MUJRFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Rutherford County is stepping into 2026 with a full heart and an open canvas. The Rutherford Arts Alliance is wasting no time setting the tone for a year that promises to stretch creative horizons and bring artists of all kinds together. January alone is packed with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the arts.
First up is a chance for local writers to ease into the new year with a little inspiration and a lot of good company. The WRITER’S MINGLE is set for Sunday, Jan. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Dapper Owl coffee pub. It’s a relaxed, come‑and‑go gathering where creative writers can meet new people, share ideas, or even settle in with a notebook and write for a while. The Dapper Owl sits at 2412 East Main St., just past Rutherford Blvd. on the east side of the MTSU campus, making it an easy stop for students and community members alike.
A little later in the month, the Arts Alliance is keeping the momentum going with its January Artisans Mingle. That event is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hemispheres Wine Bar, located at 208 West Main St. in downtown Murfreesboro. It’s a simple, friendly hour designed to help creatives of all backgrounds meet one another and build connections that last well beyond a single evening.
“No membership required and no cost to attend, so bring your creative friends along,” said RAA Executive Director Jeff Lysyczyn. “Let’s mix, mingle, and celebrate our creative community together!”
The month wraps up with a showstopper. On January 31, the Rutherford Arts Alliance and the Walnut House will team up for Curtains Up!, a one‑night revue featuring performances from local theater companies. Expect a lively mix of songs, scenes, and standout moments from groups including Consider This Theatre Company and many others. Show time is still to be announced, so organizers encourage anyone interested to contact Walnut House directly.
For more details on any of these events, visit the Rutherford Arts Alliance on Facebook or reach out to Executive Director Jeff Lysyczyn at Jeff@RutherfordArtsAlliance.org
