Art work submitted to the Johnson County Community Foundation's annual Talent show.
April 4–30, 2025 @ Johnson County Center for the Arts
On Friday, April 4 the Johnson County Center for the Arts celebrate the talent and creativity of Johnson County's young artists with its Youth Art Show opening reception. This community show is filled with drawings, paintings, pottery, mixed media, and more from these wonderful artists.
The evening will also showcase works from the Center for the Arts’ after school Pathways program and the visual arts submissions for the 2025 Johnson County Community Foundation Talent Show. This is the second year that the Community Talent Show has included a visual arts category.
The Pathways Program brings artists to the after school childcare programs at elementary schools to teach the elements and principles of art through hands-on lessons in a variety of media. This school year 14local artists have participated in teaching classes in acrylic and watercolor painting, puppetry, journaling, tile painting, fabric arts, Appalachian traditional musicand the harp. There is more to come with cyanotype printing and pottery.
Pathways is organized by the Johnson County Center for the Arts’ Gallery Assistant Carol Hieronymus and Executive Director Cristy Dunn and funded by a Pathways for Youth Success grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
"As a former teacher that taught in after school programs, I know how valuable these art activities are for not only the students but the teachers as well," said Hieronymus. "With the addition of the harp this year with Marie Jo Thum, it has been a treat to see students experience playing the harp for the first time. I am so grateful to the Tennessee Arts Commission in providing this grant, the artists sharing their skills, and the Johnson County Center for the Arts in making this program possible."
DUNFEE ALBUM RELEASE
Local singer songwriter Steve Dunfee providesthe music for the Center for the Arts Youth Art Show Opening. Dunfee is celebrating the release of his fifth album, titled "Sidetracked Again." "I wrote and composed all 12 songs on 'Sidetracked Again,'" said Dunfee. "Each track is inspired by the simple observations of everyday life. My hope is that these songs resonate with listeners' experiences, and that they will find a personal connection within the melodies and lyrics."
Dunfee began playing music in the fourth grade, playing the baritone sax. Starting eighthgrade he switched to trumpet and held first chair in his middle school band, and first chair in his high school jazz and pep bands. "I also learned to play piano and the organ. I didn't begin playing guitar until I was 21 when my Army buddies and I would get together for jam sessions when possible,” said Dunfee.
“There are inspirations behind every song on 'Sidetracked Again;' the strength and resilience of our local people is reflected in the song ‘Appalachian Strong’, and the courage of my wife and many other women who have had to battle breast cancer inspired me to write ‘Fearless’,” Dunfee added.
The Youth Art Show Opening and Steve Dunfee’s album release are scheduled for Friday, April 4 from 4-6 p.m. at the Johnson County Center for the Arts’ Gallery on Main,Mountain City, Tennessee. Admission is free and there will be light refreshments served.
Friday, April 11 the Johnson County Community Foundation Talent Show is held at the Heritage Hall Theatre, Mountain City, Tennessee. Doors open at 6 p.m. Along with the visual arts show there will be local singers, dancersand comedians.Thisannual event has become a staple in Johnson County, drawing large crowds and local talent.All proceeds and donations go toward local initiatives and programs that benefit thecommunity. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. For more information on purchasing tickets call 423-727-7444 or visit heritagehalltheatre.org.