Appalachian Cultural Center announces spring lineup

^{Caitlin Hamilton Summie (photo credit: Terri Hathaway)}

(Jan. 31, 2020) JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Carson-Newman University’s Appalachian Cultural Center’s spring events will feature art, literature and moments of meditation.

The season opens on Monday, Feb. 10, with “An Evening with Caitlin Hamilton Summie” beginning at 7 p.m.

A book publicist and author, Summie’s short stories have appeared in numerous journals and publications. Her first book, a short story collected called “To Lay to Rest Our Ghosts,” won the Phillip H. McMath Post-Publication Book Award. The stories examine the importance of family, the defining nature of place, the need for home and the hope of reconciliation.

“As a veteran publicist, marketing expert and author, Caitlin Hamilton Summie offers invaluable advice to writers and readers alike,” said Director Jennifer Hall. “Her keen eye and ear have served to launch the careers of several authors and to create her own works that ring with authentic voice and moving characters. Her short stories remind us of the power of hope and the importance of community and family as we face life trials.”

Other events of the season will include:

• “Up Close with Pastor Wm. L. ‘Dub’ Swafford: A Life in Art” will feature an exhibit opening from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Monday, March 16. Swafford’s gallery talk will take place at 5 that evening.

The gallery will remain open from March 18-April 17 at the Appalachian Cultural Center. Hours will be from noon to 3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from noon to 2:30 p.m. Fridays.

Swafford, of Lawrence County, served in the United States Navy, before graduating from Belmont College in 1955 and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1958. He served churches in both Middle and East Tennessee for 62 years, during which time he also meditated by producing art in various forms: painting, calligraphy, pen and ink, and woodcarving.

• “Lenten Meditations” will take place in celebration of Christ’s passion and resurrection at the Appalachian Cultural Center from noon to 12:45 p.m. on three consecutive Wednesdays: March 25, led by Dr. Ryan Stokes, associate professor of religion; April 1, led by Dr. Joshua Zink, assistant professor of music and women singers; and April 8, led by Dr. Susan O’Dell Underwood, professor of English.

Drop-ins are welcome. Meditation will take place at 12:15 p.m. as the community prepares for Easter. The center will open its doors as a place to rest, abide and seek the peace of Christ. Light refreshments and coffee will be offered, and attendees are free to bring a lunch.

• “David Wheatley, Irish Poet” will be hosted by the English Department at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.

Wheatley is the author of five collections of poetry, including “The President of Planet Earth,” which was shortlisted for The Irish Times Poetry Now Award. His other publications include a short book, a poetic study of Scottish “avant-gardening,” and many articles and reviews. His writing has won various prizes, including the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, the Vincent Buckley Prize, and the Friends Provident (Irish) National Irish Poetry Competition.