Our Young Creatives Board

The Rutherford Arts Alliance demonstrates its interest in area youth in part through its Young Creatives Board. As the name implies, this board is a group of young creatives, ranging in age from high school through beginning professionals under the age of 25, who are passionate and devoted to supporting and extending arts in Rutherford County andB its communities. The Young Creatives Board advises the RAA’s Executive Board, providing ideas for consideration and giving feedback on ideas and projects.

How can I get involved?

Those interested in serving on the Young Creatives Board should complete this short form by June 15. The nominating committee will submit names for approval to the Executive Board, and voting will take place by the end of June. New board members begin their one year term of service on July 1.

Youth who not currently interested in the board but want to be involved in special projects and activities to join the RAA. We have both student and family membership options.

Additional questions can be directed to Young Creatives board liaison Kasey Laviolette at kaseylaviolette@gmail.com.

About the Inaugural Young Creatives Board

Five local students served on the inaugural Young Creatives board:

Sarah Oppmann, Chair. Sarah is an MTSU student who recently graduated Blackman High School's Collegiate Academy in Murfreesboro. She was involved with the Nashville Children's Choir for seven years, as well as Blackman Middle School's Honor Choir. Sarah is active in community and school theatre, performing in more than 20 productions and working backstage in many more. She served as president of Blackman's Senior Beta Club, a member of Youth Leadership Rutherford and was active in the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A
Aubrey Caster recently graduated Blackman High School's Collegiate Academy in Murfreesboro, where he served as president of high school's senior class. He has been involved in theatre productions since the 6th grade and has loved every one of his shows. Aubrey is a member of National Honor Society, U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and Youth Leadership Rutherford.
Jack Jones is a student at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro. He is involved in music and arts programs both in and out of his school. Jack is in the Chamber Choir during the school day, while also appearing in many community theater productions. He is a youth representative of the Arts Center of Cannon County's board of directors.
Chase Loughry is a junior at Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, where he is involved in the visual arts and directs "The Central Pipeline," the student-produced news program serving both the middle and high school grades. He is also an athlete at Central, active in both track and cross country.
Mira Patel is a sophomore at Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro and is mostly independently involved in the arts. She is a cheerleader and a member of Central's Senior Beta Club, where she plans to compete nationally with her art work. Outside of school, Mira has her own interactive art exhibit at the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs and creates art by commission.

Sarah Oppmann and Chase Loughry at a 2019 meeting.

Mira Patel with the heart she painted for a community project.

Numerous local youth collaborated to design, build and decorate Little Libraries on the Breezeway Restorative Trail near Gateway Island. Photo courtesy Cultural Arts Murfreesboro.

Numerous local youth collaborated to design, build and decorate Little Libraries on the Breezeway Restorative Trail near Gateway Island. This is Chelsea Butner with her poem “Rain.” Photo courtesy Cultural Arts Murfreesboro.

Numerous local youth collaborated to design, build and decorate Little Libraries on the Breezeway Restorative Trail near Gateway Island. Pictured here: Sarah Oppmann and Aubrey Caster. Photo courtesy Cultural Arts Murfreesboro.