Time Flies when you are having fun

Youth cast members relax between scenes at Arts in McNairy's first theatre production, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, December 2001.

It's hard to believe Arts in McNairy turns twenty this month, but it's true. On March 6, 2001 AiM's first board of directors was appointed and their first official act was adopting a set of bylaws that would guide the organization through its formative phases. Those directors and the founding documents they gave us have served our community well. Since that momentous first meeting, dozens of people have served on the board, volunteered for committee assignments and developed some of the best community arts programs in rural Tennessee if not the Southeast. We are proud of those accomplishments and not shy about bragging on the people who have worked so hard to bring them about. Where would we be without you? 

We are entering as season of  looking back and looking forward. Our partners at the McNairy County Independent Appeal will be publishing a series of articles that highlight some of Arts in McNairy's major accomplishments, share the stories of pivotal moments in our history and offer a forward-looking vision that will inspire our creative community to reach even higher for the next twenty years. If you happen to miss the article s in print, don't worry, they will appear in this space the week following publication in the Independent.  

And we want to hear from you! By now, literally thousands of people have served and been served by Arts in McNairy. Whether you found your voice in one of our music, literature or community theatre productions; discovered a passion for the arts in one of our camps, workshops, or folklife programs; or were simply moved by any form of local creativity as an audience member or community partner, we would love for you to share those experiences. These are the stories that make it all worth while and we invite you to contact us by email or through any of our social media platforms. You might even get a spot as a guest blogger! 

So, happy twentieth anniversary to Arts in McNairy. Time really does fly when you are having fun!