A rendering of SKyPAC's large interactive lobby.

In recent years, though she remained an active part of the Bowling Green art scene, Andee Rudloff has been based in Nashville.  There she served first as the curator of the Nashville International Airport’s Artists at the Airport Foundation and then as the Community Relations Manager at the prestigious Frist Center for the Visual Arts. In 2008, Nashville Scene readers voted her “Best Community Arts Energizer”.  So there was good reason to stay.  But the promise of a grand new venue beckoned and Rudloff returned home to lend her unique talent and energy to the team preparing to open the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) in March 10, 2012.

Last February, after an eight month search, SKyPAC’s board hired Tom Tomlinson as Executive Director.  A seasoned veteran of arts management Tomlinson hit the ground running.  Andee Rudloff was hired as the Education Director, though that position is already evolving as her gift for networking becomes apparent and more encompassing descriptives like Outreach Director and Community Engagement Director are being considered.  “I hope to just welcome the community period.  SKyPAC wouldn’t be here if the community didn’t want It.” she said.

Rudloff voiced admiration for the efficient progress thus far accomplished by the new Executive Director saying, “Tom only staffs when he needs you to work so if you’re there it’s because you have a million things to do – just pick up the ball and keep it going!”

Thus far nine staff members are in place and according to Rudloff things are moving forward so fast that she attends at least three staff meetings each day.  For her part she plans to involve the artists that have influenced this community for years to be the inspiration behind the progression of some 80 initiates that directly involve her duties.  “It couldn’t happen if I wasn’t aware of those who can make it happen.” she said referring to the wealth of local talent.

As part of the ongoing conversation, three advisory committees are in the process of being formed: the Education Advisory Committee, the College Advisory Committee and the Youth Advisory Committee.  Each is made up of experts in said areas.  Nominations are currently being accepted for the latter two committees.  With so many projects underway and intentions to create a five year as well as long term plan, there’s little fear of having too many cooks in the kitchen.

Her first community collaboration has already been completed.  In July, she invited youth from the community to join her in completing a mural for the side of the trailer that temporary serves as administrative offices while construction on the building is in progress.  A time-lapse video of the project can be seen below.  The artwork was done on a removable tarp so that it can be relocated or repurposed to remain a part of SKyPAC history. 

SkyPAC Mural – Outline from Allie Sultan on Vimeo.

Once the building is complete, much of Rudloff’s time will be spent in the lobby.   They hope the ginormous space will become an interactive living room, a place free and open to the public, which will come to serve as the hub of the arts scene. 

According to Rudloff, all of the building’s facilities are state of the art and the building itself is LEED certified, meaning it has a green infrastructure.  The drywall is recycled and the HVAC System is housed completely inside for maximum efficiency.  An ice bank and chillers insure minimum energy is needed for cooling during the most taxing hours. 

Aesthetically the building embraces its location.  Tulip Poplars, the state tree and its flower Golden Rod can be found throughout the color palate and motifs, as can the colors of vintage corvettes.  “The architect really looked at how it could be about Bowling Green. ” Andee said.

The auditorium seats 1800 and includes a massive stage suitable for Broadway shows with a sprung floor for dance and movement. 

Also included is a black box theater with full cage and rigging which is suitable for performances from cabaret to lectures.  Staging as well as seating in the theater can be altered to create a venue seating 300 or one with a larger stage and seating for 180.  The staging can be placed in a variety of configurations to provide a setting for anything from a corner acoustic performance to theater in the round.  In addition there is an outdoor movie amphitheater.

While plans for major events like Broadway shows are in the works, SKyPAC will also be home to diverse events encompassing all the visual and performing arts.  A variety of opportunities are expected for local performers and music lovers including local and regional bands in the theater, acoustic music in the lobby and showcase concerts in the auditorium.  Comedians, dance ensembles and other types of performances are also anticipated. 

Citing the influence on her as a youngster, Rudloff emphasized the importance of offering education and interactive opportunities with touring professionals.  “That’s what’s going to be really transformative for this area.” She said.  Examples of such engagement would consist of pre and post performance conversations with directors, actors and set designers.

Plans are to present these opportunities to the general public as well as working directly with various community organizations from homeschool groups and Scouts to programs such as offered by the Housing Authority and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Despite having her hands full brainstorming and implementing ideas for SKyPAC’s future, Andee Rudloff remains active in the Nashville art scene.  She recently participated in the 48 Hour Film Festival and is exhibiting in and curating the Tomato Art Fest happening there this month. 

Though the 300,000 residents of the BRADD area will be the main focus, she also believes fellow art lovers in Nashville will be drawn to SKyPAC and plans to extend her outreach and promotions well into the Volunteer State.  “I plan to spend face time with the Northern Tennessee community.  People are looking for unique experiences and Bowling Green has a lot to offer.” she said.  And she believes City Center will be quite alluring to those in between contemplating dinner and a show.  “Yeah, brace yourself. No longer will you have to drive to TPAC, you’re going to get a quality experience here and better acoustics! It’s not going to be anything like what we’ve seen before.  This space is going to have just a lot of potential to serve.” she promised.