The first regular meeting of the Rutherford Arts Alliance was held February 12, 2019 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Carpe Artista, 101 Front St., Smyrna.
Mike Moss, Smyrna Parks and Recreation Director, greeted the group on behalf of the Town of Smyrna.
Chair Ginny Togrye welcomed the group and offered a “Day in the Life” exercise. A few people at pre-selected chairs shared their responses with the group.
Ginny announced that we are looking for meeting space for April, May and June. We are interested in having the April meeting at 5:30 or later, and the other months at 4:00. Murfreesboro Art League offered their space for May.
Vice Chair Ginna Foster Cannon made comments about this being a new organization which is calling on everyone interested to get involved. We need organizations to share space for meetings; individuals to sign up for committees or areas of interest.
Susan Gulley and Ron Allen of Carpe Artista presented the program on north county arts - both past and upcoming happenings.
These included:
New murals to be located on the side of Front St. buildings
- a vintage-postcard inspired mural by Suzanne LeBeau
- another in-process design by Brian Tull
Both of these artists spoke briefly about their projects.
Depot District Revitalization
Ron explained how Smyrna identity is “planes, trains and automobiles”
Goal is to spread Depot District revitalization from “bridge to bridge” in Smyrna corridor between airport district and automobile (Nissan) district
The keystone of the revitalization Master Plan includes celebrating arts, arts in public spaces, space for arts events, and more.
Marty Smith with Smyrna Parks and Rec spoke
Depot has become center of events, including Barbeque Festival, Depot Days, Cruise-In, and many more
Bands often perform on south end of Depot; an awning and benches, plus sound and light improvements and other features are being added through a matching grant from Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to make the space more permanent and enjoyable
Across the street on Lowry, a park/plaza is going into area where the old Tire World was demolished; improvements begin this spring and will help better define the district
Ron and Susan spoke about long term plan for Carpe Artista Arts Center
Activities in the building where we met today include: building sets, teaching art and music lessons, hosting events
The building was the original department store in Smyrna
About 8,000 sq. ft.
They acquired the building with two things in mind: its function as a center for the arts and as an economic boost to the area
Rendering artist Joshua Donini has captured their vision for the building to have cafe, permanent stage, art on walls; upstairs training space, instrument petting zoo, and much more
They are starting a capital campaign for these improvements
They’d like the community to know: Carpe Artista has work opportunities for students who need community service hours
County Commissioner Rhonda Allen spoke briefly and encouraged all to “invest in your relationships with your civic leaders.” She said such investment has made a big difference in the Smyrna area.
Announcements were made by those present.
After door prizes were given out, attendees were invited to further mingle and to consider committee and areas of interest sign-ups.
Our next meeting is March 12 from 3:00 - 4:00 at the Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro.
The formal meeting adjourned about 5:35.
Submitted by Kory Wells, Secretary
Banner image: Image: Mike Moss, Director of Smyrna Parks and Recreation, welcomes the group. Image courtesy Kory Wells.
