Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Lunch and Learn: Marketing with the Altoms

by Chrissy Biello

The Altom family has been a driving force in the Huntsville business community. Karen and Wes Altom, alongside their son Marshall, have dedicated their careers to helping local businesses thrive through their expertise in marketing and advertising. As the owners of Postcards Magazine and seasoned marketing consultants, they have played a crucial role in helping countless businesses in Huntsville and the surrounding areas grow their brands and navigate the complex landscape of modern marketing.

In this landscape, a robust and strategic marketing plan is essential for businesses to stand out. Olivia and I recently had the opportunity to gain valuable insights on this topic at a Lunch and Learn event hosted by the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, where the Altom family were the featured presenters.

The event kicked off with an introduction by John Fletcher, a business advisor for the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Huntsville. Speaking primarily to small business owners in the room, he shed light on the SBDC’s mission to support current and future businesses in their growth and success. It was eye-opening to learn more about the SBDC’s role in our community and how it helps maintain the unique character of Huntsville.

When the Altoms took the floor, they began by explaining fundamental marketing concepts: brand and targeted response. They described a brand as the feeling you want consumers to associate with your product and company. Targeted response, they explained, is the specific action you are aiming for – whether it’s a click, a call, or a sale.

One of their most striking points was the “marketing rule of 7.” This concept, which originated in the 1930s, suggested that consumers needed to see a brand 7 times before making a purchase. However, the Altoms revealed how an ever-changing market and evolving technology affected this prospect. In the 1970s, the average consumer was exposed to 500-1600 advertisements. In 2024, this figure has shot up to 6,000-10,000 advertisements a day.

Next, they spoke on the intricacies of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM), explaining the two types of SEO: local and organic. Local SEO focuses on improving visibility on platforms like Google, stressing the importance of regularly updating and engaging with your Google Business profile. Organic SEO, on the other hand, deals with on-site factors and content that help grow the website itself.

They also broke down the hierarchy of search results, with SEM (ads) at the top, followed by local results, and then organic results. An interesting tidbit they shared was that while appearing in SEM costs nothing upfront, businesses pay per click – a tactic some competitors use against each other!

The Altoms then discussed various types of ads, highlighting programmatic displays as the most popular due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and visual appeal. They reminded us that seeing ads is not the end of the consumer journey; people will also look at reviews, illustrating the interconnected nature of digital marketing.

While it is essential to be mindful of digital marketing, the Altoms pointed out that having mixed media is needed to be all encompassing in the business world.

Today, as we constantly check our phones and scroll through feeds, businesses need to find clever ways to grab our attention and become the brands we remember and choose in our daily lives. The Altoms, with their years of experience and deep understanding of both traditional and digital marketing, continue to be an invaluable resource for businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Art, Asheville, and Afterglow

by Olivia Discon

Following a full day of driving, a visit to “Chihuly at Biltmore” and the Biltmore Estate, we still found time to visit the Asheville Art Museum, which offers a diverse and interesting collection. Our visit to this Museum was our last activity on the last day of our trip, and it served as a pleasant, relaxing way to reflect on an enjoyable seven days of learning, networking, and fun.

Our visit began with a surprise: a piece by Maya Lin, who rose to fame after designing the Vietnam War Memorial. Intriguingly, on our trip to DC, we met Ms. Lin!

We never would have guessed that this piece in the Asheville Museum, a minimalist depiction of the French Broad River, lined with steel pins, was her work! It was exciting to see her style in a different form.

Continuing, we explored a contemporary take on an art salon filled with unique, disturbing, and thought-provoking works. Many of these artists attended the same school as Andy Warhol, and their deviation from the norm was clear. The pieces really challenged our notion of art.

One of my favorite pieces was Andrew Wyeth’s mold of his hands, paired with a painting of the very same hands in a snowy landscape. It was simple yet so detailed and personal.

Another favorite was “Dominion” by Bo Bartlett. This painting immediately grabbed our attention with its vivid portrayal of a polar bear. The clearly disturbed animal atop a melting icecap was visibly wounded. The bear’s demeanor made us pontificate about the tragic backstory. Whether it be a commentary on climate change, or the aftermath of sublime nature taking its toll, the piece was striking and moving all the same.

And of course, Chrissy couldn’t help but be intrigued by a photograph of the Highland Hospital, where Zelda Fitzgerald, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, died in a fire. Chrissy has a bit of a thing for death-related themes in art, so this piece was right up her (dead-end) alley!

