Topic: Memphis

Art professor showcases work in Memphis, Germany and Kentucky

By Austin Peay State University | April 2, 2008 |

For more than 18 months, Gregg Schlanger, professor of art at Austin Peay State University, has been at the helm of a community-based public art commission in Memphis.

Schlanger was chosen through a rigorous selection process because of his vision for creating brick column entrances to Rugby, a subdivision located in Frayser, a section of north Memphis.

The original brickyards of Memphis were in the Rugby area. “While the brickyards no longer exist, the clay soil is still perfect for brick making. I enjoy the concept of the work being made from the soil it sits upon,” Schlanger said.

Schlanger began this labor-intensive project with 80,000 pounds of Memphis clay. This clay will be made into two large, 4 square feet by 20 square feet tall, brick columns, and 10 smaller, 2 square feet by 20 square feet tall, brick columns. The two large columns will have raised letters, which will read “Rugby.” All columns will have relief images carved into them. These relief images will relate to the history of Rugby. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Education, News | No Comments

Anti-gay adoption bill filed in Tennessee

By David W. Shelton | January 31, 2008 |

Discriminatory legislation should be rejected

Yesterday, Rep. John Deberry (D-Memphis) and Senator Paul Stanley (R-Memphis) filed companion bills that would prohibit “any individual who is cohabitating in a sexual relationship outside of a marriage that is valid under the constitution and laws of this state from adopting a minor.”

The companion bills are SB3910 and HB3713. It is more than a little disturbing to realize that people believe–even in today’s world– that gay and lesbian people can not be (or already are) great parents. I think it goes deeper than that. Gay and lesbian people have consistently been the great whipping boys (and girls) of conservative neocons who appeal to a deep hatred for the gay community to help boost their own popularity. Sadly, this kind of contempt goes far beyond mere religious views.

Clarksville’s own representative, Rep. Joe Pitts, stands in stark contrast to Deberry and Stanley. Pitts has sponsored or co-sponsored several bills that directly affect a real threat to our children– child sexual offenders– which I applaud. These predators should be identified, deterred, and imprisoned at all cost. These vile predators are the real threats to our children, not loving, committed gay and lesbian people who want to provide safe homes for children. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion | 5 Comments