McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School — Attraction in Jonesborough

One of the most appalling things I've ever experienced as an vendor. Through some sort of scheduling error made internally there was several other events happening the same weekend that completely overshadowed this one and no one sold anything. You had to be lucky to even break even on the price of the tables. Most outdoor tables had no access to electricity the whole weekend. Also in 90 degree heat not once did the staff offer any water at all (at least not to me). Nearing the last two hours of the event it became clear that there was going to be huge amounts of rain. There was seemingly no staff helping people quickly break down the booths and leave. They watched from the windows as everyone scrambled to get their wares (which didn't sell) to their cars in the rain. The parking lot was flooded and was washing things away as people tried to pack alone in some cases. Ridiculous. Honestly one of the most absurd things I've ever witnessed. Mishandled in every single way. If you were staff at this event and didn't help until after all the outdoor vendors were already rained on you should be ashamed of yourselves. I will never do anything related to the McKinney Center or the people running it ever again. The level of irresponsibility present was not something I ever thought I would see from...

Some time ago, members of the Jonesborough community decided to make a dream come true - we needed an arts center, and where better to have it than in an old school. The old place had a long and venerable history beginning as an elementary school for African-American children. After desegregation, the building still lay deeply rooted in the community, as children were brought there from all over Jonesborough for extra classes. Later, the building was used as storage for the school system, and late fell into disrepair. Enter director Richard Geer and the community play, I Am Home, during which the community rediscovered the old treasure and decided to renovate. Five years later, the building is now a strong presence in the community with classes, gallery showings and more. So...

Arts academy offering a wide variety of classes in fine and performing arts for all ages and skill levels. Also a popular events venue, with several sizes of spaces, on site kitchen, and parking lot. Acoustics are better for some kinds of events than others. Hosts several nice art exhibits and juried shows...