AEC's Top 10 for 2009
What a Year!
As 2009 comes to a close, AEC is looking back at what an extraordinary year this has been for our little organization. We reached a record-breaking 63,000 people and worked with over 200 volunteers. We welcomed two new staff members and seven new board members. Our economic impact on the Chattanooga business community was close to $2.5 million!
We are thankful for the opportunity to provide another year of valuable arts experiences for the Chattanooga community. Here are some of our favorite moments of 2009!
- Book lovers from over 30 states watched as Wendell Berry received the Cleanth Brooks Medal for Lifetime Achievement at the AEC Conference on Southern Literature
- A standing-room-only crowd of proud parents and teachers gathered at the Tivoli Theatre for the Young Southern Student Writers Awards.
- Kaiulani Lee's breathtaking performance of A Sense of Wonder made a lasting impression on audience members at the UTC Fine Arts Center.
- The 10th Annual AEC Culture Fest moved to the Chattanooga Market for an even bigger and better celebration of diversity through the arts.
- Filmmaker Josh Tickell premiered his documentary Fuel weeks before its theatrical release.
- The Back Row Film Series event Tableland was AEC's first "family style dinner and movie."
- Author Allen Wier inspired students to read and write at Orchard Knob Elementary School.
- Cherokee storyteller Gayle Ross engaged students in three elementary schools and at Chattanooga State.
- The AEC Independent Film Series moved to the beautiful new Majestic Theatre.
- Our television shows Point of View and First View enriched audiences with current events and arts education activities at a new date and time.
Here are some of our favorite photos from 2009.
Visit our Facebook page to see more!
9th Annual CultureFest is Saturday
If you are looking for something free to do with your family this weekend, come to Coolidge Park for the 9th annual AEC Culture Fest on Saturday, September 27th from 11 AM to 7 PM!
This year's celebration of the Chattanooga area's rich cultural diversity will be bigger than ever, offering more hands on activities for all ages. See performances on stage all day, participate in kids activities and face painting, hear storytelling from around the world, learn some yoga and tai-ji moves, watch as Highland Games athletes go for world records, and eat some incredible food.
90% of this year's performers and participants are from the Chattanooga area, showing the wealth of talent and diversity that makes our city a great place to live, work and play. Come support these artists, merchants, performers and community members at Culture Fest 2008!
For more information and the complete schedule, visit our website.
