Taking AiM...The Newsletter of Arts in McNairy

"***Twist and Shout" by Tim Pace***

Selmer has been undergoing something of a musical makeover in recent months. In June, two new sculptures were added to the growing collection of public art in the town's old commercial district. The latest additions are at the corner of Front Street and Court Avenue in Selmer's new downtown park and farmers market.

Beginning in 2009 with Brian Tull's spectacular Rockabilly Highway Mural at the corner of 2nd Street and Court Avenue, Arts in McNairy committed to a multiyear plan that will see the installation of several other public art pieces that call attention to the county's rich musical heritage. The two new sculptures by county metal artists Tim Pace and Bob Brooks were installed in June and dedicated at the Rockabilly Highway Revival on June 12. Two more installations are in the works and further details about these will be released when contracts are signed with the artists.

Response to the downtown facelift has been overwhelmingly positive. "We just think it is a great way to make art accessible and we regard these pieces as gifts to the community," commented Dr. Ron Bell, AiM past president and Rockabilly Highway Revival committee member. "This public art program really works on several levels," he continued. "It keeps Tennessee visual artists working in some tough economic times, the installations really spruce up the downtown district, the county's musical heritage is honored in a unique way and residents get to enjoy some spectacular artwork by some of the state's finest artists."

***"Rockabilly Cats" by***
***Bob Brooks***

A secondary effect of the public art has been a shot in the arm for the area's retail and service industries. The dedication ceremonies have very quickly become a full fledged annual music festival, drawing thousands of people to downtown for the Rockabilly Highway Revival. Tourism traffic in the area has also seen a marked improvement as interested travelers are drawn to the unique displays of public art. Business owners are starting to take a second look at downtown and Selmer was one of only ten cities in the state to be accepted into the 2010 Tennessee Downtown program based, in part, on this innovative approach to civic revitalization.

The public art project and all that it brings to the county would not be possible without the support of many partners. The McNairy Regional Alliance, Selmer Business Alliance and Selmer City government have been enthusiastic supporters and major investors from the outset. Tennessee Arts Commission and Jackson Arts Council have respectively provided the financial backbone and administrative assistance through generous ABC grant awards.