A meeting of the Rutherford Arts Alliance was held August 13, 2019, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at the MTSU Science Building. Over 30 people were in attendance.
The meeting was called to order by board member Andrea Loughry. Andrea recognized the new executive board members who were present, Diane Stockard and Leslie Yost ,and introducted our host, Dr. Heather Brown, director of the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program.
Dr. Brown talked about the CIM program and showed examples of projects the program has produced on campus, locally, and around the nation and world. She talks to school groups and likens making concrete to cooking: it’s all about the recipe. Concrete is the most used building material in the world; and the most common material other than water. The industry is moving away from the usage of cement due to environmental concerns, and Dr. Brown is particularly interested in using more recycled materials. Some options, like glass aggregate, are beautiful. She spoke about concrete homes (using a technology called ICF), which can now be produced attractively, affordably, and to have great energy efficiency and tornado safety. About 30 such homes have been built in the Murfreesboro area. Another new technology is 3D printed houses, which the department plans to start modeling soon. On the decorative side, there are options like translucent, glow in the dark and fiber optic concrete. Four CIM alumni are working on the I-440 project; a robotic crane will be used this fall to build a bridge for the first time in state history and only the second in the nation. Another state first is that the old concrete has been “chewed up” and used as the base of the new road, which is a great cost savings.
The slideshow shared by Dr. Brown is viewable here on prezi.com.
Andrea opened the floor for attendees to share announcements. These included the following, but this may not be complete. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to engage and share their arts news on the RAA “Creative Connector” Facebook group.
Exhibits ending soon:
Ending Friday: Laureates exhibit at City Hall Rotunda
Ending Saturday: 2 exhibits at Todd Art Gallery; Leroy Hodges
End of month- Diane Stockard at the Washington Gallery at Patterson Park
Aug. 22 - The Bloom Stage presents “Dog Days,” a multi-genre show of storytelling, poetry, music and art at the Walnut House; Kara Kemp
Aug. 24 - Susan Gulley at Carpe Artista needs artists to help do finish work in CA’s new space, approx. 9 to 4.
Aug. 24 MLT Oscars will be at The Walnut House. MLT will be continuing business as usual despite the closing of the log cabin. Contact Charlie Parker if you have venue ideas to offer organguy23@yahoo.com
Saturday, Sept. 7 - Boro Pride on the Square from 5-10; they particularly need kids activities. Leslie Yost.
Wed. Sept. 18 - A party will celebrate Center for the Arts’ 25th birthday. They need artwork donated for the event. Patience Long.
Sat. Sept. 21 - Greenway Arts Festival; theme is cross-pollination. Nominations being taken for next year’s Laureates - see this form; Deb Hunter with Cultural Arts Murfreesboro.
Sat. Sept 21 - Walk to End Alzheimer’s, MTSU track stadium. There will be a kid zone, dress your pet contest, and more. Dena O’Neal.
Sat. Sept. 28 - Octoberfest / craft beer festival at Oaklands Mansion; MTSU Fermentation will be there. 35 local craft brewers will be present.
Sat. Oct. 12 Plein art painting event hosted by MAL at Cannonsburgh; Suzanne LeBeau .
Oct 12 - 20 TN STEAM Festival tnsteam.org - 11 day statewide festival; events are still being accepted; Kelsey Smith at the Discovery Center.
Connie Huddleston reminded the group to go to MTSU Arts for updates on the fall arts schedule on campus.
The next meeting of the RAA will be at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (SOAC) on September 10, from 5:00 to 6:00. More info
The meeting adjourned shortly after 5:00 PM.
Compiled by Kory Wells on behalf of Diane Stockard, Secretary
