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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for McKinney Center
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250404
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250405
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250304T065717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T081253Z
UID:6704-1743724800-1743811199@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Ernest McKinney Day of Giving
DESCRIPTION:The McKinney Center would like to invite you to join them for their fourth annual\, Day of Giving\, on Thursday\, April 4\, 2025. The event will be on Facebook and Instagram throughout the day.Why did they choose April 4th instead of the Tuesday after Thanksgiving\, as most non-profits across the country do? The namesake of the McKinney Center\, Ernest L. McKinney\, was the first African-American elected to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Jonesborough\, being elected on April 4\, 1968. On that same day\, Martin Luther King\, Jr. was killed in Memphis\, Tennessee.It has been over 55 years since his initial election to the Jonesborough Board of Mayor and Aldermen\, yet it is important to acknowledge and remember the dedicated efforts of Ernest L. McKinney in uniting and serving all the people of Jonesborough and Washington County regardless of race\, ethnic background\, or color. His election signifies the love for and an acceptance and understanding of others\, which continues to be an outstanding characteristic of the people of Jonesborough. Since the election of Ernest McKinney Sr. in 1968\, this small town has had a person of color serving on the Town Board continuously for five decades including one of his sons\, Kevin B. McKinney\, who served as Mayor from 1988 – 1997.The McKinney Center and the Town of Jonesborough is proud to honor Ernest McKinney’s legacy through the artistic and cultural programming provided for the region at the McKinney Center.You can view the activities on the McKinney Center’s Facebook page throughout the day. There will be musical and poetry performances\, interviews with students and teachers\, a tour of past exhibitions\, and more.Donations will go toward the scholarship program and cultural programming at the McKinney Center. The average cost of a class for children and teens is $150. The McKinney Center provides classes free of charge for 20 – 30 students each year with financial need resulting in approximately $3\,000 – $5\,000.You may donate online anytime during the year by going to: https://mckinneycenter.com/the-ernest-l-mckinney-day-of…/.You may designate your donation specifically for scholarships or other McKinney Center programs.You may also bring in a check or cash to the McKinney Center or mail your donation to:The McKinney Center103 Franklin AvenueJonesborough\, TN 37659The goal is to raise $1\,000 for scholarships and your support is greatly appreciated!
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/ernest-mckinney-day-of-giving/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250425T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250425T210000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250205T055720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250425T091227Z
UID:6608-1745604000-1745614800@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Masterpiece Mingle Fundraiser 2025
DESCRIPTION:More Details to come soon!\nMcKinneyCenter.com
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/masterpiece-mingle-fundraiser-2025/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250428T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250428T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250401T121213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T162730Z
UID:6796-1745866800-1745870400@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:StoryTown Radio Show: "Say What Now"
DESCRIPTION:“Say What Now?” The StoryTown Radio Show will be sharing funny stories about miscommunications and misunderstandings on April 28th at the McKinney Center. Featured in this live production will be stories about crossed wires during a courtship\, a grand reception at an airport gone wrong\, and what happens when a Welsh transplant tries to sell American cars. We’ll also have a special guest from the Nolichucky Restoration Project to talk about how communication is key when it comes to cleaning up the river after the devastation brought by hurricane Helene.The music guest for this production is local singer/songwriter Jonathan Edens. Jonathan teaches guitar and vocal lessons throughout the area\, including at the McKinney Center. “Say What Now?: Tales of Communication and Miscommunication” takes place at 7PM on April 28th at the McKinney Center. Tickets are $10 and are available online at Jonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 423-753-1010. The shows have been selling out\, so make sure you get your tickets today. Half season passes are available at https://townofjonesborough.thundertix.com/…/6099/summary for only $45.00. This guarantees you a seat for the remaining seven shows of the season.The Radio Show is also recorded for broadcast on local NPR station WETS 89.5 out of Johnson City\, which can be heard the last Wednesday of the month at 8PM. StoryTown is sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission\, Gary and Sandee Degner\, Terry and Sandy Countermine\, Trivia with Budds\, McLeod Organics\, the Wild Women of Jonesborough\, and Wolfe Development.
