McKinney Center Art Exhibition

Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts

to Host Regional Artists in Monthly Exhibitions

Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts will feature painter and mosaic artist Beverly Thomas-Jenkins in its next Artist Exhibition Series open to the public Friday, August 6 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The exhibitions are free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.  to 5 p.m.  The opening reception is Friday, August 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and all artwork is for sale. Thomas-Jenkins will be present for questions the night of August 6.

Thomas-Jenkins, born and raised in Texas, moved to East Tennessee in 1980.  Thomas-Jenkins grew up in a family that engulfed her in the world of art and creativity at a very early age. In 2006, Beverly began creating mosaics, “I just couldn’t stop, I love creating mosaic’s so much it is my heart and my passion,” states Thomas-Jenkins.  Through the years she has also learned the art of jewelry-making and acrylic and oil painting.  Acrylic and oil paintings will be on display at the McKinney Center from August 6 through September 10.

Thomas-Jenkins also finds inspiration from nature and her love of flowers and floral arranging.

Thomas-Jenkins teaches classes and workshops at the McKinney Center on a regular basis.  She is scheduled to teach several mosaic classes and several acrylic painting workshops this fall at the McKinney Center.  Class space is limited.  Those interested are encouraged to register online before the classes fill up.  Thomas-Jenkins will be at the McKinney Center’s Open House on Saturday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The McKinney Center houses the Jonesborough Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts and boasts of their mission to be, “committed to inspiring the people of our area through both the appreciation of and the participation in the arts as a form of personal and collective expression.”  The objective of the program is to “bring the community at large closer together and show as an example to other communities the creative influence that the arts can bring to their quality of life.”

For more information, email Theresa Hammons at theresah@jonesborougtn.org or call 423.753.0562.

###

About the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington: The mission of the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington is to provide a comprehensive program through Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts which teaches various art skills to all participants through a quality program of instruction open to all segments of Jonesborough’s population. In addition, a primary mission of the Center is to enhance minority participation in the planning and implementation in all activities in Jonesborough while specifically celebrating the contribution of the African-American community in the growth and development of the Town. The activities of the McKinney Center are designed to enhance the quality of life of all Jonesborough residents. Full descriptions of class offerings can be found online at www.mckinneycenter.com or by stopping by the McKinney Center, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, to pick up a catalog.  For additional information contact McKinney Center Director, Theresa Hammons at theresah@jonesboroughtn.org or call 423.753.0562.

About Town of Jonesborough: A unique 18th century town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Jonesborough’s natural beauty, charming architecture, and storytelling heritage have attracted visitors worldwide. Stay a day, a week or forever, and create your own stories in beautiful Historic Jonesborough. Visit www.jonesboroughtn.org for more information.