25 Years of Arts in McNairy

Arts in McNairy has been woven into the fabric of this community for a quarter century, from the stages of our children’s theatre to free concerts in the park. Now, with the next 25 years in sight, we’re asking our neighbors to help us go further.
​

our story

We started with a simple belief: that art belongs to everyone in McNairy County, not just those with access or means. What began as a small community effort has grown into something we’re all proud of — children finding their voice on stage, neighbors gathering in the park for a summer concert, local artists seeing their work on a gallery wall for the first time. Twenty-five years later, that belief hasn’t changed. And thanks to the people of this community, neither has our commitment to it.
​

What Your Support Makes Possible
​

From the youngest student picking up a bow for the first time to the longtime neighbor who finally sees their painting on a gallery wall — every program Arts in McNairy runs exists because people in this community choose to invest in it.
​
Children's & Community Theater
​From first rehearsals to opening night, our theatre programs give McNairy County children and adults a stage to tell their stories. Whether it’s a child stepping into a spotlight for the very first time or a lifelong neighbor rediscovering a love of performance, our productions belong to the whole community.
Arts & Music for People with Disabilities
In partnership with South Arts, we offer art and music classes designed for people with developmental and physical disabilities. We believe creativity has no limits — and that every person in McNairy County deserves a space to make, to express, and to be seen.
Free Violin & Cello Lessons
​Through our partnership with The Jackson Symphony, students in McNairy County receive free violin and cello instruction. These are lessons that, for many families, would otherwise be out of reach — and they’re made possible entirely through community support.
Free Concerts in the Park
​Our free outdoor concerts bring neighbors together under the open sky. Music is for everyone, and these performances — open to all, free of charge — are one of the most visible expressions of what Arts in McNairy stands for. Plans are underway to partner with the City of Selmer to bring real improvements to the Rockabilly Park Stage, so the best is still ahead.
Art Exhibitions for Local Artists
We provide a real exhibition space for local artists to share their work with their community — and for McNairy County to see itself reflected in art. Every exhibition is a reminder that the creative talent in this county is deep, and that it deserves to be celebrated right here at home.
Cultural Celebrations
Broomcorn Festival • Hispanic Heritage Month • Black History Month
​McNairy County is home to many traditions, many heritages, and many stories — and Arts in McNairy exists to celebrate all of them. Our cultural programming brings the community together around the events and histories that define us: the Broomcorn Festival, rooted in the agricultural heritage of this region; Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the contributions and culture of our Latino neighbors; and Black History Month, a time to lift up the art, music, and stories that have shaped this county and this country. These aren’t one-off events — they’re a year-round commitment to making sure every person in McNairy County sees their culture reflected and celebrated.
Public Art: Murals & Musical Sculptures
Downtown Selmer & Magnolia Healthcare Freestanding Emergency Room, Selmer
​Art doesn’t belong only inside four walls. Our public art program brings creativity into the everyday spaces of McNairy County — from the murals and music sculptures that color downtown Selmer, to a curated art gallery inside the new Magnolia Healthcare Freestanding Emergency Room, where patients and families encounter local art at a moment when it matters most. Looking ahead, we’re excited to add interactive musical sculptures to the downtown streetscape, inviting passersby of all ages to play, explore, and experience the unexpected joy of art in public life.

The Next 25

As we celebrate 25 years, we’re building toward something bigger. We’re working with McNairy Central High School to develop a performing arts program that will give every student in this county a stage. We’re partnering with the Tennessee Folklore Society — with support from a Tennessee 250 grant — to create a Tennessee Folklife Learning Center at the Latta, a living archive of the stories and traditions that make this place home. And we’re teaming up with the City of Selmer to bring real improvements to the Rockabilly Park Stage, so our free outdoor concerts can reach even more neighbors for years to come.
​
​​These aren’t just projects. They’re the next generation of what Arts in McNairy can be.