Cultural Programs

Mountain Makins Festival

The annual Mountain Makins Festival is a three day event which takes place in the building, on the grounds, and on streets surrounding the Rose Center. Mountain Makins is Hamblen County's largest event, drawing over 10,000 people each year. It is also Center's major fund-raiser of the year. The festival presents more than 60 juried crafts, two music stages, delicious food, demonstrators of traditional crafts, a special area for children's activities, the Country Store, and the Friday Night Preview Reception.

International Festival

1995 was the year of Morristown's First International Festival. Initiated under the auspices of Discover Tennessee. As Morristown and Hamblen County continue to grow, the area has become home for people of many different cultures and nationalities. To honor this diversity and educate the community, a group of volunteers from ten nations plans and produces the festival. Featured are entertainment, food, and exhibits. Morristown's 9th International Festival is scheduled to take place April 19, 2008.

From Africa to Appalachia

The From Africa to Appalachia celebration takes place every February in conjunction with Black History Month. The event features speakers, an exhibit of artwork, performances by church choirs, community service awards, traditional foods, and many special programs. The Thompson Gale and African American Web Connection web sites provide additional links and information about celebrating Black History.

Partnership With Hamblen County Schools

Rose Center has an active partnership with the Hamblen County Schools. The Center, with support from the Hamblen County United Way, is responsible for the following programs: Picture Person, exhibits of student artwork at Rose Center and other community locations, Community Artists in Schools, and performances featuring such groups as Lazer Vaudeville, Georgi Schmitt, and the Wood & Strings Puppet Theater. Each year more than 2,000 students tour Rose Center at no charge. Tours are conducted by staff and trained volunteers. The tours include two or more of the following: creative group artwork; instructional visit to gallery; films on art; visit to Children's Touch Museum, the 1892 Classroom and discussion of artwork on display.

Community Participation

The Center has ongoing programming with the Boys and Girls Club of Morristown, Girls Incorporated, Youth Emergency Shelter, Tanasi Girl Scout Council, and other United Way agencies.

Music At The Rose

"Music At The Rose" is a series of performances featuring exemplars of various musical traditions. This series and other Rose Center programs are supported by grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the East Tennessee Foundation.

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