AAT Spring Tour Maps Now Available! Saturday March 15 is the date for the AiM Artisan Trail spring tour of studios. McNairy County artisans will open their shops and studios to the public from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM for an exclusive peak inside their creative process. It is a great time to meet the artists, learn about what they do and purchase some of the finest handmade goods in the Midsouth. Last years two AAT events drew enthusiastic visitors from a 6 state region as well as many from counties all around west and middle Tennessee.
Some of the favorite stops on the spring 2008 AAT will include:
- Beulah Land Alpaca Farm in Ramer where you can meet Alpaca owners Dian and Roger Matlock, feed the animals and purchase some of the finest alpaca fleece products anywhere around.
- Hockaday Handmade Brooms is one of the oldest businesses in Selmer. Broom making has been in Jack Martin's family for four generations and he still makes them one at a time just like his great great grandfather. Visit Jack, see him at work, enjoy the broom museum and take home a-one-of-a-kind handmade broom.
- Eco-Art by Tim Pace is in the Finger community of McNairy County. Tim recycles scrap metal and everyday objects into whimsical statues, garden art and all kinds of functional items. Tim will not be on hand for the spring tour, but his shop and gallery will be open for tours and purchases.
- Appalachian Threads, the weaving and spinning studio of Constance Beck in Adamsville, is always a favorite stop. Connie is adding something new for visitors to enjoy this year. Maiden Tennessee, an Artisan Gallery will feature the work of 14 local artists. Some will be on hand doing painting, pottery, caning and weaving demonstrations for the spring tour. Entertainment is also being provided.
- 2-B Pottery in the Lawton community is operated by Sandee Barton and Rebecca Berry. Their studio and gallery is located in Simply Home Interiors just off Hwy 64. The two "B's" will be doing demonstrations, showing and selling their fine traditional pottery during the tour.
- Patricia Fischer's wood turning studio is located in the McNairy Community. Patricia is the newest addition to the artisan trail and she has been represented in galleries in Colorado and shown her traditional and contemporary wood turnings widely. She will be showing and demonstrating.
- The Bethel Springs Community Center will serve as a trail head and a good central starting place for first time visitors. Carver Michael Altom will be there showing and selling his unique mammoth ivory carvings as well as his more traditional wood carved items. Maps and displays from all of the participating artists will also be available at that location.
Other stops on the trail like Big Hill Pond State Park, and the McNairy County Museum spotlight the history and beauty of McNairy County so come see why so many love to "come home to McNairy County, TN!" It's as easy as double clicking the image of the map on this page, printing it out and hitting the AiM Artisan Trail. See you there!