And it was also just one of several pieces with a literary theme…

They also had an impressive glass collection, including works by Harvey Littleton and his son, John.

They also had an impressive photography exhibit on display, and these photos were alternately provocative and beautiful.

After exploring the museum, we thoroughly enjoyed immersing ourselves in the vibrant and trending city of Asheville. From the eclectic art scene to the lively streets, Asheville offered a perfect mix of culture and excitement that made our visit unforgettable.

Light and Glass, Mansions and Class

by Chrissy Biello

Chihuly at Biltmore

After an eventful night at the State Dinner, we drove about four and a half hours to Asheville, North Carolina, to enjoy Chihuly at the Biltmore and the Biltmore Estate itself. As someone recently introduced to Dale Chihuly, I was excited to see more of his work and learn about the techniques he used.

When we entered the exhibit, we first went to a screening room where we learned more about Chihuly and his work. The video explained the creation of one of his most famous works, “Mille Fiori;” it showed various colors, shapes, and glass configurations. It also clarified Chihuly’s techniques, like heating the glass so it can be stretched to look like natural forms. We even learned that around 40-50 different colors of glass are used in his pieces!

However, one room with colorful and intricate cylinders caught our attention. While we spoke about the artwork, a staff member shared how these pieces were created. Each cylinder features a design inspired by Navajo patterns, with molten glass rolled over threads of these designs so they fuse onto the glass.

We also saw a wall with Western Trade Blankets that had similar designs. The staff member explained that Chihuly wanted to pay tribute to the influence of Native cultures on his art and show his respect for Indigenous tribes of North America.

We then walked into the next room and immediately started looking up. This was the Persian Ceiling, an art installation featuring a colorful display of hand-blown glass pieces arranged on a transparent ceiling, creating an eye-catching mix of colors and shadows. We enjoyed trying to spot more of the intricate details that comprised this work; sitting at 5000 pounds, there was plenty to look at. We spotted cherubs, shrimps, conch shells, and more!

Next, we saw an impressive display of chandeliers and towers. These were not your typical light fixtures; instead of emitting light, they ingeniously reflected it.

Each piece was so captivating that I found myself wishing I could take them all home.

It was hard to choose a favorite, but I was particularly drawn to the striking blue chandelier and the red one that seemed to float effortlessly from the ceiling.

With much anticipation from myself, we went into the room with the Mille Fiori exhibit; it was incredible to have the chance to see it in person! As you walked around all of the pieces, each one was different in its own way. While some had similar styles, they always had different colors and overall appeals towards them.

Having seen his work at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh earlier on the trip, I was thrilled to find another chance to enjoy his art. Now, I look forward to recognizing more of Dale Chihuly’s pieces in the future!

Biltmore Estate

After exploring the Chihuly exhibit, we took the trolley for a 3-mile scenic ride through the Biltmore grounds and to the Estate. Completed in 1895, this impressive house was designed by Richard Morris Hunt for George Vanderbilt II. As we made our way to the mansion, we admired the beautiful landscape created by Frederick Law Olmsted. His winding paths built up our excitement, making that first glimpse of the house even more special.

Stepping inside, I was immediately drawn to the Winter Garden with its lush greenery and a beautiful dome letting in streams of light. It was then I knew we were in for a treat exploring Biltmore House.

Our tour took us through a series of fascinating rooms. The Billiard Room, Michelle’s favorite, featured two grand pool tables where George and his guests would unwind by playing games.

The Banquet Hall, stretching seven stories high, left us imagining the dinners once held there. I could not dream of having a normal family dinner in a dining room such as this one!

In the Breakfast Room, Olivia pointed out several notable paintings. There were two by John Singer Sargent: one of Virginia Bacon (George’s cousin) and another of Mrs. Benjamin Kissam (George’s aunt). She also pointed out two works by Renoir: “Young Algerian Girl” and “Child with an Orange.”

The Salon displayed souvenirs from George’s travels, including landscape paintings by Claude Monet.

Looking out the windows, we could appreciate how Olmsted had transformed the estate’s grounds, creating a perfect backdrop for the house.

