GATLINBURG, TN – The Board of Governors of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts announced that the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity has agreed to extend the current lease through August, 2012. This action assures that all planned workshops, exhibitions and other programs will continue without interruption.

However, the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity has indicated there will be no further extensions of the current lease beyond 2012. As a result, a planning committee of the Board of Governors affirmed the need to finalize plans no later than the end of August 2010 regarding options for its facilities. The firm of Kennedy, Coulter, Rushing & Watson of Chattanooga, Tennessee presented a
comprehensive site viability study which included an analysis of several potential sites for relocation of the school, as well as the feasibility of remaining in the current Gatlinburg location. Based on the results of the study, the Executive Committee appointed a task force to further explore the two most promising alternative sites for the school. These sites are located in Greeneville and Knoxville, Tennessee. At the same time, the board will examine the viability of purchasing the acreage occupied by the school in Gatlinburg. For each location under consideration, the task force will review the financial implications, opportunities for partnership and community collaboration, among other considerations, that are in keeping with the school’s mission and vision.

“I am impressed with the outpouring of support from both Greeneville and Knoxville and their enthusiasm for relocating Arrowmont to their respective communities,” said Arrowmont Executive Director David Willard, adding, “This is a testament to the school’s reputation as a world class center for arts education as well as its cultural significance in east Tennessee.” Students, instructors and friends of Arrowmont are encouraged to visit, www.arrowmont.org and “Arrowmont Art” on Facebook for regular updates. “Each of these options provides unique and exciting possibilities for Arrowmont. I’ve never been more excited about our future,” said Willard.

About Arrowmont

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a nationally renowned arts center that offers one and two week and weekend workshops in ceramics, fiber, metals, glass, painting, mixed media, and woodworking for the beginner to advanced artist. Students learn in professionally equipped studios on a 14-acre residential campus in Gatlinburg, TN. Five galleries, an art supply store, and artist resource center are open to visitors year round. Arrowmont was founded in 1912 as the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School. For more information about Arrowmont’s programs, visit www.arrowmont.org or call (865) 436-5860.