Andi Holbrook

As TACA executive director Andi Holbrook explains, for many people, the event's appeal lies in its mix of old favorites and new faces, all of them from the state of Tennessee.
...
Holbrook herself is a newcomer, only four months into her post as TACA director.With a background in the nonprofit world, she also brings to her job an irrepressible enthusiasm for creativity in its many forms.

"My hobby is taking art classes," she says, "and based on my novice experience at being a craftsperson, I have so much respect for the people I get to work with.
...
"We've all been accustomed to parking on the grass at this fair," Holbrook says, "so what TACA and Metro Parks are trying to do is retrain people now that the Parks Department has a mission to protect and beautify their grounds.They have been very proactive in responding to our needs for visitors to come and have a good experience at the fair."

This year's parking plan calls for turning the circular drive inside the park into a one-way street, with parking along one side of the route.In addition, Holbrook says, there is plenty of parking on the streets and in the lots that line the perimeter of the park; on Saturday and Sunday, neighboring HCA will open its own lots on Park Plaza, at the north end of Centennial Park.

"Metro Parks is supplying staff to direct and guide people, so that will be very helpful to visitors," Holbrook says.

Enjoy food and family fun

In addition to the 170 artists who'll have booths set up throughout the park, the fair promises its usual mix of food vendors and family activities, including a tent where children can paint, draw and make a variety of crafts, including yarn mosaics, wire jewelry and kites.But one new feature has Holbrook particularly excited because it helps deepen TACA's connections to the community in profound ways.

"This year, we're celebrating the fact that we have become a founding member of Food Security Partners of Middle Tennessee, which is essentially a network of organizations and people who have something to contribute to help sustain localization of food supplies."

As Holbrook explains, that means not just assisting with hunger relief, but also working with local farmers and other institutions that help ensure a healthy food chain in Middle Tennessee.

"TACA is very pleased that Centennial Park has developed a responsive plan to accommodate parking needs while protecting the integrity of the grounds," says Andi Holbrook, TACA's Executive Director.
...
"The Tennessee Crafts Fair is not only an opportunity to shop and find one-of-a-kind, handmade art," says Holbrook, "but also a meeting ground where the collector can interact with the creator and all can celebrate the work of the hand."

Named one of the "Top 20 Events in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society and as part of "Celebrate Nashville", this event showcases Tennessee's most talented craft artists, as selected by a jury, offering their highest quality work to Middle Tennessee collectors.