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!
LA Filmmaker Attending Local Premiere Saturday
It's not often that Chattanoogans get to see a film three months before its nationwide theatrical release, but this weekend you'll have that opportunity PLUS the chance to meet the filmmaker!
The Arts & Education Council's Back Row Film Series continues on Saturday, June 20, with a public showing of Fuel, winner of the coveted Audience Award at the most recent Sundance Film Festival. The filmmaker Josh Tickell will be here to introduce his film, answer questions and sign copies of his book, Biodiesel America.
When: Saturday, June 20
Where: Green|Spaces, 63 East Main Street
6:30 PM reception, 7:00 PM film, discussion and book signing
Tickets: $10 ($5 for AEC members), Save $20 by purchasing Back Row season passes!
Fuel tells the story of Tickell's lifetime quest to find alternative fuels after his mother fell ill from pollution produced by nearby oil refineries in Louisiana. An insightful portrait of America's addiction to oil and an uplifting testament to the immediacy of new energy solutions, Fuel shuttles us on a whirlwind journey to track the rise of the oil industry and reveals a gamut of available solutions to "repower America," from vertical farms that occupy skyscrapers to algae facilities that turn wastewater into fuel.
Tickell made national news this month when he was named a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and was featured on CNN.com on June 12 (read the article
Now in its 4th year, the Back Row Film Series pairs screenings with related programming such as guest speakers, musical performances, culinary presentations or visual art. Topics address issues that are relevant to our community and draw a diverse and engaged audience. The result is an innovative approach to film viewing that connects each art form and prompts conversations, furthering the AEC's mission to provide unique opportunities for lifelong learning and participation in the arts for all members of the community.
"This event exemplifies the mission of the Back Row Film Series," says Laurel Eldridge, AEC Program Director. "We are showing a film that is not yet available on big screens, and probably won't ever come to Chattanooga theatres. And the chance to meet the filmmaker and ask questions simply enhances the entire learning experience."
Working with community partners like Green|Spaces makes this Series both possible and locally relevant.
"The audience has a chance to experience Back Row events in a variety of venues around the community, each carefully selected to fit the particular program. This week we get to see what Green|Spaces is doing to help make Chattanooga become more sustainable.''
The next three events in the Series include a film and musical performance at Barking Legs Theatre, a food and film night at Loose Cannon, and an evening dedicated to John Ross and local Native American history at the Tennessee Aquarium.
For more information about the Back Row Film Series (or to purchase tickets) visit our website or call 423-267-1218.
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