Photos from the Carousel Fine Craft Show and Brass Ring Gala fundraiser for the Kingsport Carousel Project. (Photos by William Stephanos)
KINGSPORT, TN - The City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts and Engage Kingsport announce the successful completion of the Carousel Fine Craft Show and Brass Ring Gala fundraiser for the Kingsport Carousel Project. Approximately 600 people attended The Brass Ring Gala at the Kingsport Farmer's Market. It was a celebratory event full of music, food and drinks and was described by several guests as a "joyous" occasion.
Rounding board artists celebrated the completion of their part of the Carousel Project. The rounding board artists were led by Cindy Saadeh and Ellen Elmes. Additionally, Ellen Elmes was presented the key to the city by Mayor Dennis Phillips for her work in Kingsport spanning several decades and including the Downtown Kingsport mural 1986 and 2008, the Pal's mural, 2010 and the rounding boards 2012 and 2013.
During the show, platform animals, sweep animals and rounding boards were sponsored by area individuals and businesses. The weekend generated more than $90,000 in funds for the Kingsport Carousel Project. All 24 rounding boards, 32 of 33 platform animals and 13 out of 25 sweep animals have been sponsored. Funding will be used to restore the 1956-vintage Herschell Carousel machinery, carve and paint the animals and to build a separate building located at the Farmer's Market site. Other sponsorship opportunities are still available. The project has raised approximately $260,000 toward its final goal of $500,000.
The Carousel Fine Craft Show featured local and regional artisans and fine craftsman juried in a variety of media including fine furniture, jewelry, pottery, weaving, photography, basketry and quilting. Several artisans conducted live demonstrations at the show in addition to live demonstrations done by carousel carvers and painters. It was an entertaining and educational experience in addition to an exceptional opportunity for the public to buy work directly from the people that made it.
Opening date for the Kingsport Carousel is projected for spring 2014. To date, more than 100 volunteers have been actively involved. Later this month, Engage Kingsport will announce additional opportunities for the community to be involved with sponsorships or volunteering. Call the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts for more information: 423-392-8414.
