Murfreesboro, TN - The Discovery Center recently announced Tennessee artists Charles Key and Suzanne LeBeau as the featured artists in the museum’s 2024 Artist in Residence program. Sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the program runs from Wednesday, March 20th, to Saturday, June 15th, and features workshops and programming led by Key and LeBeau.   

"The Artist in Residence program embodies the Discovery Center's commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement," said Tara MacDougall, President and CEO of the Discovery Center. "We’re especially excited to be hosting two featured artists this year and expanding the program to offer several rounds of studio sessions and interactive ‘In the Studio’ events." 

Nashville-based artist Charles Key will lead the first round of programming, running from Wednesday, March 20th, to Sunday, April 14th. The program will feature open studio sessions every Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and “In the Studio” sessions on Sundays from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.  With works in cities like Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York, Key is a widely known muralist and community activist. 

Suzanne LeBeau will kick off the second round of programming beginning the week of April 15th. With a background in mural painting and elementary education, LeBeau creates acrylic abstracts and experimental pieces utilizing the process of upcycling to highlight the importance of waste reduction.

The Artist in Residence program was established by the Discovery Center to inspire learning through the arts and focuses on sustainable practices in Middle Tennessee.  Previous artists in residence include Choctaw artist Sally Wells, Hilo Studios owner and ceramist Kelsey Smith, and painter, ceramist Abby Hirsch Reish.    

Adjacent to the protected Murfree Spring wetlands, a natural habitat for a variety of fish, amphibians, and birds, the Discovery Center is located at 502 SE Broad Street in Murfreesboro, TN 37130. For more information, visit www.explorethedc.org or call (615) 890-2300. 

 About the Discovery Center - The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a hands-on environmental, cultural, and educational museum located in the heart of Middle Tennessee. More than 120,000 children and families visit annually, exploring exhibits and participating in programs that promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education. The Discovery Center’s mission is to engage curious minds to fuel the future.