McKinney Center

Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts

to Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman

The McKinney Centerwill be featuring sculptor Jamey Biggs and multimedia artist, Stephen Simmerman. The exhibition opening reception willtake place on Friday, June 6, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up until July4.  Both Jamey Biggs and StephenSimmerman will be present at the reception to talk to visitors and answerquestions about her artwork.  The artworkwill be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.

Jamey Biggs grew up in Summersville, WestVirginia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and a Bachelor of Sciencein Art education. He completed an MFA in Ceramics at Indiana State Universityin 2003. Biggs has instructed Ceramics and Sculpture for 20 years. Jamey hasdirected the construction of multiple permanent and experimental ceramic kilnswhile at Concord University.

Jamey has served as the gallery director for theArthur Butcher Art Gallery in the Alexander Fine Arts Center on the Campus ofConcord University since 2004. He has directed the visiting artist program atConcord University providing Athens, West Virginia with free demonstrations bythe nations well-known ceramic artists and creating a channel for internationalexchange.

Jamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.

These trucks and bulldozers areconstructed in earthenware clay using various molding and hand formingtechniques.  I have settled on the image of the metal toy because itis largely positive, a wide variety of folks have an existing relation to it,and it is not traditionally used as subject matter or imagery for high art. My hope is that the art works presented are truly non-verbal innature.  I want to make work that will instantly draw a viewer in andhold their attention through unexpected pairings.

Images are fluid in terms of theirmeaning and significance.  The material in the truck or in front ofthe dozer provides me with another possible layer of meaning and context forthe truck.  I typically try to use that extra layer as an opportunity forplay and humor.  The toy truck is associated with childhood and childlikeimpulses.  Anything that I put in the truck instantly becomes, bydefinition, a “truckload”.  That transformation is semantic (andsilly) but I want the works to have monumental qualities while being as smallas possible.

I want the loads to beoverwhelming.  I want the viewer to rely on their own associations tomake sense of those materials, objects, and commodities. I think theplayfulness and general mischief will come through the work.  Theworks will convey ideas of generosity, and abundance but I’m okay if a fewnotions of wastefulness get through as well.

I hope that adults who are wellversed in art theory, art history, and criticism can find interest in thesculptures.  At the same time, I want the work to appeal to children.

Stephen Simmerman grew up in northeast Tennessee andlived and worked in North Carolina for over ten years. From a young age Stephenhas been interested in archaeology, and how art has informed cultures from thetranslation of the Rosetta Stone to the age of digital apps. Simmerman workedprofessionally as a graphic designer and editor for five years, before decidingto pursue graduate studies, first in English then in graphic design. He hastaught for over twenty years at several schools in the southeast region.

Among Simmerman’s influences and inspirations areHenri Toulouse-Lautrec, Norman Rockwell, and Jacob Lawrence. He admires thework of Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns and how they parlayed elements ofcommercial art into their unique works of art. Stephen’s also a huge fan ofearly magazine illustrators like N.C. Wyeth and Will Bradley, as well as theGerman poster designer Lucien Bernhard.

Simmerman’s illustrations are primarily mixed media:acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel, or ink often layered with “found” type. Muchof his creative pursuits involves the word play of advertising and its power ofpersuasion, and he enjoys creating works laced with nostalgia and mysteries ofthe passage of time. Along with completing a graphic novel in 2016, Simmermanhas illustrated two children’s books and his work has been juried into numerousregional and national exhibitions. He currently serves as Assistant Professorof Graphic Design at Concord University in West Virginia.

The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562. 

Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts

to Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman

The McKinney Centerwill be featuring sculptor Jamey Biggs and multimedia artist, Stephen Simmerman. The exhibition opening reception willtake place on Friday, June 6, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up until July4.  Both Jamey Biggs and StephenSimmerman will be present at the reception to talk to visitors and answerquestions about her artwork.  The artworkwill be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.

