The public grand-opening event for “Entering the Modern Era: Murfreesboro’s Jazz Age,” an expanded exhibit, will be from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.
“New transportation routes, along with the emergence of educational and medical facilities and industries,” said Melissa Zimmerman, heritage programming specialist for the center, “helped shape the quality of life during this modern era of social change and urbanization.”
Supported by the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation, the newly expanded exhibit will be anchored by a 6-foot tall, 20-foot long mural that recently was completed by nationally recognized artist Erin Anfinson, an assistant professor of art at MTSU, and two of the art program’s students, Emily May-Ragland and Sarah Sullivan.
“The Jazz Age exhibit uses historic images and artifacts, set against the backdrop of the mural by Anfinson, May-Ragland and Sullivan, to explore the events, people and institutions that helped transform Murfreesboro and Rutherford County during early 20th century expansion, along with Jim Crow segregation and Depression-era hardship,” Zimmerman said.
Anfinson and the students used art deco designs, patterns and color palettes from the 1920s as inspiration for the mural’s design scene portraying couples enjoying a night out on the town.
Regarding the summer long mural project, Anfinson said the experience “provided an excellent opportunity for the MTSU art department students to experience the hands-on process of sketching, painting and the color mixing involved in a large commissioned project.”
“The mural truly showcases Emily and Sarah’s talent, along with Professor Anfinson’s vision, with a modern sensibility that succeeds at reflecting the energy and art deco aesthetics of the Jazz Age,” Zimmerman noted.
Located just off the square at 225 W. College St., the center is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays, and features guided walking tours of the town square on the hour. Group tours are available Monday through Saturday by advance reservation. Admission is free.
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