East Tennessee State University goes beyond the ordinary by providing an innovative, hands-on approach to learning filled with opportunities beyond textbooks and classrooms.
We see evidence of those limitless possibilities in our ETSU alumni, like Kreneshia Whiteside-McGee. “What really drew me to the campus is the sense of community and approachability. I was able to discover who I was as a person.”
Her expansive curation portfolio showcases how she elevates the artwork of creatives to captivate the audience and create moments of conversation.
“Y’all Don’t Hear Me: The Black Appalachia,” curated in 2022 by Whiteside-McGee and featuring artists, poets and musicians from the 13 states of the Appalachian region, was on display at both the Slocumb Galleries and Tipton Gallery. The multimedia exhibition landed Whiteside-McGee a feature article in “Essence magazine" and showcased her journey as a curator.
From galleries to business spaces and homes, Whiteside-McGee goes beyond the ordinary to orchestrate artwork exhibitions by maintaining her focus on the artist’s vision.
“I have to relay the message of the artist, so I have to understand what they’re saying and then translate it to the public. I have to ensure that something changes within them,” she said.
Whiteside-McGee’s goal is to build on that positive change by fulfilling another dream: the development of her museum. “Culture and Co. Museum is going to be based and inspired by how I curate various forms of art coming together to address the same topics,” she said.
“Art is a vulnerable and expressive medium that creates conversations that need to happen. Change, love, and hope – that is what I hope for.”