Throughout its history, the people of this area have had rich experiences with the arts, crafts, music, and story-telling traditions. This has been enhanced by the waves of new residents who have embraced and have added to those fields. With this new series of articles entitled Cumberland Art, we will share stories about individual artists and cultural art organizations in the visual arts, performing arts, and literary arts. We begin with a New Kid on the Block – the Shanks Center for the Arts.
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Last spring, during a gathering of the Arts RoundUp coordinated by Ann Looney, when Jim Crabtree of the Cumberland County Playhouse offered the use of the front offices of the Main Street warehouse to several cultural art organizations, little did we know what would result. Within just six months, those front offices and part of the warehouse have been transformed into a cultural arts center with a lot of potential. During one of the recent weeks, the placed rocked! There were students in a beginning quilting class, adults and children taking painting classes, a needle felting class, some meetings of art organizations, and visitors admiring and purchasing original works of art. Add to that mix, several tourists seeking ways to spend their time while in this area.
Leadership: Five Partner Organizations have representatives who comprise the leadership team for the Shanks Center. The Crossville Arts Council’s President R.G. Cravens reports that CAC is grateful to have space for an office. The Performing Arts Alliance of Rural Tennessee, PAART, led by Regina Hurst and Debra Mendenhall, proudly promotes its monthly events scheduled at the Palace Theatre. Tonya Hinch of Downtown Crossville Inc., affirms that DCI is delighted to have even more activity on Main Street. Jim Crabtree assures everyone that the mission of the Cumberland County Playhouse is enhanced by this presence in downtown Crossville. I am happy to represent CACE Cumberland Artisans for Creative Expression whose members and volunteers are very active in various roles.
Naming: The name of the Shanks Center was to recognize the contribution of the family of the L.P.Shanks corporation who donated the building to the Cumberland County Playhouse for use as a warehouse for costumes, props, sets, and furniture.
Purpose: The goal of the Shanks Center for the Arts is to provide a space for promotion of visual art, performing art, and literary art. Original works in each of those categories are offered for sale and classes are being scheduled. Special exhibits and presentations have already occurred, examples being a presentation by Annette Saldana, art teacher at Cumberland County High School on the subject of Abstract Art, and another by Walt Riches, professional photographer. The Shanks Center Lobby is expected to become a resource of information about the various cultural arts organizations: for example if a tuba player comes in seeking a group, we’ll be able to direct the tuba player to several local groups.
Hours of Operation: Hosted by Volunteers, the Shanks Center has winter hours of Thursdays 10 am – 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 10 am – 4 pm. Additional original works of art can be submitted monthly for possible inclusion in the Galleries if they meet the Standards. Guidelines and forms are located on the CACE website, www.cumberlandart.com.
Future Articles: we already have enough topics to cover many issues of Crossville Life and look forward to sharing more information with you about this exciting new venture.
