Exhibitions

BEST OF TENNESSEE CRAFT: 2026 BIENNIAL EXHIBITION

Art Museum of the University of Memphis (AMUM) / 142 CFA Building October 24 - December 12th (Reception: October 24 4:00pm - 7:00pm)

Best of Tennessee Craft: 2026 Biennial is Tennessee Craft’s premier juried exhibition, celebrating the extraordinary talent, vision, and craftsmanship of artists working across the state. Hosted at the Art Museum of the University of Memphis, this highly anticipated exhibition showcases outstanding contemporary and traditional craft by emerging and established Tennessee artists alike. From clay and fiber to wood, metal, glass, mixed media, and beyond, the Biennial highlights the innovation, skill, and creative spirit shaping craft in Tennessee today.

First launched shortly after Tennessee Craft’s founding in 1965, Best of Tennessee Craft is one of the state’s longest-running craft exhibitions. Created to encourage, develop, and promote crafts and craftspeople across Tennessee, the exhibition has, for decades, recognized exceptional handmade work while helping elevate the visibility of Tennessee artists and the importance of craft in the region’s cultural identity. Today, the Biennial continues that legacy by connecting artists to new audiences, opportunities, and professional recognition.

Artists selected for the exhibition will have the opportunity to present their work in a major museum setting, gain statewide recognition, and compete for $2,950 in cash awards. Guest juror Carol Sauvion – the visionary behind the landmark PBS series dedicated to documenting and celebrating American craft – will select exhibition works and award recipients. Her decades of leadership and advocacy have helped shape the national conversation around contemporary craft and elevated the visibility of artists across the country.