From left to right, top: Louise Bailey Dickson, Jayne Duehring and Diane R. Nelson, below, were the YWCA's Tribute to Women Arts category recipients.
Three area women in the arts were among 12 award recipients recognized during the Bristol YWCA's 19th annual Tribute to Women. Following are this year's recipients in the Arts category:
• Louise Bailey Dickson"s ancestors had the first land grant in Sullivan County, so zeal for this region is
in her blood. In 1988, her dream to produce an event for the community, by the community, was realized in Kingsport's Showtime, a family musical for which she produces an original theme every year.
With her Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), she has worked in many capacities in the performing arts, from choreography to directing and producing.
• Jayne Duehring planned performances at a young age for her neighborhood and clearly this practice paid dividends for her future as the Director of Advancement at Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va. At the
theatre, she has had multiple titles, but her current position was designed for her unique talent for bringing people together. Duehring has successfully taught, fundraised and encouraged new programs (such as Theatre Thursday and The Green Room Society) for the theatre and the community. Duehring is vice-president of the board of directors for Arts Alliance Mountain Empire, publisher of A! Magazine for the Arts.
• Diane R. Nelson is a published artist and photographer who has held various positions, including president of the Kingsport Art Guild. For 20 years, she has photographed diving expeditions around the world. After retiring from ETSU as a professor of biological sciences, she has continued to conduct research. To read a story about her exhibit at the Gray Fossil Site museum in 2008, click HERE.
