The world of arts and style came together with cowboy boots and country music for a good cause with the return of one of Sumner County’s favorite events, the annual Boots & BBQ fundraiser. Sponsored by Hendersonville’s Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center (the MACC), the event is held annually to raise funds for the MACC’s “Between the Lines” healing arts program for veterans and their families.
“'Between the Lines’ is a free outreach program designed to work with military veterans who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI),” says Monthaven Executive Director Cheryl Stritchik. “Our healing arts facilitators work with them to find creative ways to overcome depressive and anxious feelings. ‘Between the Lines’ encourages them to reflect and process their complicated emotions.”
To reach impacted veterans, the MACC works with many community partners, including the American Legion Post 17 Veterans Residence, VFW Post 9851, American Legion Post 45 and the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Family Center. During the past year alone, “Between the Lines” was able to help thousands of individuals heal through the arts.
In a departure from past events, this year’s Boots & BBQ celebration was held on Aug. 2 at Bagsby Ranch in Gallatin. Sponsors for the event included NASTC, the Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, Park West Foundation, TENN Properties, Chef’s Market, Holmes Pest Control, Willmore Tool & Die, Business Credit Reports, and the Bryson McCarley Good Neighbor Foundation, which catered a delicious array of barbecue and side dishes.
“Bagsby Ranch is a beautiful facility, and the folks there were very generous to donate the space to us for the evening,” says Cheryl. “They believe in our mission of helping military veterans.”
Supporters from across Sumner County and beyond attended the event, adorned in stylish country and western wear featuring boots, hats and sequins. For nearly four hours, guests enjoyed food, drink and fellowship while helping raise funds for the “Between the Lines” program. Entertainment for the evening was provided by emcee Wanette Robertson and headliner and Grammy Award-winning country music artist John Berry.
Along with all of the other activities, this year’s participants were able to participate in some of the same healing arts exercises taught as part of the “Between the Lines” program.
“Healing arts exercises are a little bit different from what you might find in a typical art classroom. Healing arts facilitators are less focused on the creation of beautiful objects and concentrate on helping participants find new ways to cope and rebuild their lives,” says Cheryl. “This year, we felt that having an interactive event would be eye-opening for our guests. We didn’t just tell people the healing arts are important. Instead, we showed them exactly how the healing arts promotes self-awareness and emotional expression.”
Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center has long been known as Hendersonville’s home for art and style. From world class exhibitions by such influential artists to classes for all ages, artistry is alive and well at the MACC.
In recent years, the MACC has put on multiple exhibitions which have drawn attention from art aficionados around the country. Exhibits such as original paintings by pop art icon Peter Max, sculptures by Pablo Picasso, gowns worn by Princess Diana and other royals and elaborate wall hangings by legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin have helped elevate the MACC to elite status.