Chattanooga State Community College will host its first annual Fine Arts Extravaganza on Friday, May 7.  The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with an informal walking tour of the college’s outdoor museum, led by Chattanooga State’s artist-in-residence, sculptor John Henry.  At 7:30 p.m., the festival continues with a salute to the performing arts in the Humanities Theatre in the C.C. Bond Humanities Building.  The Fine Arts Extravaganza is open to the public free of charge.  The schedule for the extravaganza welcomes community participation at either one or both scheduled events.

According to Darrin Hassevoort, department head of fine arts at Chattanooga State, the event is a collaboration between the college’s art, dance, music and theatre programs and underscores the depth and strength of the college’s Fine Arts Department.  “The event focuses attention on Chattanooga State’s commitment to educational excellence in the fine arts and invites the community to experience the ingenuity and excitement of our students,” says Mr. Hassevoort.  “But without question, our foremost intent is to showcase the artistic accomplishments and distinctive talents of our students about whom we are exceedingly proud.”

Mr. Hassevoort continues by noting that an installation of artwork, created by Chattanooga State students, will also be a feature of the Fine Arts Extravaganza.  The exhibition will be on view in the C. C. Bond Humanities Building.

During the Fine Arts Extravaganza concert, two significant members of the Chattanooga State faculty will be honored.  The college will applaud Denise Heinly, a retiring professor who founded the Chattanooga State’s art program, for her dedication and service.  Chattanooga State will also posthumously acknowledge Jane Reeder, a former professor and founder of Chattanooga State’s music program, for her visionary service and leadership as an arts educator.

For more information about Chattanooga State’s fine arts program, contact Darrin Hassevoort at 423.697.3383 or at darrin.hassevoort@chattanoogastate.edu.

For more information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State Community College is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.