After a sold-out inaugural event last year, Tennessee Tech University’s College of Fine Arts is set to host its second annual Arty Gras at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, at the Saltbox Inn in Cookeville.

The event, billed by organizers as a “fine arts fête,” will feature a plated dinner, cocktails, dancing, costumes, live music from local entertainer Lily Bethke and presentations of art, music and theatre from Tech Fine Arts students – all with a theme of “Fairytales, Fiction & Fables.”

Jennifer Shank, dean of the College of Fine Arts at Tech, says the event is meant to offer an elevated, whimsical experience while putting a spotlight on the College of Fine Arts’ offerings and celebrating arts culture in the Upper Cumberland.

“Sometimes the College of Fine Arts is a bit of a hidden gem, and I very much wanted to create an event that would showcase our students’ work and invite the community as a whole to celebrate with us,” said Shank. “It’s a way to experience what the College of Fine Arts has to offer all in one place, and we have some tricks up our sleeve. There’s going to be some fun events and surprises.”

Shank adds that, while the soirée supports the College of Fine Arts, it is “not a fundraiser.” 

“Once our guests walk through the door, we want them to take in the beautiful ambiance we’ve created and enjoy the delicious food, drinks, dancing, costumes and live entertainment without worrying about being asked for additional contributions,” said Shank. “This is about having a good time.”

To pull off the event, Shank assembled a committee of Upper Cumberland arts leaders, business owners and creatives helmed by Kathleen Gilpatrick, the president of the Cookeville Theatre Company and public relations specialist for the College of Fine Arts.

“Our committee is made up of some of the most wonderful community people who are bringing amazing creativity to this event,” added Shank.

Mark Cramer, associate professor of clarinet at Tech, will once again direct student musicians at this year’s Arty Gras. Cramer’s performance roster for the event includes a flute quartet, reed quintet, jazz combo, percussion ensemble, string quartet, barbershop quartet, steel drum band, tuba quartet and brass trio.

Tech theatre students will also perform one-act scenes for guests while students from the School of Art, Craft & Design will have selected works on display.

“We are so lucky to have such a thriving arts scene in a community of our size. As a musician and a member of the Tech faculty, I am proud to showcase the wonderful talent of our students with our guests year after year,” said Cramer. “This is an event you won't want to miss!”

Tickets for Arty Gras are limited and sales close Feb. 15. Tickets can be purchased by calling 931-372-3016 or visiting www.tntech.edu/fine-arts/.

Arty Gras is an ages 21-and-up event.