Pocket Guide and Journal | Woodpickers | Bryan Bowers Concert

Why Arts and the Environment?

Simply put, the arts are a wonderful and vital catalyst for accomplishing our mission of connecting people and nature. Creativity lies at the very core of our being, and expressing ourselves through pen or paintbrush or photo lens in a natural setting such as a National park deepens not only our sense of self but also our connection with the earth.

The arts can be a rewarding end in itself too. At Tremont, adult and student learners alike can learn a new craft and discover a hidden talent they didn’t know they had. Additionally, studies have shown that involving students in the arts has the added benefit of helping them do better in school (see www.americansforthearts.org).

Arts have long held a presence in Tremont’s programs. From songs and stories during campfires, to the multi-media “Voice of the Smokies” presentation, to our annual workshops devoted exclusively to the arts and the environment, the integration of the arts into so many of our programs happens so naturally that one may hardly notice it.

But we hope you will begin noticing an increased presence of the arts at Tremont through our Arts Initiative. We hope you’re as excited as we are about the following new things going on lately with the arts.

COMMUNITY ARTISANS FUND FOR SCHOOLS
Thanks to the generous support of the Avent Cabin Endowment, this newly established fund allows less-privileged schools to defray some of the cost of hosting an evening arts presenter and allow enriching interactions between artists and children. To Apply or Learn More click here.

NEW PUBLICATION – Great Smoky Mountains National Park Pocket Guide & Naturalist Journal (see our Tremont Store page)
Introduced in late fall 2005, a Tremont publication like none you’ve ever seen! Over 100 pages of detailed information about the Smokies you’ve never been able to find in one location. Complete with dozens of journaling pages and activities for children and adults alike. Customized hand-drawn illustrations by Smokies artist Joey Heath. Written by Senior Teacher/Naturalist Jeremy Lloyd especially in mind for use by visiting school groups. Project funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Clayton Family Foundation.

An Evening In the Smokies by the Woodpickers and Friends
Released earlier this year and produced by Tremont staff and friends, this CD collection of old-time tunes features hammered dulcimer, guitar, banjo and mandolin. Proceeds from the sale of CDs go
to provide scholarships for Tremont programs. Find out more.