Jamey Biggs grew up in Summersville, WestVirginia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and a Bachelor of Sciencein Art education. He completed an MFA in Ceramics at Indiana State Universityin 2003. Biggs has instructed Ceramics and Sculpture for 20 years. Jamey hasdirected the construction of multiple permanent and experimental ceramic kilnswhile at Concord University.

Jamey has served as the gallery director for theArthur Butcher Art Gallery in the Alexander Fine Arts Center on the Campus ofConcord University since 2004. He has directed the visiting artist program atConcord University providing Athens, West Virginia with free demonstrations bythe nations well-known ceramic artists and creating a channel for internationalexchange.

Jamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.

These trucks and bulldozers areconstructed in earthenware clay using various molding and hand formingtechniques.  I have settled on the image of the metal toy because itis largely positive, a wide variety of folks have an existing relation to it,and it is not traditionally used as subject matter or imagery for high art. My hope is that the art works presented are truly non-verbal innature.  I want to make work that will instantly draw a viewer in andhold their attention through unexpected pairings.

Images are fluid in terms of theirmeaning and significance.  The material in the truck or in front ofthe dozer provides me with another possible layer of meaning and context forthe truck.  I typically try to use that extra layer as an opportunity forplay and humor.  The toy truck is associated with childhood and childlikeimpulses.  Anything that I put in the truck instantly becomes, bydefinition, a “truckload”.  That transformation is semantic (andsilly) but I want the works to have monumental qualities while being as smallas possible.

I want the loads to beoverwhelming.  I want the viewer to rely on their own associations tomake sense of those materials, objects, and commodities. I think theplayfulness and general mischief will come through the work.  Theworks will convey ideas of generosity, and abundance but I’m okay if a fewnotions of wastefulness get through as well.

I hope that adults who are wellversed in art theory, art history, and criticism can find interest in thesculptures.  At the same time, I want the work to appeal to children.

Stephen Simmerman grew up in northeast Tennessee andlived and worked in North Carolina for over ten years. From a young age Stephenhas been interested in archaeology, and how art has informed cultures from thetranslation of the Rosetta Stone to the age of digital apps. Simmerman workedprofessionally as a graphic designer and editor for five years, before decidingto pursue graduate studies, first in English then in graphic design. He hastaught for over twenty years at several schools in the southeast region.

Among Simmerman’s influences and inspirations areHenri Toulouse-Lautrec, Norman Rockwell, and Jacob Lawrence. He admires thework of Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns and how they parlayed elements ofcommercial art into their unique works of art. Stephen’s also a huge fan ofearly magazine illustrators like N.C. Wyeth and Will Bradley, as well as theGerman poster designer Lucien Bernhard.

Simmerman’s illustrations are primarily mixed media:acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel, or ink often layered with “found” type. Muchof his creative pursuits involves the word play of advertising and its power ofpersuasion, and he enjoys creating works laced with nostalgia and mysteries ofthe passage of time. Along with completing a graphic novel in 2016, Simmermanhas illustrated two children’s books and his work has been juried into numerousregional and national exhibitions. He currently serves as Assistant Professorof Graphic Design at Concord University in West Virginia.

The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562. 

