(July 7, 2023) East Tennessee State University is home to a vibrant arts community, with sites that highlight Appalachia, host renowned artists and showcase the incredible work of ETSU students.
“An important function of arts in the community is creating a connective space,” said
Rebecca Proffitt, director of the Reece Museum. “It gives you an opportunity for self-reflection, or maybe to think deeply about
issues.”
The Reece Museum, as well as the Slocumb and Tipton galleries, regularly house exhibitions
that delight and challenge, as well as educate and preserve.
ETSU students showcase their work, getting hands-on learning opportunities through internships, projects and more. Students, faculty and staff win major awards,
including prestigious honors from the Tennessee Association of Museums.
“I think the beauty of the art galleries is that it’s very multigenerational, it’s
interdisciplinary, it’s very collaborative,” said Karlota Contreras-Koterbay, a member
of the Department of Art and Design and the director of the department’s art galleries. “It allows you to experience the world without moving away from the Appalachian
region. We also get a chance to showcase what we have here in Appalachia through the
galleries.”