Gallery owner James-Ben Stockton shows
Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Susan
Whitaker
Mel Donnelly's wonderful hand-knitted
scarves as
Representative Eddie Yokley and
reporter Amy Rose
look on.
Commissioner Visits
Local Tourism Sites
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Source: The Greeneville Sun
Susan Whitaker, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, on Wednesday visited local historic sites and learned of plans for Greeneville's future.
Whitaker's tour with Tammy Kinser, tourism director of the Greene County Partnership, included stops at Tusculum College, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, the General Morgan Inn, James-Ben Studio and Gallery and the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site...
As the group walked from the General Morgan Inn to the nearby James-Ben Studio and Gallery, Whitaker said she wanted to come to Greeneville for several reasons.
She said she had hoped to see the economic impact of local tourism, to learn how Greeneville can grow in its economic diversity and to get a sense of the full scope of Rediscover Greeneville...
Stockton gave Whitaker an extensive tour of his art studio and gallery, noting that he specializes in featuring Tennessee artists. Whitaker said she appreciates Stockton's efforts to showcase local artists.
Stockton showed Whitaker paintings, ceramics, quilts, woodcrafts, jewelry and a variety of other handmade items. He also presented her one of the 2001 White House Christmas ornaments he is selling as part of the bicentennial celebration of President Andrew Johnson's birthday.
Enroute from the art studio and gallery to the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Whitaker said she and her husband greatly appreciate art, and was much impressed by the gallery....