News from Arrowmont Craft School on relocation

[brai...@telus.net]

ARROWMONT EXTENDS LEASE WITH PI BETA PHI � BOARD TASK FORCE TO EXPLORE POSSIBLE
NEW LOCATIONS
GATLINBURG, TN � The Board of Governors of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
announced that the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity has agreed to extend the current lease
through August, 2012. This action assures that all planned workshops,
exhibitions and other programs will continue without interruption.
However, the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity has indicated there will be no further
extensions of the current lease beyond 2012. As a result, a planning committee
of the Board of Governors affirmed the need to finalize plans no later than the
end of August 2010 regarding options for its facilities.
The firm of Kennedy, Coulter, Rushing & Watson of Chattanooga, Tennessee
presented a comprehensive site viability study which included an analysis of
several potential sites for relocation of the school, as well as the feasibility
of remaining in the current Gatlinburg location.
Based on the results of the study, the Executive Committee appointed a task
force to further explore the two most promising alternative sites for the
school. These sites are located in Greeneville and Knoxville, Tennessee. At the
same time, the board will examine the viability of purchasing the acreage
occupied by the school in Gatlinburg. For each location under consideration, the
task force will review the financial implications, opportunities for partnership
and community collaboration, among other considerations, that are in keeping
with the school�s mission and vision.
�I am impressed with the outpouring of support from both Greeneville and
Knoxville and their enthusiasm for relocating Arrowmont to their respective
communities,� said Arrowmont Executive Director David Willard, adding, �This is
a testament to the school�s reputation as a world class center for arts
education as well as its cultural significance in east Tennessee.�
Students, instructors and friends of Arrowmont are encouraged to visit,
www.arrowmont.org and �Arrowmont Art� on Facebook for regular updates.
�Each of these options provides unique and exciting possibilities for Arrowmont.
I�ve never been more excited about our future,� said Willard.