HISTORY
On November 7, 1978, twelve artists met to
establish The Fairfield Glade Art Guild. The name was changed to
the Art Guild at Fairfield Glade in 2001 to better describe our
membership. And membership in the Guild was opened to people in
the surrounding area. The Art Guild currently has approximately
130 members.
The first fine art show was held on
the lawn of the Crossville Courthouse following with the second at Druid
Hills Country Club. The Art Guild moved in September 1982 to 128
Wilshire Heights Drive and that would be its center and gallery until
December, 2004. A serious mold problem and overcrowding necessitated a
move to the Village Green Mall. Later, due to a major renovation
and new tenants, the Mall asked us to leave because of a shortage of
space. Most of the Guild's personal effects are in storage and/or
in members' homes. Currently, the monthly business meeting is
being held in the choir room at United Methodist Church, 231 Westchester
Drive. Members' varied art works are displayed at Post Haste Gift
Shop adjacent to the post office in the Village Green Mall; they are
rotated monthly.
An historic event occurred for The Art
Guild when Fairfield Glade property owners overwhelmingly voted to
transfer a parcel of common property to The Art Guild in September,
2004. It is 1.02 acres and is located near the Multi-Purpose Building
and Druid Hills Country Club swimming pool, at 451 Lakeview Drive. Plans
for a permanent new art center were immediately discussed and intensive
fund raising begun. Following bidding, The Art Guild selected
Adams, Kraft, Herz, and Walker of Oak Ridge as the architect and Hal
Danson of Sparta, the building contractor. Named in February, 2006
"Plateau Creative Arts Center," it will contain 2842 square feet of
gallery, classrooms, a public meeting room, and kitchen.
Lot clearing began July 5, 2007 with a
ground breaking ceremony July 18. The building is scheduled for
completion in late December, 2007. The Arts Center will cost
$284,000. with the U.S. Department of Agriculture financing $240,000,
that it approved in February, 2007. The new center will provide
almost unlimited expansion of The Art Guild's renowned community
services and outreach programs.
The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade is a
volunteer 501c(3) not-for-profit organization formed to support and
promote the arts. Membership is open to everyone interested in
furthering art appreciation, personal growth in creative activities, and
being part of a dynamic, growing organization. It is dedicated to
the advancement of the arts. Its mission is; (1) to present art
through education, exhibitions, and participation in community outreach
events; (2) to provide needed, meaningful services and educational
resources to meet the needs of Cumberland County residents, visitors,
students, and local artists through its student scholarship program, art
library, workshops, special events, and volunteer opportunities.
During the year members hold art
shows, receptions, studio tours, classes and sponsor trips to area
galleries and points of interest. Members at all levels of
experience, skills, and interest are encouraged to participate in a
friendly, helpful environment and partake in the camaraderie of learning
new skills. Through the year classes are available in watercolor,
oil, pastels, acrylic, pen and ink, and other media as members volunteer
to teach. Photography, pottery, woodcarving and jewelry artists
are some who display their work. Exhibitions may be seen at places
such as City Hall, Crossville Depot, and the Palace Theatre during the
year. There is also a juried Fall Show, Budget Show, and Spring
Show. Fund raisers include the Chocolate Fest, Golf Tournament,
and Plateau Bowl 'n Roll.
Art Guild volunteers also reach
elementary grade students through its unique Picture Person Program.
Through classroom visits, the program is designed to attract and
introduce students to a career or avocation in fine arts. In
addition to presenting an artist for each session, most volunteers also
introduce an art activity, discuss art education, work with the class,
and reinforce the art work represented. All Cumberland County
elementary schools (8) are invited to participate; the program is
acclaimed by the enthusiastic fourth graders.
The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade's
outreach program has included extensive participation in community
volunteer opportunities, including the Cookeville PBS fundraising
action, City of Crossville Christmas Parade, golf tournament, art
donated to Wyndrige Health and Rehabilitation Center, and wall murals at
the Fairfield Glade Tennis Center. Member associations have
included the Crossville Arts Council, Crossville-Cumberland Chamber of
Commerce, Cumberland Artisans for Creative Expression (CACE), and a
business backer of the Cumberland County Playhouse.
To file a complaint of discrimination,
write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue,
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or
(202) 720-6382 (TDD)."
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