McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School

- 103 Franklin Ave, Jonesborough, TN 37659

Nestled in the heart of Historic Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town, the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School stands as a vibrant cornerstone of the region's cultural and educational life. More than just an Art Gallery, this multi-use facility proudly operates as an essential Art School, a dynamic Event Venue, and a profound preserver of local history. It houses Jonesborough's renowned Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts, a comprehensive initiative committed to inspiring the community through both the appreciation of and participation in a wide array of artistic disciplines.

The mission of the McKinney Center is rooted in providing quality multicultural art opportunities to all members of the community, regardless of age or skill level. This commitment is evidenced by the wide range of classes and workshops offered, spanning visual arts, music, dance, and writing. The center is a welcoming space intended to engage, connect, and enrich the lives of Tennessee residents by leveraging the creative influence of the arts to improve quality of life and foster a deeper understanding of diverse cultural expressions.

Notably, the McKinney Center occupies the beautifully renovated building that once served as the Black grade school for Washington County, operating from 1940 until integration in 1964. By interpreting and documenting the history and stories of the Booker T. Washington School, the center not only promotes the arts but also honors a significant piece of Tennessee's heritage, making every visit a deeply meaningful experience. Its status as an Art Gallery is integral, hosting several excellent art exhibits and juried shows each year, showcasing the talent of local and regional artists.

The McKinney Center is conveniently located in the charming, historic district of Jonesborough, Tennessee, offering easy accessibility for residents across Northeast Tennessee and visitors exploring the region. The proximity to eclectic shops, lodging, and restaurants in Tennessee's oldest town adds to its appeal as a central cultural destination.

Address: 103 Franklin Ave, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA

For all community members, the facility prioritizes ease of access. Guests will find a dedicated space for vehicles as well as architectural accommodations to ensure a smooth experience for everyone:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

While the venue is situated in a renovated historic building, the renovations completed in 2012 included modern conveniences like accessible restrooms, ensuring that the charm of the past is perfectly paired with the necessities of the present. The venue's central location in Jonesborough, the "Storytelling Capital of the World," means it is an integral part of a vibrant arts and cultural hub.

The McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School functions as a multi-faceted cultural institution, providing Onsite services across its roles as an Art School, Art Gallery, and Event Venue. The Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts offers a robust curriculum based on a semester system for students of all ages.

• Comprehensive Arts Education (Art School): Over 100 courses and workshops are offered annually, ranging from Adult Painting and Ceramics Workshops to specialized Kids Classes, Classes For Youth, and Home Education programs.
• Visual Arts Focus: Detailed instruction in Visual Art, Collage Class, and a multi-year curriculum in drawing and painting, with classes geared toward different concentrations described by the acronym ACTION (Adventures, Construction, Technique, Imagination, Originality, Neighborhood).
• Performing Arts Programs: Offers a variety of theatrical and musical instruction, including Dance Classes, Music Classes, Drumming Class, and formal Music Education.
• Exhibitions and Shows (Art Gallery): Regular hosting of Art Exhibitions, Art Shows, and Artists Exhibition events, providing valuable opportunities for artists to showcase their work and for the community to engage with fine art.
• Youth Development: Specific programs like School Art Program, Arts Education, and Education Programs are geared toward academic enrichment, creativity, and self-esteem building in young people. The facility is confirmed to be Good for kids.
• Specialized Services: Includes Kiln Firings for ceramics students and artists, and dedicated Writing Classes to cover various forms of literary expression.
• Event and Space Rental (Event Venue): Facility Rental for corporate dinners, wedding receptions, meetings, seminars, and various special events, offering versatile spaces like classrooms and a large auditorium.

The McKinney Center is celebrated across East Tennessee for several key features that set it apart as a community resource and cultural landmark:

• Historic Significance: The building's past as the Booker T. Washington School provides a unique and powerful context. The center is dedicated to preserving this history and sharing the stories of its alumni, enriching the cultural dialogue of Jonesborough and the state of Tennessee.
• Breadth of Curriculum: The Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts delivers professional, high-quality instruction in a vast range of artistic disciplines, allowing participants to explore everything from pottery and mosaics to musical theatre and digital photography.
• Community-Centered Mission: The facility is explicitly a devoted community space aimed at bringing people together. It offers programs for all segments of the population, from pre-teen and teen classes to Imagination and Neighborhood classes for adults of all skill levels.
• Versatile Event Space: As a popular Event Venue, it boasts versatile, elegant spaces that maintain vintage characteristics while offering modern amenities like Wi-Fi and a catering kitchen. The large auditorium can accommodate up to 300 in a theatre-style setup, ideal for performances and large gatherings.
• Regional Artistic Impact: It actively serves as a platform for regional art, hosting juried shows and exhibits that enhance the visibility of Tennessee artists and contribute to the town’s reputation as an arts destination.

Tennessee residents interested in enrolling in a class, visiting an exhibition, or inquiring about facility rental can contact the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School using the following information:

• Address: 103 Franklin Ave, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
• Phone: (423) 753-0562
• Mobile Phone: +1 423-753-0562

For Tennessee art lovers, families, and organizations, the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School is a uniquely compelling choice. It offers the rare confluence of a respected Art Gallery, a high-quality Art School, and a significant historical site. You are not simply attending an event or a class; you are participating in a program that is dedicated to community and cultural enrichment through the arts. The quality of the arts education offered through the Mary B. Martin Program, taught by experienced faculty, guarantees that students of all ages will receive a solid foundation and personalized attention in their chosen discipline.

The commitment to history—documenting and sharing the story of the Booker T. Washington School—adds a layer of depth and cultural importance that few other venues can match. This historic preservation, coupled with the commitment to multicultural art, ensures the center is a place of learning, reflection, and forward-looking creativity. The wide variety of classes means every member of a Tennessee family, from children exploring painting to adults pursuing ceramics or writing, can find a creative outlet. While a customer review did highlight a negative experience with a specific vendor event, the overwhelmingly positive consensus regarding the core function—the arts academy, the exhibits, and the overall quality of the spaces—confirms its standing as a valuable and cherished community asset in Jonesborough. When choosing a place for arts engagement, education, or hosting a memorable event in Northeast Tennessee, the McKinney Center offers a distinguished and culturally rich environment.

McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School

103 Franklin Ave, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA