Ages 15- Adult

This writers group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the McKinney Center. The group this year will focus on developing and generating stories for possible use in the monthly radio show “StoryTown Radio Show and Podcast” which performs at the McKinney Center and airs on WETS 89.5 FM. The group will also develop stories and pieces for other special story-based programs that are part of the StoryTown Initiative. In addition, members are encouraged to bring creative works to develop for their own purposes. Techniques in writing for radio and the stage are regularly discussed. 

10:00 am - 11:30 am, Thursdays, February 23, March 9, 23, April 13, May 11, 25. (No class on April 27). Class will meet every 2nd and 4th Thursdays.

Ages 15 - Adult

This four-part online class is designed for those interested in collecting oral stories from family members, neighbors, veterans, and community members. Participants learn how to conduct one-on-one interviews as well as how to hold story circles through a combination of class instruction and hands-on training, covering such skills as generating effective questions, finding potential storytellers, creating the best environment, as well as proper use of recording equipment. Participants each receive a PDF guidebook which follows the training course and Power Points. All who complete the course will be certified story collectors for Jonesborough’s StoryTown Programs. All Participants are encouraged to continue using the skills learned in this class by becoming a StoryTown Brigade member, and to collect stories from Washington County community members for use in Jonesborough’s StoryTown programs, which include a monthly radio show, podcast, annual play, and other projects.

6:00 - 7:00 pm, Wednesdays, ONLINE, April 12, 19, 26, May 3.

Ages 16 - Adult

This two-hour course will teach the steps used to create beautiful and sustainable live kokedamas plants for the home or office.  The class will discuss the soils used, proper mixing techniques and then move into how to place the plant within the soil and then cover with dried moss, as you use decorative string to hold it together.  Once the kokedamas is complete, it will be decorated using a wide variety of accents, colors, and ideas to make this living work of art an expression of each student's character and inner beauty.  Along with this, the class will discuss proper care and handling of the plant and a quick history of the techniques used and where they originate from.

6:00 - 8:00 pm, Friday, April 14.

Grade 9 - Adult

In this three hour workshop students will learn a traditional diagonal pattern of finger weaving from Nola Pina, a Cultural Specialist at the Museum of the Cherokee, on the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina, and home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee.  Nola will discuss the history of fingerweaving, what resources or materials were historical used, and what clothing items and functional items were made using fingerweaving.  Students will take home a finger woven bookmark or key chain that they make during the workshop.

This class is sponsored by the Berea College Appalachian Fund, Folk Arts & Cultures Initiative Grant.

10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 15. There will be a small break. You are welcome to bring your own lunch or snack!

Grades 9 - Adult

This 2-day workshop is for the person who wants to try painting without having prior knowledge of painting.  Students will be creating a beautiful vase of flowers using water-soluable oil paint.  The style is intuitive, casual, and abstract.  The canvas is a 9"x12" flat board which will fit a frame of your choice (not included).  This is a great workshop to take with family or friends!  

You can also reserve a private workshop with a minimum of 6 guests!  Please call the McKinney Center to make this reservation.

6:00 - 8:00 pm, Monday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Ages 11 - 17

Class Limit:  16

Can you make a play in a week?  You will get the chance to do this at the McKinney Center THIS SUMMER!

Starting from scratch, students will work alongside professional theatre makers to create an original performance in just one week.  You will develop a range of performance skills and learn technical theatre skills working alongside practicing artists.  You will also make new friends and have a lot of fun in the process.

There is even a free lunch club from Noon - 12:30, where you can hang-out and have lunch with directors, designers, choreographers, poets, and musicians.

Spots for, Play-In-A-Week, are limited to 16 students, and is expected to fill up quickly.  Register early to avoid disappointment.

This camp is partially funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission.

A confirmation email will be sent to you upon registration with further information and tips regarding summer camp.

June 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.

9am - 2pm

FINAL PERFORMANCE and "tailgate" lunch at 2pm on Saturday, June 17.

Grades:  7-12

Class Limit:  10 students

In this fun and messy class, students will learn hand-building techniques and the use of the potter’s wheel. Students will also experience the delight of creating with their own hands and imagination in clay. Our goal is for each student to produce five projects that will go home with them to enjoy or give as gifts.  

Returning students are welcome!  Every summer new projects will be created and returning students will advance their skill level.

Registration fee includes materials including clay and glazes, supplies, snack, and a camp t-shirt!

Projects need time to dry and will be fired in a kiln.  Therefore, final projects will be available for pick up approximately 2 weeks after camp.  The McKinney Center and camp instructors will notify parents when items are ready.

June 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A confirmation email will be sent to you upon registration with further information and tips regarding summer camp.

This class is sponsored by the Berea College Appalachian Fund, Folk Arts & Cultures Initiative Grant.