The Appalachian Center for Craft at Tennessee Tech University announced on May 7 that it will present the inaugural Focus on Fine Craft exhibition from May 15 to June 6 in the Hilltop Gallery. The show will feature work by students in grades eight through twelve and educators who participated in the Focus on Fine Craft Field Trip Program during the 2025-2026 academic year.
The exhibition highlights creative achievements by students and teachers from across Tennessee, offering a platform for participants to showcase their exploration of various craft processes. Each year, school groups visit Smithville to engage with professional artists and learn about woodworking, glass flameworking, blacksmithing, enameling, pottery, and papermaking during three-hour field trips.
Participants have opportunities to interact with artists while gaining insight into fine craft traditions and career possibilities within the field. The program concludes each spring with an exhibition celebrating artistic development among its participants. Artwork included in this year’s display was selected from student and teacher contributions alongside pieces by teaching artists who led workshops.
A panel of artists affiliated with the center juried and curated the show, which includes painting, printmaking, ceramics, fibers, glasswork, woodworking, and blacksmithing. Featured artists include Emma Coppinger, Nathan Gant, Jazzy Lowry, Natalie Romer, Kira Smith, Adison Wittekind and teacher Amy Seber from Warren County High School; Juliana Adams, Tatiyanna Farmer, Vivi Hall, Noe Ise, Ally King, Drew Lane, Frankie Lumar and teacher Shayna Snider from Hume-Fogg High School; teacher Jennifer Penuel from Gordonsville High School; as well as Katelyn Rayder, Alex Neal and teacher Tristessa Luetkemeyer from Stone Memorial High School.
A public reception is scheduled for May 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring catering by Meg’s Bread. Those unable to attend can view a digital version of the exhibition on the center’s website. The Appalachian Center for Craft is located at 1560 Craft Center Drive in Smithville. For more information about the event or program details contact Ashley Lusietto at alusietto@tntech.edu or call 931-372-6883.