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/storytown-radio-show-say-what-now/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20241113T012715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250508T092719Z
UID:6241-1746727200-1746730800@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Ms. Brown's End of the Year Program 2025
DESCRIPTION:More information to come. \nStudent artwork from the Spring 2025 semester will be on display.\nMcKinneyCenter.com
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/ms-browns-end-of-the-year-program-2025/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250510
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250511
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250215T061219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T094256Z
UID:6648-1746835200-1746921599@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:McKinney Center Summer Camp Early Bird Deadline
DESCRIPTION:Register for Summer Camp by today and use code EBSU2025 to get $10 off!\nMcKinneyCenter.com
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/mckinney-center-summer-camp-early-bird-deadline/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250517
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250518
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250215T061219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250517T095746Z
UID:6649-1747440000-1747526399@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:McKinney Center Summer Camp Deadline
DESCRIPTION:McKinney Center’s Summer Camp Registration deadline is today! Register at McKinneyCenter.com
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/mckinney-center-summer-camp-deadline/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250526T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250526T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T162719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250526T174219Z
UID:6948-1748286000-1748289600@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:StoryTown Radio Show: Salute to Veterans
DESCRIPTION:The StoryTown Radio Show will host its annual “Salute to Veterans” performance at 7PM on Monday\, May 26th at the McKinney Center. The cast will be joined by music guest and hometown favorite The Jonesborough Novelty Band. Featured stories come from local men and women who served in the Armed Forces as well as from military families who also found ways to serve. Stories include a look at how one family’s legacy of service helped with the creation of the Jonesborough Veterans Memorial Park\, which is now 25 years old\, tales of care from the US Cadet Nurse Corp\, and a unique story of service from the Korean War. Many cast members in the production are also veterans\, making this episode particularly important to them.The beloved Jonesborough Novelty Band will perform two short sets during the production\, in which the audience will be encouraged to sing along to familiar tunes. The sponsor for this month’s show is . Half Season Passes are available for the rest of the StoryTown season for only $45. They can be purchased now at Jonesborough.com/tickets\, click on “Event Packages.”The performance begins at 7PM on Memorial Day at the McKinney Center. Tickets\, $10 for the show\, are available by calling the Historic Visitors Center at 423-753-1010 or online at Jonesborough.com/tickets. For more information about the StoryTown Radio Show\, visit storytownradio.com.The Radio Show is also recorded for broadcast on local NPR station WETS 89.5 out of Johnson City\, which can be heard the last Wednesday of the month at 8PM. StoryTown is sponsored by McLeod Organics\, the Tennessee Arts Commission\, Gary and Sandee Degner\, Trivia with Budds\, Wolfe Development\, and the Wild Women of Jonesborough.
