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Rose Center announces a free event at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 9 to celebrate the new sound and lighting equipment upgrades in Prater Hall. The evening will showcase a variety of local talent, including Dolly Parton impersonator, Wendy T.

These upgrades were made possible through a generous Rural Arts Facilities Fund grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. In addition to the new sound and lighting systems, the Prater Hall kitchen is being revamped and fitted with new appliances, and a “green room” or backstage area will be created.

The main purpose of these improvements is to create a better venue for concerts and theatrical productions, for both the performers and the audiences. “We are so grateful for this support from the Tennessee Arts Commission. A grant like this doesn’t come along very often, and these major renovations will significantly enhance our ability to provide cultural programming for the community,” said Beccy Hamm, Executive Director.

The Tennessee Arts Commission funds projects in all 95 counties, including the Arts Build Communities grants, which are available through Rose Center. Eighty percent of all funds for arts grants in the state of Tennessee comes from the sale of Specialty License Plates.

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Rose Center, located at 442 W. Second North Street in Morristown, is a museum and cultural center, with classes, concerts, a local artists gift shop, summer camps, party rentals and more.