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 $6,250 rural arts support grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Art Revolution, Inc. in DeKalb County will also receive a grant for $3,000 in the category of “Funds for At Risk Youth.” 
“We are very pleased these funds have been allocated to these organizations,” 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 made possible through an appropriation of state funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who buy specialty license plates.
The commission will award over 900 community grants through the 2013 fiscal year, totaling $7.5 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 all of our local arts organizations and the good work they do,” added Representative Weaver.  “They play an important role in preserving our rural Tennessee roots for generations to come.”