Back by popular demand, the Tennessee State Museum’s “Craft a New Year Workshop Series,” presented in collaboration with Tennessee Craft, returns in January 2024 with classes in Choctaw beadwork, crocheting, and calligraphy. For three Saturdays in January, they offer introductory classes in traditional craft mediums taught by some of the top artists and teachers in their fields.

Each class is a one-day, seven-hour course designed to get you started in the offered Tennessee crafts. Think of it as an opportunity to learn something new … by learning something traditional. All skill levels are welcome, but classes are designed for beginning adults with little or no experience. Tickets are on sale now. Course Fee is $120. The course fee is non-refundable. If you have any questions, please contact Morgan Byrn at Public.Programs@tn.gov.

Choctaw Beading with Sally Wells is Saturday, January 13, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Choctaw beadwork is known for its traditional use on clothing and accessories, its distinct patterns, and beautiful colors. In our first craft workshop of the year, try your hand at creating a dreamcatcher using elements of Choctaw beadwork with renowned Choctaw Elder, Sally Wells. She learned beadwork and other Choctaw traditions from her parents and grandparents, who encouraged her to keep those traditions alive. Wells has won many awards for her crafting skills including the 2019 Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award.

Crocheting with Martha Baird is Saturday, January 20, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This class with crochet artist Martha Baird will teach all six basic crochet stitches and pattern readings including straight edge projects and crochet in the round, increasing and decreasing. Participants will practice by creating dishcloths, a fast easy project with an instant reward! Beginning patterns will be distributed and students will attempt to complete at least one additional project, a hat pattern, which may be easily finished at home.

Calligraphy with Ann Cobb is Saturday, January 27, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Have you ever wanted to try calligraphy, but did not want to purchase “all those supplies” in case you did not like it or were not successful? Join Ann Cobb to try out two different calligraphic hands (lettering styles) using monoline tools. Both these hands can be used for addressing envelopes and creating name pieces. Participants will also be introduced to lettering with a dip pen and ink. Ann Cobb is a member of the Nashville Calligraphers Guild and past president of IAMPETH (International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting).

February 25, 2024 will be the final day to view “Building a Bright Future: Black Communities and Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee,” presented in partnership with Fisk University’s John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library, a community-focused exhibition that highlights the work of alumni, descendants, and organizations to preserve the legacies of Rosenwald Schools across the state.

Tennessee State Museum is located at 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. in Nashville, TN 37208. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Closed on Monday: Admission to the Tennessee State Museum is free. Parking is available in the parking lot which is located between the Museum and the Nashville Farmers Market. There is also free two-hour parking available along 6th and 7th Avenues. Phone: 615-741-2692. For more information, their website is: www.tnmuseum.org