FCE’s Cultural Arts Day Event
By Patty Blackburn
Family and Community Education (FCE) is sponsored by The University of Tennessee Extension Agency. FCE is a group of members with a shared common interest in building stronger families and communities. Leadership development is the focus of FCE through shared opportunities. Helpful skills can be learned in bringing growth to the community, church, local government, and family. FCE offers learning opportunities as officers, program leaders, and service stewards. An example of leadership service is the long history of teaching 4-H youth.
The FCE also completes service projects throughout the year to be able to make a difference in their communities. The FCE donates time and resources to local organizations and meets monthly to learn and connect with other members, their community, and fellowship. Ultimately, FCE members strive to make their communities a better place for everyone.
The Lewisburg FCE hosted the annual county wide Cultural Arts Day, Thursday, July 11, with a picnic themed luncheon, “Ant We Got Fun.”
Tables were covered with red and white checked tablecloths and black ants were scattered on the tables to portray the picnic theme. Floral arrangements, made by Linda Prince, were also placed in the center of each table.
Linda Prince, President of Lewisburg (FCE) welcomed everyone. Terry Brooks read the “thought for the day.” Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you. (A quote from Walt Whitman.)
After Laura Burkhart led the prayer, everyone enjoyed the delicious potluck luncheon prepared by the members.

The Cole Sisters from Wilted Tulip
Guest presenters were Savannah and Summer Cole with the Wilted Tulip, amazing seamstresses who started sewing at the age of 7. They brought several exhibits of dresses, dating from the 1800’s to the early 1900’s. Savannah and Summer explained how the dresses were made and which era each were worn. They also wore clothing they made and each modeled one of the exhibits.
While the luncheon, meeting, and presentation from the Wilted Tulip took place, judges reviewed the cultural art exhibits, all handmade items, that the FCE members entered in the competition. There were a total of 44 categories and 98 entries were entered. The winners were announced by Terri Orr, Extension Agent/County Director, at the end of the meeting.
All the cultural art items will be on display for public viewing at the Marshall County Art Guild in August. The first and second place winners will be able to enter their items for competition in the Central Region in Murfreesboro this September. Winners in the Central Region will compete in the State wide FCE competition.