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| Welcome & Culture Center Plans Proceed with Board and Community Planning Sessions |
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 Brrr, it may be cold outside, but Arts in McNairy has turned up the heat! With the year's theater schedule underway, the community band practicing, and the bookworms sinking their teeth into new titles, no one would know that old man winter has been trying to shake things up. Nothing can slow down this group of arts enthusiasts!
We recently spent a weekend preparing for our biggest project to date. The County Commission has given the green light to proceed with the purchase of the Latta Building that will eventually become home to a first class welcome center as well as home to AiM and the McNairy Regional Alliance. As we have never taken on such an endeavor, we enlisted Mr. Bill Kornrich of Sneedville, Tennessee to assist us in the planning phase of this project. Mr. Kornrich is a well-known consultant for community groups and is the current Director of Tourism for Hancock County. Among his many achievements, he is a coordinator/consultant for the Virginia Heritage Music Trail, known as The Crooked Road. This 250 mile driving trail showcases the traditional music of Southwestern Virginia and includes ten counties. For 20 years prior to the Crooked Road project, Kornrich was the director of the Rose Center, a home for the arts culture in Morristown, TN.
The Board of Directors spent the morning of Friday, February 12 in sessions with Mr. Kornrich, while the afternoon was an open meeting for city and county officials, members of the arts community, and citizens at large to voice opinions and share ideas regarding the welcome and cultural center initiative. At the end of the day, Dr. and Mrs. Ron Bell and the Richards family hosted a reception at their family lodge, complete with (what else in McNairy County) live music. Before leaving on Saturday, Mr. Kornrich was treated to his first-ever "slug burger" from Pat's Café and a broom from Hockaday Handmade Brooms. We think it is safe to say he will always remember his time in McNairy County!
We are indebted to the Tennessee Arts Commission for their generous financial support through a Technical Assistance Grant, McNairy County government for believing in this project, the McNairy Regional Alliance for their continued partnership and the staff of UTM McNairy/Selmer Center for their gracious hospitality.
We will keep you posted on our progress in the months ahead. As always, we encourage you to participate in our programs, read about us online and in the newspaper, or drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you!
Leanne Emmons
President,
Arts in McNairy
Mail your comments and suggestions to:
Or leave them on our interative blog at:
You can also join the discussion on Facebook by going to: www.facebook.com and searching, "Arts in McNairy" |
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McNairy County Artist Micah King Exhibits in Jackson |
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Micah King will present his senior art exhibit March 2 - 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Ione McRae Brown Gallery of Art on Lambuth University's campus. The opening reception will be from 4 - 6 p.m. on March 2.
Emerging from four years of hard work and self-discovery in the Lambuth art program, King is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to show the world the fruits of his passionate labor. From his humble background, he has discovered his inner voice by engaging his artistic talents in order to create something that truly speaks to him. King's body of work ranges from three-dimensional sculpture, printmaking, painting and drawing in ranges of styles from abstract to impressionistic.
King's artwork will be on display for all to see at the Ione McRae Brown Gallery of Art at Lambuth University from March 2 until March 26, with the opening reception to be held on March 2 from 4 - 6 p.m. The gallery is conveniently located on campus at 829 W. King Street in Jackson, TN. Gallery hours are weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
King graduates in May with a Bachelor's Degree in visual art and a minor in history. King has studied art under the talents of Dr. Lawrence Ray and Professor Lendon Noe at Lambuth. He is a native of Ramer, Tenn., and the son of Mike and Pennye King. Congratulations Micah! |
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A Tale of Two Tailors - February 19-21 |
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 Once upon a time there were two tailors........
Audiences will delight in the upcoming youth production of A Tale of Two Tailors February 19-21 at the MCHS Little Theatre. Show Times are 7:30 nightly and 2:00 PM on Sunday. A special school performance is being staged on February 19 exclusively for McNairy County students. Check with your school's administrator for details.
A Tale of Two Tailors is actually an adaptation of two pieces of classic children's literature involving two tailors, one of them a fraud and the other a hero. It is being produced with an all local cast and crew. There are many young theatre veterans involved as well as several first time cast members. The complete cast is listed below. Don't miss the show!
