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Three TCS visual art teachers will have their work on display this summer at Middle Tennessee State University as part of the Connections: Tennessee Art Education Association Member Exhibition.

Tullahoma High School visual art teachers Kelly Orr and Emily May-Ragland and West Middle School’s Kathy McMillan will have their artwork on display. The Tennessee Arts Academy sponsors this exhibition, which is a juried show that highlights the work of practicing teacher-artists alongside the exemplary work created by their students. Artwork will be displayed in the first-floor gallery of MTSU’s Todd Hall from July 7 until Aug. 1.

In the juried competition, Orr placed first for her painting “Field of Dreams.” According to Orr, the painting was inspired by her time working in Lynchburg and is part of her farm series paintings.

“I was ecstatic just to find out that my artwork was selected for the show, and then I was truly blown away when I was notified that my painting was awarded first place,” Orr said. “I don’t often have free time to paint, but when I do, I enjoy creating colorful and whimsical artwork.” 

McMillan had her artwork named as an honorable mention in this year’s competition. According to McMillan, her art, titled “Meme,” is a symbol of an event in time in which her artwork reflects the emotions and masks the filters created with apps in technology.

“I am so excited and proud to get an honorable mention for ‘Meme,’” McMillan said. “I have entered my artwork in Connections for the last few years and was asked to show it in the exhibit. I started using social themes and symbols several years ago with my portrait artwork. The emotional turmoil and social interactions that adolescents go through, which I teach, led me to use color and symbolism to represent emotions and use extreme facial expressions.”

May-Ragland was also selected to have her art, “King James,” on display. The painting highlights the career and influence of NBA Superstar Lebron James. According to May-Ragland, she turned to her students, who suggested she paint James.

“I invited my students to contribute, and they eagerly scribbled across the background and added some of LeBron’s most significant accomplishments,” May-Ragland said. “Their involvement brought a collaborative spirit to the work, and I loved seeing their excitement grow each day as the piece evolved. For me, creating art should inspire and spark joy, especially in a world where we are often surrounded by negativity. This piece is a celebration—not only of an iconic athlete, but of the joy, energy and community that art can create.”

TCS Director of Schools, Dr. Catherine Stephens, congratulated Orr, McMillan and May-Ragland on having their artwork selected for display starting this July.

“I cannot overstate how incredible our fine arts programs are here at TCS, and it’s because of amazing educators like these three visual arts teachers,” Dr. Stephens said. “I am so proud of these three educators and all they do to inspire our students to create, and I am thrilled that they will have their artwork on display this summer.”