Further, we discovered an intriguing piece of history about the Music Room. In 1942, during World War II, the Director of the National Gallery of Art reached out to Edith Vanderbilt with a request; they asked if Biltmore could safeguard over 80 valuable paintings from their collection. Edith agreed, and the Music Room was transformed into a secret art vault. Protected by large steel doors, these priceless works remained hidden there until 1944!

With its exquisite ceiling painting of the Chariot of Aurora and an impressive collection of over 10,000 books from George’s original collection of about 24,000, the Library was Olivia’s favorite.

A large ladder and spiral staircase made each of us wish we could go on them! It was clear to all of us that Olivia could have spent hours exploring all of the books that George Vanderbilt once read.

As we continued our tour, we heard about the family’s dedication to preserving the estate. After George’s death, his wife Edith refused to sell anything, and their daughter Cornelia later opened the home to visitors in 1930 with help from the local Chamber of Commerce. This dedication was evident from the house looking the same way as it did when the family lived there.

Additionally, the cohesive bedrooms with intricate details and colors, along with the basement filled with drawings by Cornelia and her husband, helped us imagine what life was like for the Vanderbilt family.

Unique features like the bowling alley and indoor pool showed how much they valued having activities at home that brought them together with family and friends.

Wrapping up our visit, I gained a new appreciation for how art can transform a space. Though I had not been too involved with art in the past, my interest has grown, and this home truly helped with that. Also, I am sure Olivia will continue to think about the Library for many years to come!

A Roaring State Dinner

For our last night at the Greenbrier, we stepped back in time to the roaring 1920s for an unforgettable State Dinner. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere transported us straight into the vibrant spirit of the Jazz Age. Most guests embraced the theme wholeheartedly, arriving in flapper dresses, tailored suits, and dapper accessories. We, of course, could not let this opportunity pass and decided to go all out.

The venue itself was transformed into a scene straight out of a classic 1920s party. At the heart of the room hung a dazzling disco ball that casted playful reflections across the venue. The tables were adorned with centerpieces featuring cascading feathers, capturing the essence of the era. We were all highly impressed of the attention to detail in the decorations as it was nothing short of spectacular.

One of the evening’s standout moments was the grand presentation of the state flags, representing each southern state. The Greenbrier High School ROTC marched each of the 15 flags to the stage, accompanied by their respective songs.

The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, with cheers and applause resonating throughout the room as each flag made its way across the room.

As dinner was served, we were presented with a mix of greens with feta cheese and a slice of pear. As for our entrees, meticulously place mashed potatoes adorned the plate next to a sirloin cooked to perfection on top of a handful of asparagus. While we ate, the West Virginia Symphony serenaded the guests with the sounds of beautiful music…

…before giving way to an awards ceremony emceed by West Virginia’s very own Senate President, Craig Blair.

The Carter Hellard Award, which recognizes dedicated staff members across the southern states, was awarded to Thomas L. Tyler, Sr, who has devoted decades of his life to serve the Louisiana Senate.

Arkansas’s Speaker of the House, Matthew J. Shepherd was also recognized as he received the Thomas B. Murphy Legacy Award, which is presented to a Southern state legislator who has dutifully served their people throughout the year.

The State Transformation in Action Recognition (STAR) celebrates innovation and creativity by recognizing programs that offer transferable solutions to state governments. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction won the award by presenting its Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funding Cliff Toolkit.

President Blair ended the night by thanking the Council of State Governments Southern team, specifically Director Lindsey Gray. He acknowledged their exceptional dedication and tireless efforts throughout the conference and noted how their commitment played a crucial role in the conference’s success. And, of course, Senator Blair was given an award for his leadership over the past year.

After the awards, the evening continued at the “speakeasy,” where the atmosphere shifted to an intimate jazz lounge.

A live jazz band performed, their smooth melodies filling the room with the soulful sounds of the 1920s.

Couples took to the dance floor, gracefully moving to the rhythms of the era, creating an enchanting and entertaining atmosphere.

Michelle and I joined in, stepping onto the captivating jazz tunes. It was a delightful way to end the night and our visit to the Greenbrier.

The fantastic blend of retro charm and joyous celebration gave an experience that made us feel like we were truly living in the Roaring Twenties.

“Gorge-ous” Views at the Newest National Park

Michelle Cardenas

Established as a national park in 2020, New River Gorge is one of the newest additions to the national park system, and it provided us with some memorable firsts. The park is renowned for its rugged beauty, rich history, and the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers on the continent. Spanning over 70,000 acres, the park boasts over 100 miles of trails, offering a variety of experiences from strenuous hikes to scenic walks–although on the rainy, overcast morning we visited, the view was somewhat obstructed until later in the day.