The Emperor's New Clothes
Father: Zach Martin
Roland (the Son): Logan Mitchell
Mary: Michaela Chambers
Sarah (Mary's little sister): Molly Grace Chambers
Esther: Mara Campbell
Henrietta: Danielle Harstin
The Page: Ryleigh Hilliard
Minister of Fashion: Dillon Rorie
Sultan of Style: Andrea Channell
Duchess of Dressing Up: Laren Alexis Whitley
Grand Poobah of Toiletries: Brianna Wilson
Underlord of Underdressing: Zach Woolworth Overlady of Overdressing: Dianna Moss
The Emperor: T.J. Neece
Townspeople: Ruth Harstin, Janie McClanahan, Bailey Whitley, Megan Woolworth, Molly Woolworth, Jacob Knight
The Reluctant Knight
Bobbin (the Tailor): Konner Davis
Stitch (Tailor's Apprentice): Noah Wallace
Lord Chamberlain: Dillon Rorie
Conn: Sammy Bakeer
Cerdic: Chaseten Donahoe
Cadal: Payden Donahoe
The King: Zach Martin
The Queen: Makena Parrish
Princess Petunia: Jessica Campbell
Princess Rose: Ana Grace Ashe
Princess Lily: Lily Beth Durbin
Abigail: Raines Parrish
Hannah: Megan Stevens
Ulric the Giant: Ezra McKenzie
Town Crier: Mary Logan Yancey
Messenger: Mary Anna Tucker
Townspeople: Autumn Shackelford, Katie Jo Davis,
Kelsey Mardis, Jewell Cooper, Destinee Wilson,
Mikaylin Donahoe, Gracen Donahoe, Allie Pitts,
Abigail Ashe |
| Book Club February 18 - Fahrenheit 451 |
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 You are invited to attend the Arts in McNairy Book Club 7:00 PM, Thursday February 18 in the conference room of Selmer's Jack McConnico Public Library. There are no fees to join the discussion and participants are encouraged to check out available titles at county libraries or purchase their own.
This months selection is Ray Bradbury's futuristic best seller, Fahrenheit 451. It should make for some lively discussion! A book club member will moderate the discussion and light refreshments will be served. Come out and join the book club. You'll be glad you did!
2/18 Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
3/18 The Painted House - John Grisham
4/15 The Plague of Doves - Louise Erdrich
5/20 Crazy Ladies - Michael Lee West
6/17 The Secret Holocaust Diaries - Nonna Bannister
7/15 The Chili Queen - Sandra Dallas
8/19 The Red Tent - Anita Diamant
9/16 The Reader - Bernhard Schlink
10/21 In Cold Blood -Truman Capote
11/18 Skipping Christmas - John Grisham
Contact Arts in McNairy, Literary Arts Chair, Leanne Emmons at (731) 646-3851 for further details.
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| Steel Magnolias Auditions February 22 & 23 |
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 Arts in McNairy will be holding open auditions for Steel Magnolias 6:00-8:00 PM on February 22 & 23 at the Selmer Community Center. Production dates are April 9-11 and all shows will be staged at the McNairy Central High School Little Theatre. The show is based on Robert Harling's original stage play that first appeared Off Broadway in 1987 and was later popularized by the 1989 Tri Star Pictures release. Tom Cook will return to the director's chair for his second show with Arts in McNairy. Tom directed the memorable 2008 production of A Christmas Carol and has been seen on stage in numerous roles over the last several years. As fans of Steel Magnolias will recall, there are six strong female leads and everyone is welcome to read for auditions regardless of theatre experience. |
| Spring Artisan Trail - March 20 |
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 One of the most anticipated events on the Arts in McNairy cultural calendar is just around the corner. The spring installment of AiM Artisan Trail will be held Saturday, March 20 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the studios of McNairy County's artisans and artists. The biannual open house and tour of studios regularly attracts thousands of visitors and locals to experience the best of McNairy County arts and culture. Several old favorites as well as new artists will participate in the spring offering. Updated trail maps will be available online at the Arts in McNairy blog and Facebook page two weeks prior to the event.
AAT participants must be juried into the tour so those who have never done so should contact the AiM Heritage and Culture or Fine Craft Committee ASAP at the email address below. An organizational meeting for artists and artisans will be held 6:00 PM Thursday February 25 at Firehouse Studio, 138 Warren Ave. in downtown Selmer. All AAT members and potential participants should plan to attend.
For more information on the Artisan Trail email:
heritage_culture@artsinmcnairy.com |
| Community Band Resumes Rehearsals |
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 The Arts in McNairy Community Band has started preparing for the upcoming season with twice monthly rehearsals. Meetings and practice sessions are held at the Selmer Middle School Band Hall, typically on the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of each month. Go to the band's website to check the updated calendar, see pictures of performances and sign up for email reminders for rehearsals.
The band is directed by Ronnie Brooks and open to musicians of all skill levels. It is not usuals to see retirees sitting next to student musicians at community band. You must furnish your own instrument and purchase a community band shirt for some performances but there are no other fees associated with participation. The band performs 2-3 shows a year for the public.
Learn more at:
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| Arts in McNairy Welcomes New Board Members |
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The February 12 planning sessions were the first official meetings for the new Arts in McNairy Board. Please let these people know how much you appreciate their hard work and selfless dedication to improving the arts and cultural outlook of McNairy County all year long.
The 2010 Arts in McNairy Board of Directors
Constance Beck (Fine Craft)
Deidra Beene
Ronnie Brooks (Music)
Ron Bell (Past President)
Vicki Cowan (Visual Arts)
Leanne Emmons (President & Literary Arts)
Bryan Essary (Performing Arts)
Freida Hamm (Honorary)
Charles Lee (Finance and Fundraising)
Robert Lee
Sarah Lemons
Jack Martin (Vice President)
Ross Mitchell
Rusty Petty
Joanna Pitts (Treasurer)
Shawn Pitts (Honorary, Heritage and Culture)
Carol Rawlings
Steve Smith
Barbara Tennyson (Secretary)
Shelia Treece (Honorary)
Carol Ann Woods | |
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