Organization

Cumberland Art Society 186 S. Walnut Avenue, Cookeville, TN, 38501 Phone: 931-526-2424 Hours of operation: Gallery hours are from 12 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Classes and workshops are scheduled throughout the week and change monthly. Website information: http://www.cumberlandartsociety.com/index.htm

Mission
-To offer continuing education through a variety of workshops and classes -To encourage and expand Arts in the schools -To increase knowledge and activity among members -To further artistic promotional opportunities for members -To involve businesses and regional industry in the support and promotion of the Arts

History
In 1961, Reba Bacon (an associate professor in elementary education), founded the Cumberland Art Society (CAS). She realized the paramount need for cultural integration for those of all ages within the community and felt strongly that a creative organization could make this possible. Her passion and desire continued as she started one of the most significant annual high school art competitions in the region, which still exists today. Though there was not a designated home for CAS in the beginning years of production, empty rooms throughout town would be used for regular meetings and exhibitions. In 1967, the old City Hall building would become the official meeting place for CAS members. Though this establishment would be razed in 1978, the bas-reliefs from City Hall would be incorporated into the new, present building. After the death of Reba Bacon, a new President would be asked to carry on the traditions of the Cumberland Art Society. Romola Drost worked until the age of 91 as an art educator and supporter of this creative organization. One of the studio spaces within CAS is named after her as it honors the influence Drost had on the building during construction, the many years of instruction she has given, as well as the hundreds of students she has helped and influenced.

For over 44 years, CAS, has been completely run by volunteers with some financial help from the city of Cookeville. Throughout its history by one means or the other, CAS, has found a way to create monthly exhibitions that promote various artistic individuals and groups. They continue to provide workshops, classes, seminars, and field trip opportunities for those in the Upper Cumberland area. For over four decades, the promotion and encouragement of creative talents has been provided. This organization hopes to create more awareness about fine arts as well as traditional authentic crafts of the region. Their hope is for appreciation for the arts to grow in hopes that it will expand within the community.

Key Persons
President Adele Seitzinger 1st V.P. Chuck Becker 2nd V.P. Nadine Armstrong Secretary/Publicity Bonnie Masters Treasurer/Past President Rose Dahms Members at large Betsy Fox, Betty Hood, and Vivian Wilkinson Librarian- Betty Hood Webmaster-Ann Walper

Cultural Connections
Appalachian Quilt Trail Tour- Suzi Parron barn quilt book signing and National Embroiderers Guild of America Needlework Legacy exhibit. Traditions in Transition- The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA)/Highland Rim Chapter exhibit. Crafts of days gone by such as ceramic, wood, and weaving were displayed. Ik Snmez Turkish artist Ik Snmez, creates expressionistic paintings full of color, life, and cultural inspiration. http://isiksonmez.com/about.html Kate Abena Badoe- Badoe is inspired by African image making, most commonly represented in carved masks. http://www.tasneemgallery.com/en/artists/KateAbenaBadoe.php Diane Glasgow- Glasgow presented an Art & Architecture slide show/discussion based on her personal visit to China.

Exhibitions addressing important social and cultural issues include: Lori Gordon- Uses found objects discovered in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to create works of beauty. http://thekatrinacollectionbylorikgordon.blogspot.com/ Sarah Sullivan Arp- Combines poetry and painting to release emotions about the terrorist attacks on the twin towers on September 11. http://matchbinassets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/971/assets/EQWN_t8_28_12sullivanarp150X150.jpg Note: Cultural activities are also available such as traditional Dutch Baroque oil painting and craft classes that incorporate the history of jewelry making, paper folding, and fabric design.

Notable Events
Reba Bacon High School Art Competition-35th annual competition was held for high school students in grades 9 to 12 from the Upper Cumberland area.
http://www.cumberlandartsociety.com/exhibits.htm

Romola Drost Commemoration-Drost was featured on WCTE TV in honor of her 90th birthday. http://www.wcte.org/spotlight-on/spotlight-romola-drost Art Prowl-CAS was a part of Cookeville, TN's annual 2 day, free, mostly walkable art tour.
http://artprowl.com/

CAS Provides
*Monthly gallery exhibits *Art classes *Open painting studio *Demonstrations *Library resources *Key note speakers *And much more... Monthly calendar events can be located on their website:
http://www.cumberlandartsociety.com/calendar.htm

Challenges
CAS, like other community organizations, faces the challenge of finding funding opportunities. CAS continues to offer monetary awards to high school students who win in their annual art competition. They also pay rent for the gallery space, and take no percentage of sales from exhibiting artists. Though they have many expenses, they are very active in raising money. They write grants, engage in yard sales, and auction art on local programming stations. The fate of the establishment relies on the promise of grants and donations from the community (for example the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Cookeville Arts Council, and the Kiwanis Museum).

Future Goals
CAS is currently looking for ways to incorporate and expand the variety of art classes that they offer. They are looking to find more teachers who might be able to dedicate their time and service towards the organization. In particular, they are searching for a teacher who might be able to share their knowledge of colored pencil techniques. They plan to further promote their gallery and establishment by means of brochures, website news, and newspaper articles.