Our October Happenings begins with a message from our Exec Director Jeff Lyscczyn, who says
Happy Fall, Y’all!
A short and sweet note this month, as I’m headed to Franklin for the Tennessee Nonprofit Network Conference this week. I’m grateful to the RAA board for sending me again this year so I can keep learning and bringing new ideas back to our work.
September brought the joy of visiting schools to present certificates to recipients of RAA’s K–12 needs-based arts scholarships. We awarded 45 scholarships at nine schools, up from 10 at three schools last year. Thank you to the guardians, teachers, and administrators who supported their students through the application process, and to the Christy-Houston Foundation, Inc. and private donors who made the scholarships possible. We’re already seeking support for next year; if you’d like to help, you can donate to RAA. Just type in “RAA Scholarships” during checkout, and that’s where your money will go!
The Christy-Houston Foundation also provides workshops for nonprofit leaders several times each year. I attended the most recent session last week. It’s so great to commune with other nonprofits and share ideas.
In October, we hope to see you at STEAM Fest at Discovery Center! Plus our second annual RAA fundraiser is also coming up on Friday, October 9, and I’m grateful to its hosts and sponsors for helping us raise the funds that keep the arts thriving in Rutherford County.
Jeff
Read on for events in many genres, calls for artists and vendors, and much more!
Arts & Arts Advocate Spotlight: Two Difference Makers!
First in our spotlight this month, we say thank you and farewell to Kelly Messerly, our social media specialist!
As our team continues to grow and evolve, we are pausing to say a heartfelt goodbye and thank you to our media specialist, who is stepping down from the RAA Media Team.
Kelly has been the creative force behind RAA’s Facebook and Instagram posts—shaping our visual identity, sharing the many fun and upcoming opportunities for our creative community. While we are sad to see her leave this role, we are grateful for her time and talents.
You will be missed, Kelly!
Next we highlight Ivy Albright. Not only is Ivy on RAA’s Board and our social media interim as Kelly steps down, she is also the proud recipient of a recent Tennessee Governor’s Conference Award! Ivy was awarded the 2026 Tennessee Stars of the Industry DMO Director of the Year at the Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism. Selected as the sole recipient from all 95 state counties, Ivy was honored for her outstanding leadership in advancing cultural heritage tourism and America 250 initiatives in Rutherford County. Her impactful work includes "Hallowed Grounds: Reflections on Stones River National Battlefield," a collaborative exhibition with the Alliance that beautifully connects local history with arts and culture to strengthen community tourism.
Congratulations, Ivy, we're so thankful to have you on the RAA Team!
Banner image credit unsplash/!jeremythomasphoto
