Plateau Creative Arts Center will highlight the artistic contributions and longstanding community involvement of Billie Faye Brannon during June’s Gallery Opening Night reception.
The reception, free and open to the public, will be from 5-7 p.m. June 5 at the Arts Center at 451 Lakeview Drive, Fairfield Glade.
Brannon is a dedicated Art Guild at Fairfield Glade member whose creative spirit and volunteer service have enriched the Cumberland Plateau for more than two decades, said Amy Nichols of the Art Guild.
The reception offers the public an opportunity to meet Brannon and mingle with other artists while enjoying light refreshments, including wine and nonalcoholic beverages.
Brannon and her husband, George, moved from Lowell, IN, to the Lake Tansi area of Crossville in 2001. Though she enjoyed drawing as a child, her early passions centered on creative writing and singing.
“It wasn’t until January 2007 that she returned to visual art with a deep desire to learn,” Nichols said. “Her artistic journey began with oil painting under the guidance of Grace Fuller. One of her favorite works, Meadowlark, was selected for the Art Guild’s Judged and Juried Show at the Plateau Creative Arts Center in 2010. Encouragement from instructor John Simms, Jr., who was teaching classes at the Fair Park Senior Center, inspired her to join the Art Guild that same year.”
Driven by curiosity and a love of learning, Brannon expanded her skills into watercolor, colored pencil, acrylics, pen and ink, photography, jewelry making, pottery, and most recently, painting on glass.
Flowers, birds, and butterflies — often inspired by photographs taken in her own garden — remain among her favorite subjects.
Much of Brannon’s artwork has been gifted to others, Nichols said.
“She believes each piece finds its way to the person who will appreciate it most, and she describes herself with characteristic humility as ‘a jack of all trades and master of absolutely nothing,’” Nichols added.
Beyond her own creative work, Brannon has been an advocate for the arts in Crossville. She helped bring art festivals and community events to the Art Guild, beginning with the Heritage Festival and later coordinating eight years of Art in the Park, held both outdoors and inside the Guild’s gallery and studio.
She also promoted local artists by coordinating exhibition opportunities at the Palace Theatre and Art Circle Public Library. Her support for art educators led to dedicated summer displays honoring Cumberland County art teachers and their commitment to local youth.
“One of Billie Faye’s most meaningful contributions has been her work with art teachers and students in the Cumberland County school system,” Nichols said. “With the support of Dr. Rebecca Farley, director of schools, she helped establish the annual Graduating Senior Art Exhibit, which began in April 2018. The tradition continues today, with the 2026 reception and awards presentation held on May 1.
Her message to young artists is simple and heartfelt: keep art, music, and creativity in your life.”
Through her volunteer work at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, Brannon continues to foster artistic awareness and education for both youth and adults.
“She considers the ability to create a blessing and a gift from God — one that enriches her life every day,” Nichols said. “The Art Guild is honored to celebrate her dedication, her creativity, and her unwavering commitment to the arts community on the Cumberland Plateau.”
A monthly art challenge has become a part of the Gallery Opening Night reception. The June art challenge invites artists to explore the fascinating world of insects! Participants may use any medium to interpret this theme.
“This special challenge will be on display only during the month of June and promises to be a fun and engaging exhibit,” Nichols said.
Plateau Creative Arts Center is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. It is dedicated to teaching, learning and inspiring by cultivating the artistic talent and abilities of people, making all art accessible in a welcoming and enriching environment.
“Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or simply someone who believes in the power of creativity to bring people together, now is the perfect time to get involved,” Nichols said. “Membership opens the door to classes, exhibits, and friendships that grow through shared inspiration.”
Plateau Creative Arts Center and the Art Guild at Fairfield Glade is a nonprofit 501c3 organization. Visit the center, go to plateauarts.org, call 931-707-7249 or see the center on Facebook and Instagram for more information, art classes, exhibits, membership opportunities and events.