From ceramics to sculpture, you'll find all kinds of art – and artists – at Austin Peay.
The Center of Excellence and department of art sponsor exhibitions and lectures by accomplished professional artists, student art shows and faculty exhibitions throughout the year.
The Nashville Scene has hailed the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts for "attracting heavyweight poets for years…everyone from Gwendolyn Brooks and Allen Ginsberg to Galway Kinnell and Eavan Boland."
In addition to the visiting writers series, the Center supports Red Mud Review, a literary magazine produced by APSU students and Zone 3, a professionally produced international literary journal that sponsors poetry and fiction awards.
Though you won't see them on stage, visiting artists and artists-in-residence have a visible impact on APSU theatre and dance students.
Sponsored by the Center, these artists share their experiences and knowledge through lectures, workshops and one-on-one interaction.
The Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts sponsors the annual Clarksville Community Concert Series, which includes lectures and performances by renowned musicians such as classical guitarist Philip Hii, the American Brass Quintet and Grammy Award-winning ensemble Chanticleer.
Additionally, the Center sponsors the Dimensions New Music Series, Mid-South Jazz Festival and Young Composers Competition.
Ovation Awards
The Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA) Ovation Award acknowledges an individual's dedication toward building and sustaining arts and culture in Montgomery County. The award, established by the Center in 1995, is presented each year at a gala event.
The Ovation award categories include:
- Artist: A living Tennessee artist active in the field of literature, visual arts, performing arts, music, folk arts, architecture, and design, who lives or lived in Montgomery County.
- Young Artist: A high school student within the Clarksville-Montgomery County School District who has shown exceptional gifts through student or community performances, exhibitions, or publications, who lives in Montgomery County.
- Community: A Tennessee community organization or institution for an outstanding arts-based community program or project. Schools and the school district are ineligible in this category.
- Business: A business or corporation that has made a significant contribution to support arts and culture in Montgomery County. Government agencies are ineligible.
- The George Mabry Award: A living Tennessee individual who has made a significant impact on arts and culture in Montgomery County through philanthropy, leadership, or direct involvement or a Tennessee individual who has advanced arts and culture through innovative work beneficial to the arts in Montgomery County. (Nominations are not accepted in this category. The honoree is selected by a special committee of the Acuff Circle of Excellence Community Advisory Board.)
The Ovation Award Recipients
- Mabel Larsen (1995-1996)
- James T. Mann (1995-1996)
- Peggy D. Harvill (1996-1997)
- Olen Bryant (1997-1998)
- Charlsie Halliburton (1998-1999)
- Arthur Goldsmith (1999-2000)
- John McDonald (2000-2001)
- Tom Thayer (2000-2001)
- Joyce T. Norris (2001-2002)
- Sally Welch (2002-2003)
- Lilo Rogoish (2003-2004)
- Ned Crouch (2004-2005)
- Charlotte O. Marshall (2009-2010 Artist category)
- F&M Bank (2009-2010 Business category)
- Downtown Clarksville Association (2009-2010 Community category)
- Susan Bryant (2010-2011 Artist Category)
- Webb Booth, Elizabeth Coleman, Autumn Crofton, Haedyn King and Hugh Poland (2010-2011 Young Artist category)
- Silke's Old World Breads (2010-2011 Business category)
- Empty Bowls Clarksville (2010-2011 Community category)
The George Mabry Award Recipients
- Fred Lott (2009-2010)
- Anne Glass (2010-2011)
Austin Peay State University | 601 College Street | Clarksville, TN 37044 | 1-877-861-APSU | (931) 221-7011
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Austin Peay State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution. | Non-Discrimination Policy
Comments? | Emergency Notification
| Ask "The Gov" | Employee Login | Austin Peay State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution. | Non-Discrimination Policy