We began our journey by taking a quick look around the Visitor Center, where we familiarized ourselves with the park’s history and features. The park ranger provided valuable information about safe exploration routes, ensuring our hike would be both enjoyable and secure. From the Visitor Center, we headed to the section of the New River Gorge that houses the Castle Rock Trail and the Grandview Rim Trail. These trails, totaling about 3.2 miles out and back, promised a mix of strenuous and scenic experiences.

Our group split up to tackle the different trails. Professor Yawn, Cinthia, Olivia, and Chrissy set out on the Castle Rock Trail, navigating its more strenuous, rocky terrain.

Meanwhile, Stephanie and I took the Grandview Rim Trail, which led us through a beautiful tunnel of luscious vegetation.

The trails eventually converged, and we all continued together toward our final destination, the Turkey Spur Overlook. When we arrived at the “overlook,” we were mostly looking over clouds.

But the sky slowly cleared, and we were able to see some of the river and train tracks in the gorge.

There were also stairs (150, to be exact) to a lookout that gave us an additional perspective.

But with the rain returning, we took shelter briefly under an overhang….

…and then returned to the car….

…while making the most of nature views along the way…

We even gave Flat Sammy a chance to explore!

…Although he didn’t much appreciate the rain.

New River Gorge is a National Park with multiple units, consisting of not only the “Grandview” area, but also Sandstone Falls and the Bridge. We were unable to visit the Falls, but we did make sure to see the Bridge, which was pretty magnificent.

It is the longest (3,030 feet) steel span bridge in the United States, and the third highest (876 feet), and it is really an architectural marvel and beauty from multiple perspectives.

Looking away from the bridge, visitors are graced with beautiful views of the gorge and a distant bridge.

The smaller bridge in the photo above was the former means of traversing the gorge, a route that takes some 45 minutes to drive. With the New River Gorge Bridge, that trip is now less than a minute.

The natural beauty of the area shone through, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Most importantly, this trip allowed me to check off another first with LEAP, creating lasting memories with a wonderful team and making my first national park visit an unforgettable experience.

A Capitol Day in Charleston, West Virginia

After a morning devoted to taking our LSAT Prep Course, we headed out to Charleston, the capital of West Virginia. This was a chance to build on some of the relationships we had built at the Southern Legislative Conference, and also to learn about the workings of other state capitals–the latter being of particular interest to those of us interested in the Austin Internship Program.

West Virginia State Capitol Building

by Michelle Cardenas

The West Virginia State Capitol Building, designed by the renowned architect Cass Gilbert, is a testament to the state’s resilience and rich heritage. Gilbert, who also designed the nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C., which we visited during our spring break, was commissioned to construct the West Virginia Capitol in 1921. His style is unique, and you can see the similarities with many of his works.

Upon entering the Capitol, we were immediately struck by the grandeur of the dome. The murals here vividly depict various significant stages in West Virginia’s timeline, including the Civil War…

…the scenic beauty of Seneca Rocks, the historical significance of Harpers Ferry, and even the contemporary state of West Virginia.

The intricate design elements throughout the Capitol reflect West Virginia’s unique character. Gold leaf is a recurring theme in the chandelier and lamps inside, mirroring the golden dome on the exterior.

Some of the ceilings are adorned with floral motifs resembling the magnolia, oak, and sugar maple trees, symbolizing the state’s natural beauty.

Our visit even included a House of Representatives and Senate tour. In the House, the room is divided by party lines and organized by committee memberships, leadership, and seniority.

The layout and décor, including more gold leaf accents, highlight the importance and formality of the legislative process. We also had a chance to stand where Speaker Hanshaw presides over the House Chamber, a point that had special meaning since we have met Speaker Hanshaw.

The Senate chamber was equally impressive, seating a total of 34 senators.

We observed intricate decorations outside the chamber with a border on the ceiling representing various disciplines central to West Virginia’s identity: the bull symbolizes agriculture, the eagle with books represents education and art, the shield stands for coal and mining, and the scales of justice denote the legal system. We also admired their state seal, which has two figures representing agriculture and industry; the date that West Virginia was admitted to the Union; and their motto, “Mountaineers are always free.”

