Individual Artist Fellowship in Craft Recipient: T.C. Carruthers

About the Recipient

T.C. Carruthers, a collage and textile artist, fashion designer, and storyteller originally from Memphis, has been awarded the 2026 Tennessee Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship in Craft. They transform discarded garments and found materials into wearable works of art using patchwork, fabric manipulation, and handcrafted details rooted in personal memory.

Notable Works

• Friday (2022): paper and Modpodge on unstretched canvas, 24×30 inches; currently on view at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.
• Through Thick and Thin (2023): felt sewn on upholstery fabric, Size 2XL; inspired by their grandmother's couch.
• Good Kid, Rage Wrld: wearable-art brand whose School Daze collection debuted at New York Fashion Week.

Exhibition History

Work has been exhibited at the Frist Art Museum, Zeitgeist Gallery, and the Hiram Van Gordon Gallery on the Fisk University campus, among other Nashville venues. Featured on WNPT Arts Break in 2025.

Application Process

All applications are completed and submitted on the Commission's online grants system. Commission staff is available year-round to assist with the application process and provide feedback on draft proposals in advance of deadlines.

Important Dates

• July-August 2026 – FY27 Rolling Grants Open (various applications)
• August 12, 2026 – FY27 Student Ticket Subsidy Application Opens at 8:00 a.m. Central Time
• October 2026 – FY28 Annual Grant Guidelines Posted
• October/November 2026 – FY28 Annual Grant Applications Open
• December 2026/January 2027 – FY28 Annual Grant Applications Due (grant category deadlines vary)
• March-April 2027 – FY28 Annual Grant Panel Meetings

Contact

• Address: 320 6th Ave N., Nashville, TN 37219
• Phone: 615-741-1701
• For accessibility accommodation requests, contact Kim Johnson, Director of Arts & Health, 615-532-9797.