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/storytown-radio-show-salute-to-veterans-2/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250606T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250606T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250606T104241Z
UID:6919-1749229200-1749236400@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists' Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250609T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250609T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250609T104411Z
UID:6921-1749456000-1749488400@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-3/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250610T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250610T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T104221Z
UID:6924-1749542400-1749574800@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-6/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250611T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250611T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T104232Z
UID:6925-1749628800-1749661200@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-7/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T104223Z
UID:6927-1749715200-1749747600@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-9/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250613T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250613T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250613T104248Z
UID:6929-1749801600-1749834000@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-11/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250616T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250616T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T104350Z
UID:6931-1750060800-1750093200@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-13/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250617T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250617T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T104326Z
UID:6932-1750147200-1750179600@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-14/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250618T105816Z
UID:6934-1750233600-1750266000@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-16/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250619T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250619T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250619T111221Z
UID:6935-1750320000-1750352400@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-17/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250620T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250620T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T111223Z
UID:6936-1750406400-1750438800@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-18/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250623T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250623T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250623T111217Z
UID:6937-1750665600-1750698000@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-19/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250623T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250623T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250529T174220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250623T191216Z
UID:7038-1750705200-1750708800@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:StoryTown Radio Show: How Did You Get Here
DESCRIPTION:“How Did You Get Here?” The StoryTown Radio Show will besharing tales about immigration and interstate travel on June 23rd atthe McKinney Center. Featured in this live production will be a harrowing storyof one man’s escape from Ukraine during WWII and his journey to get to theUnited States\, we’ll also have the story of the Migrant March that took placein town in 2004\, the history of the Immigrant Trail DAR marker\, as well as storiesfrom newcomers who just moved to the area. Joining the cast will be storytellerPippa White. Catch her before she starts her weeklong residency at theInternational Storytelling Center. \n  \nThe music guest for this production is the local Celtic bandJenny & the Weazles. “The band enjoys bringing Scottish and Irish fiddletunes and songs to” venues and events throughout the region. “How Did You GetHere? Tales of Immigrant & Interstate Travel” takes place at 7PM on June 23rdat the McKinney Center. Tickets are $10 and are available online atJonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Historic Jonesborough VisitorsCenter at 423-753-1010. The shows have been selling out\, so make sure you getyour tickets today. Half season passes are still available at https://townofjonesborough.thundertix.com/packages/6099/summaryfor only $45.00. This guarantees you a seat for the remaining five shows of theseason. \n  \nThe Radio Show is also recorded for broadcast on local NPRstation WETS 89.5 out of Johnson City\, which can be heard the last Wednesday ofthe month at 8PM. StoryTown is sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission\, Garyand Sandee Degner\, Terry and Sandy Countermine\, Trivia with Budds\, McLeodOrganics\, the Wild Women of Jonesborough\, and Wolfe Development.
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/storytown-radio-show-how-did-you-get-here/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T111214Z
UID:6938-1750752000-1750784400@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-20/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T111215Z
UID:6939-1750838400-1750870800@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-21/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250626T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250626T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T111223Z
UID:6940-1750924800-1750957200@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-22/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250627T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250627T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T111455Z
UID:6941-1751011200-1751043600@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-23/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250630T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250630T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T112724Z
UID:6942-1751270400-1751302800@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-24/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250701T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250701T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250701T114340Z
UID:6943-1751356800-1751389200@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-25/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250702T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250702T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T115719Z
UID:6944-1751443200-1751475600@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-26/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250703T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250703T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250703T121216Z
UID:6945-1751529600-1751562000@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-27/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250704T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250704T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250502T091232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250704T121245Z
UID:6946-1751616000-1751648400@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Stephen Simmerman & Jamey Biggs
DESCRIPTION:  \nJonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts  \nto Host Artists Jamey Biggs and Stephen Simmerman \n  \nThe 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey 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. \nJamey’s artwork is primarily ceramic and drawsupon themes of Appalachian life through sculpture and utilitarian objects.  \nThese 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. \nImages 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. \nI 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. \nI 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. \nStephen 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. \n  \nAmong 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. \n  \nSimmerman’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. \n  \nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday –Friday 8am – 5pm.  For more informationyou may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562. 
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-stephen-simmerman-anita-ramsey-28/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T190000
DTSTAMP:20260417T114847
CREATED:20250703T121216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250717T124228Z
UID:7164-1752771600-1752778800@mckinneycenter.com
SUMMARY:Artists Exhibition Featuring Chasidy Hathorn Opening Reception
DESCRIPTION: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.\nChasidy 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.\n​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.\n​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.”\nThe exhibit is free and open to the public\, Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. For more information you may contact the McKinney Center\, 423.753.0562
URL:https://mckinneycenter.com/event/artists-exhibition-featuring-chasidy-hathorn-opening-reception/
LOCATION:McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School\, 103 Franklin Ave\, Jonesborough\, TN\, United States
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