Grand Council has informed Fraternity officers and former members of Grand Council that the Fraternity was approached by a party interested in purchasing Fraternity property currently leased to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is anticipated that an agreement may be reached as early as September. "This is an historic opportunity for Pi Phi and also for Arrowmont," said Grand President Emily Tarr. "Pi Phi came to Gatlinburg in 1912 to build a Settlement School with the mission of educating children. We were faithful to that mission until Sevier County assumed control of the school in 1968. Our work in Gatlinburg brought education, healthcare and economic development to the area. This development is another opportunity to benefit the community."
Pi Phi's efforts to assist the economic development of Gatlinburg began as an outlet for regional crafts and evolved into preservation and education for those artisan skills through the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Arrowmont became an independent corporation in 1991, but Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, Foundation, alumnae clubs, collegiate chapters and individuals have continued to support the school through generous financial contributions. Arrowmont holds great affection among members for its historical significance to the Fraternity. The members of the Arrowmont Board of Govenors are considering several options regarding the future of the crafts school.
"It's not an easy decision to leave Gatlinburg after almost 100 years," says Mrs. Tarr. "But our founders created Pi Phi to be a living, thriving organization with extension as a goal. We now have the opportunity to extend our literacy vision, but we will always be grateful for the opportunity to realize that vision in Gatlinburg. "
from www.pibetaphi.org
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