Talking with Bill Strickland, left, are Johnson City's Ed Gerace, chair of the Tennessee Arts Commission, and Gerace's wife, Jennie.
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- Nearly 400 arts supporters from across the state attended the recent Talk To Me, Tennessee: A Statewide Conversation About The Arts.
Bill Strickland, one of the nation's most inspiring leaders and powerful speakers, brought his message of hope, value, and respect to conference participants. Strickland spoke to a full room during a luncheon and plenary session, where he talked about empowerment of the human spirit through the arts.
Strickland is known for his work with at-risk youth and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. "I believe that people are born into this world as assets, not liabilities," he said. "Don't give up on the poor kids. It's all about the way you treat people. In order to work with people who have been left behind by life, you have to look like the solution not the problem."
Strickland is the president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation in Pittsburgh and its subsidiaries Manchester Craftsmen's Guild and Bidwell Training Center. Throughout his career, he has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to the arts and the community.
Strickland's speech will be available on the Tennessee Arts Commission's website soon.