Adding to our understanding of West Virginia’s history, we learned that it became the 35th state due to its decision to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War, primarily influenced by President Lincoln. Due to Lincoln’s role in the formation of the state, there is a large monument depicting the former president in front of the Capitol.

The West Virginia State Capitol has a fascinating yet tumultuous history; six buildings have served as the state’s government seat over time, and these buildings have experienced various expansions, relocations, and even two tragic fires. Each element of the Capitol, from its design to its décor, tells a part of West Virginia’s story, seamlessly connecting its storied past with its vibrant present. This rich history adds to the significance of our visit, making our exploration of the current Capitol a deeply enriching experience.

West Virginia State Museum

by Cinthia Villarreal

After visiting the beautiful West Virginia State Capitol Building, we stopped by the West Virginia State Museum. After driving through the state for the past few days, we looked forward to learning more about West Virginia’s rich and varied history.

As we entered the front doors, the museum greeted us with a magnificent exhibit of colorful quilts.

Founded in 1892, West Virginia has a storied past that reflects its resilience and unique cultural heritage.

The museum meticulously chronicles this narrative, from the Native American tribes who first inhabited the land to European settlers’ arrival and the state’s eventual formation during the Civil War.

One of the museum’s exhibits pays homage to John Brown, a pivotal figure in American history and a passionate abolitionist whose raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859 marked a significant turning point in the fight against slavery. Brown’s legacy is intricately woven into West Virginia’s history, showcasing his commitment to justice and equality.

No aspect of West Virginia’s identity resonates more deeply than its connection to coal mining. From the early 19th century to today, coal has been vital to the state’s economy, fueling industrial growth and shaping communities.

The museum’s section on coal mining explores the industry’s evolution, labor struggles, technological advancements, and environmental impact, providing a nuanced perspective on its complex legacy.

A highlight is the 4,000-pound piece of coal, once enclosed in glass and used as a reception desk.

West Virginia’s blown glass industry is cherished in its cultural tapestry. The museum celebrates this tradition with a dedicated exhibit showcasing beautiful glassworks crafted by skilled artisans.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about West Virginia’s rich past, the West Virginia State Museum highlights pivotal moments and key figures that shaped the state’s identity.

Cathedral Falls

On our return to Lewisburg, WV, we stopped at Cathedral Falls. Despite literally being a road-side stop about a mile from Gauley Bridge, it offered a great view.

The falls are approximately 60 feet, and they descend from a concave area in bluffs–likely the reason for the name “Cathedral.” We stopped for about 20 minutes, savoring the beautiful site that capped an activity-filled day.

Family Night at The Greenbrier: Interactive Activities and Local Experiences

Following an exploration of historic Lewisburg, WV, where we visited stores, investigated historic sites, and met with the Visitors Bureau staff…

…we changed into our conference clothes, readied ourselves for the beautiful Greenbrier, and prepared ourselves for a different type of learning.

The Rest is History: Historic Preservation Tax Credits and Economic Development

by Chrissy Biello

Our favorite session was titled Historic Preservation Tax Credits and Economic Development, an appropriate topic inasmuch as three of us had completed internships with the Economic Development Department for the City of Huntsville. For this session, The speakers included Eric Nelson, a West Virginia State Senator; Danielle Waltz, Partner at Dinsmore & Shol LLP; and Shaw Sprague, VP of Government Relations at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The speakers provided a comprehensive overview of the federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program. Initiated in 1978 with a 10% credit and made permanent in 1986, the program now offers a 20% credit based on qualified expenditures. This federal credit is available only for commercial properties and is distributed over five years at a rate of 4% annually. This detailed explanation was enlightening, as it clarified how federal policies are structured to support long-term preservation efforts.

They further discussed how transferable credits can significantly impact financing for preservation projects. Transferable credits are valuable because they allow property owners with limited tax liability to sell their credits to other taxpayers, thereby facilitating the financing of historic renovations. This concept is crucial for cities seeking to revitalize older areas without relying solely on their own financial resources.

The speakers also covered how states can optimize various tax sources to support these programs. For instance, Texas, which lacks an income tax, leverages business or insurance taxes to fund preservation efforts. This strategy was particularly interesting to me because it showcases how states can creatively utilize available resources to achieve their preservation goals.

