About Us 

                                       Cake by Jo Ann Thweatt shown here.  Copyright 2011 Jo Ann Thweatt
               Jo Ann's cake is covered in Rolled Buttercream.

Our organization started in 1999, and was then called the West Tennessee Country Decorators.  The group was originally organized by Jo Ann Thweatt, a Wilton teacher for more than 40 years, and other Wilton teachers and students.  Word of mouth was the best we could do at that time but things have certainly changed! When we started we met in our members' homes, sharing information, customer stories and, of course, our knowledge through various Sugar Arts demonstrations.  Since the Fall of 2011, we have begun meeting at a local restaurant, then a new company called SweetWise,  to provide fellowship and continue demonstrations of all facets of the Sugar Arts. (see calendar on the home page)  We have not forgotten our original Mission - to help educate Sugar Artists. We continue to share our talents on a monthly basis.  See our Calendar of Events on the Home page near the bottom.

Recently, the group was asked to help bring a fellow Sugar Artists' dream to fruition. RiRi MacGruder, a long time volunteer in various local Sugar Arts organizations, including the Delta Fair and 4-H, saw a need, but she knew she needed help to fill it. Her dream was to bring a Sugar Arts Show and Competition to the Memphis area. Our group felt it was a great opportunity to encourage the Sugar Arts, as well as bring something really cool to Memphis.  We agreed to help.  It was at this meeting our new name was voted on to reflect changes within our industry. These changes better qualify our members to the general public. It was also at this meeting we began using Robert's Rules of Order, and elected officers.

Our first show was Sept. 4, 2012.  It was held at the Agricenter International located between Germantown Parkway and Walnut Grove Road.  We were graciously given the entire Wing A of the Agricenter, for the display of the Sugar Arts entries. This will be an annual charity event to assist a local charity each year! Entries in the show are open to every level of Sugar Artist.

Our guest Judge/Instructor this year was Jay Qualls and Leigh Sipe, co-ICES show Director for the upcoming 2013 ICES Convention in Lexington, KY, with Geraldine Kidwell.  Leigh demonstrated how to make a Poured Sugar Beer Bottle, and Jay did a demo on what you would learn in his class, which he taught on Wednesday, Sept. 5th. He taught Billowing and Royal Icing Stringwork.  Thanks to them both for their support and time.

In 2013, the Second Annual Sugar Arts Show and Competition will be held on Sept. 5th, 6th, and 7th.  The actual competition is Sept. 5th, with classes being held on Sept. 6th,and 7th with our Celebrity Judges and teachers. Check out the other pages of the website for more information.

The West Tennessee Sugar Artists Mission:

The mission of the West Tennessee Sugar Artists is to promote all facets of the Sugar Arts. We do this by sharing our knowledge and resources with other sugar artists, building friendships, providing contributions to charitable organizations in our community and educating the general public about this sweet art form. We will promote our annual Sugar Arts Show and organization to that end.  We will continue to promote the International Cake Exploration Societe, ICES, (ices.org) by encouraging membership in that organization, for more in-depth knowledge and participation in the Sugar Arts.

We hope you will enroll on our email list to be included in the information for the upcoming 2013 Sugar Arts Show as well as Monthly meeting and event notifications. Contact Us Thanks for stopping by today!  

                                        West Tennessee Sugar Artists
                                                 c/o RiRi McGruder

     668 Win Cove
  Collierville, Tn.  38017

                WTSA @westtnsugarartists.org