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Barnett family establishes Arrowmont’s first named community class scholarship


GATLINBURG, TN -- The Barnett Family, Jim, Martha, and Cassidy have created the Garrett Reece Barnett Community Class Scholarship at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. The announcement was made this week. The scholarship fund will provide at least one adult and one children’s community class scholarship each year.

arrowmont scholarship
Jim and Martha Barnett begin the Garrett Reece Barnett Community Class Scholarship at Arrowmont. Image courtesy of Arrowmont.
 


Speaking on behalf of the Family, Martha Barnett said, “We are very honored to create the Garrett Reece Barnett Memorial Scholarship at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Garrett found so much joy in learning and mastering the art of woodturning at Arrowmont. After excelling as a student, he volunteered his time to help teach others in community workshops and children's Saturday classes. Nothing gave Garrett more pride than giving one of his creations to a friend or family member. We know that Garrett would find joy in knowing that every year, someone in the community will be able to learn the same craft and experience that same pride as a result of this scholarship. Much of the initial funding was donated by our family and friends after Garrett's passing, and as a result we intend this scholarship to be fully endowed to perpetuity.”

Bill May, Arrowmont executive director said, “Garrett learned his craft at Arrowmont but he also gave back in many ways, including contributing several pieces of his artwork as donations to our auctions. But it was his energy, friendliness and generosity that were the gifts we value most. Garrett had a joy for life which he shared with all he met. Now, through the generosity of his family, many others will be able to have the experience of developing craft skills and finding joy in creative expression.”

arrowmont reese garrett
Garrett Reese who found so much joy in learning and mastering the art of woodturning at Arrowmont. Image courtesy of Arrowmont.
 

Garrett lost his life just a year ago - he was working for the Bureau of Land Management and while responding to an emergency, was involved in a fatal accident. Garrett left a large legacy. As his obituary read, “he did not wait for life to happen, he chased it.” His experiences at Arrowmont enriched his life and came full circle as he used his skills and passion to inspire others.

According to his mother, Arrowmont played an important role in Garrett’s evolution as an avid, achievement-oriented individual. When he met his first block of wood and a lathe as part of ArtReach in middle school, Garrett embraced the challenge and discovered a passion for wood and craft that led to an ongoing, long-term relationship with Arrowmont. He attended regular Saturday Morning Young Adult Classes in high school, Adult Evening Community Classes as a senior and then became a “peer mentor” assisting in the Saturday Morning Children’s and Young Adult Classes throughout his years as a student at the University of Tennessee.

As Garrett progressed through each Arrowmont experience he grew as a craftsman. In high school he worked alongside local students all much older than him, he worked hard and excelled, amassing skills that exceeded his age. And he did so in such a way as to endear himself to those around him. When he accepted Arrowmont’s invitation to become a “peer mentor”, he enthusiastically shared his skills and excitement for woodturning by devoting his Saturdays in service to others. Garrett gave back to Arrowmont in many ways.

To honor Garrett, a plaque will be placed in the Jerry Drown Wood Studio at Arrowmont. The first scholarships will be offered during the winter 2019 community class scholarship season. Information will be provided in late fall 2018 when registration for community classes opens.

Contributions to the Garrett Reece Barnett Community Class Scholarship Fund may be made at any time by calling Arrowmont, 865.436.5860, through the Arrowmont website, www.arrowmont.org, or sending a check made out to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and notated Barnett Scholarship (Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738). For more information, call Fran Day at Arrowmont or email fday@arrowmont.org.

Published March 18, 2018








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