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562

We are grateful for our sponsors, Bravissima! Women Supporting the Arts, McLeod Organics, Lynda Harris, Dillow Taylor Funeral Home, and Dona & Chuck Lewis.
Inspired by a true crime from Jonesborough’s past, “Can’t Get Away with This” is an original play written by Anne G’Fellers-Mason. It will be performed at the McKinney Center on July 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th at 7:30 pm and on July 19th and 26th at 2:00 pm.
On August 26, 1928, the body of Officer James Hood was found on Main Street on the lawn of the Second Presbyterian Church, now the Central Christian Church, and it was obvious he’d met with foul play. The intense investigation, arrests, and court case that followed consumed the attention of the town for several weeks. But justice was never found for Officer Hood, and the rifts that followed the jury’s decision pushed the crime into the shadows, not to be talked about. This interactive play, with opportunities for the audience to investigate alongside the characters, will present all the evidence and sources from the time. What really happened that night? Come and be a part of the play and discover for yourself.
“This is a story I’ve wanted to research and write for years,” shares Mason who will also be directing the play. “Some voices from the past cry out to me louder than others, and Officer Hood’s was one of those. I see this play as a way to shed light on an injustice from the past and hopefully bring some peace to a painful situation. It’s only by embracing our past that we can learn from it.” Officer Hood is the only Jonesborough police officer to be killed in the line of duty. “I hope the audience will be on the edge of their seats like I was when I was researching this play,” Mason adds. “It’s a real nail biter.”
Tickets are $17 and are available for purchase at Jonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Visitors Center at 423-753-1010. This play is rated PG-13 for adult themes and suggested violence.

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562

We are grateful for our sponsors, Bravissima! Women Supporting the Arts, McLeod Organics, Lynda Harris, Dillow Taylor Funeral Home, and Dona & Chuck Lewis.
Inspired by a true crime from Jonesborough’s past, “Can’t Get Away with This” is an original play written by Anne G’Fellers-Mason. It will be performed at the McKinney Center on July 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th at 7:30 pm and on July 19th and 26th at 2:00 pm.
On August 26, 1928, the body of Officer James Hood was found on Main Street on the lawn of the Second Presbyterian Church, now the Central Christian Church, and it was obvious he’d met with foul play. The intense investigation, arrests, and court case that followed consumed the attention of the town for several weeks. But justice was never found for Officer Hood, and the rifts that followed the jury’s decision pushed the crime into the shadows, not to be talked about. This interactive play, with opportunities for the audience to investigate alongside the characters, will present all the evidence and sources from the time. What really happened that night? Come and be a part of the play and discover for yourself.
“This is a story I’ve wanted to research and write for years,” shares Mason who will also be directing the play. “Some voices from the past cry out to me louder than others, and Officer Hood’s was one of those. I see this play as a way to shed light on an injustice from the past and hopefully bring some peace to a painful situation. It’s only by embracing our past that we can learn from it.” Officer Hood is the only Jonesborough police officer to be killed in the line of duty. “I hope the audience will be on the edge of their seats like I was when I was researching this play,” Mason adds. “It’s a real nail biter.”
Tickets are $17 and are available for purchase at Jonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Visitors Center at 423-753-1010. This play is rated PG-13 for adult themes and suggested violence.

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562

The McKinney Center will be featuring mixed media artist Chasidy Hathorn. The exhibition opening reception will take place on Thursday, July 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will be up through August 15. The artwork will be on sale that night and throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Chasidy Hathorn says, "Art tells a story, it truly does! That is one thing I love to do with my pieces--tell a story using paint, paper, razor blades, vintage magazines, fabric, packing paper...this list could go on for a while." Adding a bit of her spunky, Southern-Belle personality to her pieces, she signs each work under the artist name "SassyHat"--a nod to her inner-child artist who isn't afraid of bold colors, rich textures, and coloring outside the lines.
​Hathorn's journey from a German and Latin teacher to a full-time professional visual artist has been a long and winding Mississippi back road, and it’s a story that can only be told while sitting a spell on my front porch with a good cup of coffee.
​She didn't know she'd one day be an artist. When growing up in the middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, Hathorn dreamed of being all sorts of things--a preacher, a race car driver, a doctor, an astronaut, and even an architect. She still dreams of being a race car driver. Her fully engaged imagination and bold creativity (along with my love of talking) kept me her in trouble, especially in school. Hathorn says, "But, somewhere inside me, I always knew God had a plan for all of my tall tales, curiosity, and imagination. Stepping forward in faith, I made the decision in 2014 to make my art into my career. I don't regret taking the long way around to get to where I am today because I would have missed all of things that make my paintings and creations tell incredible stories."
The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562