Spring Artisan Trail

Maps Now Available!

1) Point and click on the map images. 2) Print. 3) Enter the addresses in your GPS or with map in hand, hit the road for the AiM Artisan Trail spring tour of studios. Just as easy as that, you will be on your way to visit some of the finest craft artisans in Southwest Tennessee for this highly anticipated biannual event. This year's tour offers something for everyone and a few new suprises. Both new and return visitors to the trail will find plenty to keep them occupied this Saturday between 10:00 and 5:00. Don't miss it!

State Representative Dennis

Honors Heritage and Culture

State Representative Vance Dennis was, quite literally, sweeping through McNairy County last week. County officials and Arts in McNairy board members presented a handmade broom to the district 71 representative at a Thursday gathering in Selmer. The broom will be displayed at his Nashville office.

Why a broom? Mr. Dennis has expressed a desire to do something more than just decorate his new office in the usual fashion. “Lots of people from across the state and country come to my office at the Capitol throughout the year,” he said, “and I intend to use this aspect of my position to promote the benefits of our community to the greatest extent possible."

In talking with county Mayor , Jai Templeton, the Representative mentioned that he was aware of McNairy County ’s recent focus on our region’s rich heritage and culture. The mayor in turn contacted Arts in McNairy members who are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of folk art and heritage craft traditions in Southwest Tennessee . Something from Hockaday Handmade Brooms seemed like the perfect fit since owner, Jack Martin, is a fourth generation McNairy County broom maker and local organizer of the annual Broomcorn Festival. He has been featured in national magazines, made numerous television appearances and even has a broom in the Smithsonian.

On receiving the broom the representative noted, "I am honored to have the opportunity to display part of the cultural heritage of our community in our State Capitol. I look forward to displaying many examples of the significant cultural, historical, commercial, and industrial aspects of our community that make this area a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.” Mr. Dennis’ wife Ashley noted the broom was a particularly appropriate choice since her great grandfather, like Mr. Martin’s, was a broom maker by trade.

The Dennis’ also said they plan to continue adding to the Representatives collection of handmade, McNairy County, items by attending the AiM Artisan Trail Spring Tour on March 21. The event features some of Southwest Tennessee ’s finest working artisans opening their studios between 10:00-5:00 for tours and demonstrations. Updated maps will be available on this blog by Saturday March 14.

Photo: McNairy County Mayor, Jai Templeton; Arts in McNairy Past President, Peggy Daniel; Representative Vance Dennis; Arts in McNairy Board Member, Barbara Tennyson; Ashley Dennis.

Anne of Green Gables
March 13-15

A cast of more than 30 local young people will bring Anne of Green Gables to the stage for three public performances, March 13 through March 15 at McNairy Central High School's Little Theatre. Friday and Saturday show times are scheduled for 7:30 PM and a Sunday matinee will be presented at 2:00 PM. Two morning shows are also being performed exclusively for McNairy County school children. Those interested in bringing groups to these performances should contact Joanna Pitts at 731-645-3850 for reservations and more details.

The show is a dramatic adaptation of the classic children's novel that is, coincidentally, being celebrated for it's 100th year of publication in 2009. It tells the story of the plucky, Anne Shirley who is mistakenly sent by an orphanage to live at Green Gables with the Cuthbert family to fill the role of farmhand. The family's initial shock gives way to the development of warm relationships with the irrepressible Anne but not without many adventure and misadventures along the way.

Those included in the cast are:

Young Anne Shirley - Ryleigh Hilliard

Florence Remsen - Cortney McDaniel

Minnie Stern - Andrea Channell

Teenie Williams - Molly Chambers

Mrs. Alexander Spencer - Evelyn Horst

Youth Anne Shirley - Rachel Fagan

Marilla Culberth - Julie Martin

Matthew Culberth - Greg Dickerson

Rachel Lynde - Emily Pitts

Station Master - Payden Donahoe

Alexander Spencer - Zachary Martin

Mrs. Blewitt - Cassie Rogers

Mrs. Mildred Barry - Meghan Woolworth

Young Diana Barry - Molly Woolworth

Youth Diana Barry - Allie Pitts

Minnie Mae Barry - Lily Beth Durbin

Mary Jo - Shelby Fox

Jerry Boute - Ben Pennington

Mr. Phillips - David Cook

Prissy Andrews - Abby Rininger

Miss Stacy - Sadie Mckay

Young Ruby Gillis - Blaire Robinson

Youth Ruby Gillis - Hannah Briggs

Young Josie Gillis - Ana Grace Ashe

Youth Josie Gillis - Jessica Campbell

Young Moody MacPherson - Konnor Davis

Youth Moody MacPherson - Dillon Rorie

Young Charlie Sloane - Casey Reed

Youth Charlie Sloane - Chaseton Donahoe

Young Gilbert Blyth - Bradley Hunt

Youth Gilbert - Brandon Wilson

Young Extra Classmates - Mara Campbell, Michaela Chambers, Casey Collins, Gracen Donahoe, Mikaylin Donahoe, Brianna Wilson

Youth Extra Classmates - Hannah Burcham, Kelsey Mardis, Sarah Rininger

Tickets are available only at the door. Don't miss the shows!