits, molds, patterns, plans, prefabricated forms, or other commercial methods are ineligible. Copyrighted designs not owned by the artist are not permitted. Eligible craft media include: basketry, clay, fiber/textile, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, printmaking, sculpture, wood, and other. Photography, painting, and digital art are not eligible.

Each piece should be represented by one high-resolution 300 dpi or greater image with no detail views or multiple angles of the same piece. The entry fee is $40 ($35 for current Tennessee Craft members with coupon code "MBR21") for up to three works, payable by check, credit, or debit card. All entry forms must be electronically submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. MT on June 1, 2021. Jurying will be conducted from submitted images, with notification to artists on July 1, 2021. Guest jurors will select works to receive cash awards, including a $1,500 Best of Show. Upon notification of selection, artists may be required to provide additional low-resolution 360-degree images and exact weight of each piece (weight limit: 200 lbs per sq ft). Artists are responsible for all transportation costs and insurance. Work must be ready to hang or display with any necessary hanging or display devices provided by the artist.