Pellissippi State Community College's Strawberry Plains campus is gearing up to shine a spotlight on regional literary and artistic talent during the upcoming James Agee Conference. Set for February 22nd from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., this daylong affair celebrates the legacy of Pulitzer Prize winner and Knoxville native, James Agee. A mix of writers and artists are slated to speak and engage with attendees, offering a firsthand look into the current state of Appalachian arts and literature.
Among the scheduled presenters are writers Denton Loving, Monic Ductan, and Rosemary Royston, who are expected to bring to the table their experiences in publishing, fiction, and poetry. Songwriting insights will also be shared by Kelle Jolly. In a bid to foster a deeper connection between artists and the public, a participant signing is on the agenda, too. Charles Dodd White, English Professor and director of the conference, expressed his enthusiasm to a local news outlet, stating, "We're excited for the Agee Conference to return once more to the Strawberry Plains campus."
An integral part of the event's mission is rooted in supporting humanities education, both at Pellissippi State and within the wider community. This commitment is underscored by the conference's sponsorship through the Pellissippi State Libraries’ Appalachian Heritage Project, an initiative dedicated to curating pertinent programming and exhibits. "We've always prided ourselves on hosting some of the best and brightest writers, artists and musicians in the region who want to come out and make connections with members of the community," White told the press in anticipation of the upcoming conference.
The Strawberry Plains campus library will serve as the venue for all presentations, ensuring an accessible and focused environment for discussion and learning. The conference is not only an educational venture but also a meeting ground for those to freely explore and appreciate the rich culture of Appalachia through its storytelling and song. As one participant aptly put it, "We hope that anyone with an interest in the region and the arts will stop by, sit down and visit for a while." Further details on the James Agee Conference can be found on the Pellissippi State Community College news page.
