Barbara and Jim Street
For decades Barbara and Jim Street have demonstrated loyal commitment and sustained financial contributions to many arts, historical and charitable organizations throughout the region.
Their involvement with the arts began with their first exposure to Barter Theatre and continues with Barbara’s service on the Barter board.
“Our first encounter with the arts probably began when we were at Grundy Senior High School. It was our junior year of high school. We traveled over those curvy roads for a school field trip to Barter Theatre to see our first ‘real’ stage performance. How fortunate we are to have the Barter and the talent they share with our community. We’re proud to be supporters for this treasure in our community. We are proud to support several area art groups. I would say the Barter is our favorite, because serving on the Board opens a window of understanding into how much work, precision and talent it takes to bring the play to reality on the stage,” Barbara says.
She serves on the Barter Theatre board and chairs its advancement committee. She serves on the community affiliations committee of the Rocky Mount State Historic Site and Museum, as well as serving as the East Tennessee Commissioner for the Tennessee State Museum Commission. She and Jim are supporters of the Symphony of the Mountains, the Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol Ballet and the East Tennessee State University Band.
David Grace, president of the Paramount Center for the Arts board says, “Their generosity and support of the Paramount Center for the Arts and other theaters and arts organizations throughout the region have provided a needed lifeline to the arts community.
“In the case of the Paramount, Jim and Barbara’s contributions literally put a roof over our head. It was through their help we were able to make much-needed repairs to the Paramount’s aging roof. Their ongoing contributions enable us to maintain our aging building in an appropriate manner.
“Beyond their financial contributions, Jim and Barbara are active participants in the arts community. They attend performances, promote local artists and work tirelessly to increase awareness of the importance of the arts in our region. Their dedication serves as an inspiration, fostering a spirit of creativity and collaboration among artists, patrons and arts organizations.”
After a Barter Theatre Board meeting during the early weeks of Covid, Barbara reported to Jim that Katy Brown, the producing artistic director, mentioned pursuing options to continue theater in some manner and had suggested the Moonlite Drive-in. The next day, Jim called Brown, and they met at the Moonlite to see if this facility was workable. Jim planned, reviewed and completed this massive project from beginning to end. Barter Theatre was most likely the only theater in the nation to have live productions during the long months of Covid closures. Barter at the Moonlite was well attended and even appealed to people who had never been inside the Barter Theatre.
“The importance of art in our lives adds a dimension to living, lifts our moods, opens our minds to new aspects and paths of living. Art enhances our life ... through many inspiring mediums ... song, dance, performance, meditation ... all the while being a source of inspiration, reflection and joy.
“Our plans are to continue to support the arts in our community. This will be done with financial donations as well as volunteer support for organizations. Supporting the arts has become a part of our lifestyle.
“We are truly appreciative to AAME for reviewing our background and participation in the arts,” Barbara says.
The Streets enrich the community not only through financial support and hard work on boards but perhaps most importantly by being an appreciative audience – an intangible but vital role.
