News

Roby Cogswell ends a 30 year run with the TN Arts Commission.

GREETINGS FROM ANNE B. POPE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Yesterday the Tennessee Arts Commission held its quarterly meeting in Nashville. At the close of the meeting, Chair Patsy Camp presented Roby Cogswell with a handmade basket made by one of the last active Woodbury white oak basketmakers, Bettie Tanner. From a family of five generations of basketmakers, Ms. Tanner’s work is available through the Cannon County Arts Center

This was the last Commission meeting for Roby, who will retire next week after 30 years with the Tennessee Arts Commission as the State’s folklorist. We will have a reception for him January 22, 2015 at the Tennessee Arts Gallery—everyone is invited. More information about that to follow.

Excitement continues as Commission member Stephanie B. Conner was recently elected to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) board of directors at the Assembly 2014 conference in New Orleans. Stephanie is currently serving as the Tennessee Arts Commission vice-chair for the 2015 fiscal year.

Through her extensive involvement in various arts and community organizations, Stephanie will offer valued experience to her new position. She is an incredible asset for Tennessee and her work is instrumental in helping move communities forward through the arts.