When John McIntire moved to Memphis in 1961, the sculptor with a heart of gold chiseled a world all his own. Not only did he win over the student body at Memphis College of Art (MCA) for 24 years, but he also started the Cooper-Young Festival, introduced Memphis to one of its first coffee shops (the Bitter Lemon) in the 1960s, and claims to have debuted the city’s first yard sale. At age 73, he shows no signs of slowing down his list of firsts.
Take his recent Hawaiian shirt auction at MCA, for example. McIntire donated a 50-year collection of 700 Hawaiian shirts (a wardrobe staple) to fund a MCA scholarship in his name; though McIntire attended college, he never received an undergraduate degree, largely due to financial constraints at the time.
For the full story, pick up a copy of the September RSVP.
Cubert Bell Native Spirit
Cubert Bell just might be the C.H. Nash Museum’s most valuable living exhibit. Bell, a full-blooded Choctaw Indian, prides himself on being able to speak the Choctaw language (courtesy of his grandmother) as well as read and write it (thanks to a patient uncle). And he’s a traditional dance leader to boot! Hired by the University of Memphis as the museum’s on-site interpreter and tour guide, Bell leads visitors on a "fascinating excursion of learning, with a double dose of archaeology and the Choctaw and Chickasaw culture."
Located at the Chucalissa Archaeological Site, the museum recently underwent a facelift since closing the 15th-century south mound for preservation purposes. A new educational room once reserved for archaeologists has opened as a hands-on laboratory, giving guests a chance to channel their inner Indiana Jones. The museum grounds also gained recognition as a Level One Arboretum in May to renew visitor interest.
For the full story, pick up a copy of the September RSVP.
Susan Kyles
Suiting Success Stories
As Dress for Success Memphis’ executive director, Susan Kyles estimates that 500 unemployed women walk through the nonprofit’s doors each year looking for an interview suit, but she knows that many will land more than a new vocation.
"The favorite part of my job is when I see a woman who’s come her for a suit, having no idea what that suit would do for her life, come back and be a part of the Professional Women’s Group, get a promotion, and take care of her children," Kyles says. "Then I know that woman is living a fuller, more self-sufficient life."
For the full story, pick up a copy of the September RSVP.
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Susan Kyles