An illustrative example from West Virginia was the Wesbanco Building, a 17-story office building built in 1972. Despite its initial drawbacks, such as not having a sprinkler system and being abandoned, a developer acquired it for only $5 million and utilized HTCs to renovate the property! This truly demonstrates how historic tax credits can transform underperforming assets into valuable community resources.

Another example shared was from Fayetteville, West Virginia, where old schools are being repurposed into community assets. Ms. Waltz explained how an elementary school is being converted into a 20-24 unit apartment building, with additional townhomes planned. This project, supported by HTCs, has created 30 construction jobs and will provide 25 permanent jobs upon completion.

The speakers effectively offered a new perspective (to us) on the complexities and benefits of preserving historic buildings and towns, making it another great session at the Southern Legislative Conference.

To make the experience even better, we had the opportunity to speak with Senator Nelson and Mr. Sprague following the event. Senator Nelson, showing the kind of constituent service that has helped him win reelection since 2010 in West Virginia, helped us with our plans in Charleston, WV for the following day.

Many thanks to all the speakers and, especially, Senator Eric Nelson.

Family Night for the LEAP Family

Following a day full of learning, we had an evening full of activities–some for everyone. We began by taking the scenic route to The Greenbrier, which involved going to the Herns Mill Covered Bridge, one of many such historic structures in West Virginia.

To divert ourselves for a bit, we sent Chrissy into the one-lane bridge. We figured if a car came from the other direction, we could see how fast Chrissy was capable of running in high heels. Just our luck, though, no car came through.

Consequently, we had to take her to The Greenbrier, where the SLC, in creating Family Night, had something on tap for everyone.

For Chrissy, we had smores.

Cinthia, meanwhile, summoned her inner Lizzie Borden, and she ventured into axe-throwing for the first time.

This proved to be a popular sport among the group, and Professor Yawn noted, with some concern, that we could be pretty accurate when motivated.

Olivia proved to be the marksman with a bow and arrow. She managed kill shots in two of the three targets, earning her the moniker, “Killer in High Heels.”

She displayed greater fear, however, when confronted with a live animal.

Michelle, on the other hand, was the Dr. Doolittle of the group…

…and the falconry proved popular, being the only activity every member of the group engaged in.

Cinthia, however, seemed to have the most fun with it.

When we weren’t fiddling around with animals or weapons, we took advantage of the opportunity to see expert fiddler and West Virginia native Philip Bowen, who has earned praise from NPR and other national media for his authentic sound and bow virtuosity.

And what would a Southern Legislative Conference be without hearing from a legislator? This year, we again heard from West Virginia Speaker Roger Hanshaw…

…who welcomed everyone to the conference, spoke of things to come, and helped us feel at home–in a very nice home.

And, reflecting on a day that saw us go to Carnegie Hall, rub shoulders with legislators, throw axes, serve as a perch to a falcon, shoot arrows, and enjoy smores, we headed back to our hotel (a Holiday Inn) to find some rest before another busy day.

LEAP Ambassadors Make it to Carnegie Hall!

Carnegie Hall

Not everyone can say they made it to Carnegie Hall–but, following a recent trip to the Southern Legislative Conference, the LEAP Ambassadors can! While in the charming historic town of Lewisburg, West Virginia, Ambassadors toured the downtown and its curtilage, coming across Lewisburg’s own Carnegie Hall, one of four continuously used Carnegie performance halls in the world.

While the Hall was actually closed, the organization’s Box Office Manager, Sheila Hutchinson, cheerfully offered us a tour, allowing us to see the building and learn about its operation. The Hall was originally constructed in 1902, with almost $27,000 coming from Andrew Carnegie, and another $10,000 coming from the local community.

For the past 35 years, the Carnegie Hall Inc, a non-profit organization, has operated the building.

The repurposed building now serves as a performance venue, gallery space, and arts education programming open to the community–and passersby, including ourselves!

As we entered the 400-seat auditorium, we were had the pleasure of meeting Cathy Rennard, the president of the non-profit; and Mary Leb Foster, the Performance Director. They were extremely kind to share their experiences from working at Carnegie Hall, including their preparation for their upcoming musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Their work involves not only the things you typically think about when running a theatre (sets, sales, casting), but also community building, something close to our heart. The staff work hard to earn community buy-in, to collaborate with community stakeholders, and to offer a point of pride for West Virginia.

Thank you for the tour and your commitment to the Lewisburg community!

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