Southern Progressives

National News:

State News:

A photo of first-term Democratic state Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville reading a copy of "The 1619 Project" on the dais mid-inaugural speech went viral. The book, developed by New York Times journalist Nicole Hannah Jones, "aims to reframe the country's history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of the United States' national narrative," has been a thorn in the side of conservatives since the project launched in 2019.

Local News:

The Downtown Masterplan meeting hosted by Athens

Public Works & Stantec will be held TODAY, Tuesday,

January 24th @ 5:30 p.m. at 3 West College Street, Downtown Athens. If you would like to be included in this meeting,

but cannot attend in person, please use this link to join the

meeting virtually: stantec.zoom.us/

 The governing body of McMinn County will convene and

meet in the Blue Room of the McMinn County Courthouse, in

Regular Session on January 30th at 7:30.

The Arts:

The Athens Area Council for the Arts (AACA) has announced the return of its Annual Arts Gala on Saturday, March 4, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at The Arts Center in Athens.

In keeping with the event theme of “The Golden Age of Hollywood,” dressing in attire inspired by red carpet fashion of the 1930s through the 1960s is encouraged, though not required. Tickets are $75 per person. Patrons may purchase a seat, a group of seats, or an entire table, and advanced reservations are required. All proceeds support the arts in this area

“The Golden Age of Hollywood” Arts Gala will begin with the opening of the silent auction, cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres. Wendel Werner, a Knoxville-based jazz musician, will perform during cocktail hour as guests peruse auction items donated by area artists, individuals, and businesses. Before the buffet dinner catered by Ambiance, an oral auction will feature special items such as original artwork and one-of-a-kind experiences. Following dinner, vocalist Gregg Robbins will lead his band as they invite guests to the dance floor.

Seat and table reservations are available at The Arts Center, located at 320 North White Street in Athens, online at athensartscouncil.org, or by phone at 423-745-8781.

Event organizers request that attendees purchase seats or tables by Feb. 24. As seating is limited, patrons are encouraged to reserve seats early before this event sells out. The Arts Gala is for attendees 21 and older.

Proceeds from the Arts Gala support school and community arts education.

AACA has been a presence in McMinn County since 1979, presenting thousands of performances, exhibitions, artist residencies, art classes and more by international, regional, and local artists of all types and genres. It has created and sustained many arts groups throughout the years, including the Athens Community Theatre, Athens Area Children’s Choir, and the Unity Gospel Choir, and the organization has contributed technical assistance to many more groups and individuals. AACA’s current program of work is featured at athensartscouncil.org

Anyone interested in donating to the auction or to the event in any way may call The Arts Center.

All AACA programs are sponsored by Edward Jones of Athens, Tennessee Valley Authority, Willsonthropic, Inc. and Mintie C. Willson, as well as Wolfenden Family Pharmacies. AACA also receives grant funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission.

The new director of the arts in the City of Etowah is preparing for a new year.

Destiny Arena was named the director of the Etowah Arts Commission at the end of last October, as her first official day in the position took place on Oct. 25, 2022.

“I’ve always been interested in bringing the arts to communities,” she expressed. “I’ve always been an artist and it has had a huge impact on my life personally, so I really believe in creativity and really getting art involved in communities and getting kids and adults involved in artistic things. I just think it’s a wonderful outlet, so if I can facilitate that then I am here for it.”

Her current goal is to “spread the word” about the Etowah Arts Commission and help it grow.

“I would love to bring more traffic into the gallery and we will have more art classes coming up in the spring,” she noted. “I would really love to bring in traffic because I feel like it has been forgotten about a little bit. I feel like there is a whole generation of artists in Etowah that I would really love to get out here and get their work placed in the gallery.”