TFAC Requests Large Increase In City Funds
Tullahoma Art Center's Website Remains In Virtual Limbo
PHOTO: Tullahoma Alderman Greg Sandlin (center) talks with Tullahoma Fine Arts Center Board Member Jon Gray (far right) at Saturday's reception for artist Yvonne Long. TFAC is requesting a 44-percent increase in its funding from the city. © 2011, Russel Mobley/MTA.
Story by Russel Mobley
April 17, 20011
TFAC is requesting a 44-percent increase in funding from the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the fiscal year beginning on July 1. This fiscal year's budget includes $10,400 for the art center. The center wants a total of $15,000 from next year's city budget.
"I'm very proud of (Tullahoma Fine Arts Center), it looks fantastic," said Tullahoma Fine Arts Center President Troy McFarland, while asking for additional funds at Monday's city board meeting.
"It has been part of the community for over 40 years, and the City of Tullahoma has been a great help to us. I know that we've asked for a particular amount. It's a bit over from last year. But we see the vision and we see the success it can help."
McFarland told the Tullahoma city board that the center was established in 1968, and that he was the first new TFAC president since that time.
McFarland and a new board were elected in September 2010, after the previous president, who also served as executive director, was forced to resign.
In reality, McFarland is the fifth president to head the TFAC board.
Since taking over the center, McFarland has discontinued the monthly newsletter, which was mailed to members, saying the cost of continuing the publication was prohibitive. Instead, he insists that center information is best disseminated through electronic means, such as email and the TFAC website.
However, the website was last updated in January. It still promotes the gallery exhibit of Tommy Ellis, which "will be on display through December 17, 2010." A reception was held Saturday night for artist Yvonne Long, whose paintings are now on display at the center. She is not listed on the site.
Last Monday, McFarland promised the website will be updated soon. He added that he was using Facebook to keep the members and the public informed about center events.
McFarland made a similar statement in February, when he promised that not only would information about art classes and exhibits be placed on www.tullahomafinearts.org, but that the time and dates for future board meetings would be posted for the public to see.
The site was initially created with a $2,000 grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. TFAC also purchased software to keep the site updated, through another $700 technical grant from the TAC.
