(NASHVILLE, TN), June 24, 2011 –State Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) announced today that the Friends of the Appalachian Center for Crafts of Tennessee in DeKalb County will receive a $6,300 grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.  The award was given in the category of Rural Support for the Arts.
“We are very pleased these funds have been allocated to this organization,” said Senator Beavers.  “I am sure it will help them in their efforts to preserve our arts heritage for future generations.”  

The Tennessee Arts Commission’s matching grants are mostly made possible through proceeds from the purchase of collegiate/university, personalized , and specialty motor vehicle license plates; but is also assisted by federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Commission will award over 950 community grants through the 2012 fiscal year, totaling $7.3 million. The allocation process involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate disciplines and a final review by the full 15-member Tennessee Arts Commission. 
“We appreciate the Appalachian Center and all of our local arts organizations,” added Representative Weaver.  “They play an important role in preserving our rural Tennessee roots for generations to come.”