Frank Baugh, committee member and an art teacher at Oakland High School said,  "I'm excited to get students thinking about the way art can be used to promote peace in our community. My hope is to see them engaged with this project in ways that both enliven and give a positive outlook on the future. This is a great chance for them to use their creativity to transform perspectives and attitudes."

 

Eric V. Snyder, a committee member who is Coordinator and Gallery Director for the Department of Art, Todd Hall at MTSU said, “For a number of years the Murfreesboro City Hall Art Committee has hosted an annual art competition geared toward the students of Murfreesboro City Schools. To have opportunity to bring a Rutherford County Schools art competition to the mix of our ongoing exhibits is tremendous. As the committee’s chair I feel especially privileged to work with the members of the Murfreesboro Peace and Justice Committee towards that goal. That it also involves the promotion of tolerance, peace, and justice as a theme for student participation makes it that much more gratifying. Since becoming involved I have witnessed the commitment and dedication of committee members. There are teachers present from city and county schools, faculty and other personnel from MTSU, and individuals from the broader community. All bring a different life experience and strength of character to the project that speaks volumes about the purposeful collaboration that’s occurring to the benefit of our community."

 

A combined exhibition of all winners from the Rutherford County Schools exhibition and the Murfreesboro City Schools exhibition will hang in Room 210 in the Department of Art, Todd Hall at MTSU from July 7, 2014 through July 25th, 2014.