DECATUR– The Alabama Center for the Arts announced today nine artists to be inducted into the inaugural class of the Alabama Center for the Arts Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established earlier this year and furthers the mission of the Alabama Center for the Arts to provide the public with access to the highest caliber of artistic expression and cultural awareness.
The nine inductees include Wes Chapman, Tillman Crane, Emmylou Harris, Nall Hollis, Dean Jones, Bruce Larsen, the Quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend, Mildred Nungester Wolfe, and Richard Zoellner. All inductees are Alabama natives and residents who have achieved preeminence in their respective field of artistic expression.
Dr. Jim Klauber
“Calhoun is extremely excited to partner with Athens State University as we move forward in the establishment of the Alabama Center for the Arts Hall of Fame. We thank Senator Orr and others in our community for their vision in creating this venue to recognize and pay homage to Alabama artists from a myriad of genres,” commented Calhoun President Dr. Jim Klauber.
Early in 2015, a steering committee consisting of Senator Arthur Orr, Athens State President Bob Glenn, Calhoun President Jim Klauber, Kim Mitchell, Wally Terry, Stratton Orr, and John Joseph led the charge to establish the Hall of Fame. This committee met to research the concept, gain initial endorsement, achieve various forms of official recognition, and establish a threshold of
Bob Glenn
credibility for the concept. In August 2015 the Hall of Fame was publically announced after the initiative received legislative recognition and the endorsement of well-respected artists.
Athens State President Bob Glenn states, “These artists who are being honored represent a broad spectrum of creative expression that symbolizes the impact our State has had upon them. We are honored to herald their achievements and to have them as our inaugural inductees.”
An induction banquet is scheduled for November 16 at 6 p.m. at the Alabama Center for the Arts. Tickets to the event are available for purchase at the Alabama Center for the Arts or online at www.alabamacenterforthearts.org/artshalloffame.
The Alabama Center for the Arts, founded in 2012, serves as a statewide catalyst for artistic education and appreciation, while also promoting a culture of creativity throughout Alabama. It is a collaborative effort between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University.
Media Release/Guy McClure
Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Publications
Athens State University
