Center’s charter revoked from ‘83-’93

Written by Russel Mobley | 20 July 2010

TSI staff, www.russelmobley.com

The failure to register with the Tennessee Department of State’s Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming by Tullahoma Fine Arts Center Executive Director Lucy Hollis is not the first time she ran afoul of state regulations.
From 1983 to 1993, Hollis operated the not-for-profit center with a revoked charter of incorporation.
According to documents obtained from the state, the center’s charter was revoked on March 17, 1983 for failing “to respond or file annual reports with the Department of Revenue as required.”
The charter, originally issued in 1968, was not reinstated by the state until Aug. 11, 1993. During those ten years, Hollis, continued the center’s operations, received General Operating Support funds from the Tennessee Arts Commission, and solicited money for the expansion of the center’s facility at 401 South Jackson Street in Tullahoma.
In the Jan. 8, 1992 edition of the Tullahoma News, Hollis stated that an additional $25,000 needed to be raised to repay the construction loan for the new addition, which contained a gallery, office and classrooms.
The center is currently under investigation by the state for failing to register with its Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming.
On Monday, Tullahoma Mayor Troy Bisby and several aldermen toured the center, as they once again consider allocating funds for TFAC in the city’s annual budget. Last fiscal year, they gave the center $13,000.
According to Bisby, “Everything seemed to be in order.” Although, he added, it was apparent that Hollis “needs some help” to operate the center.