2022 Leadership
Katherine & John Hull Dobbs, Jr., Chairs
Elizabeth & Trow Gillespie and Susan & Chuck Smith, Honorary Co-Chairs
2022 Committee*:
Lale & Oscar Adams, Kate & Coleman Connell, Briana & Drew Cowan, Miller & Hunter Cowan, Molly & Robert Gooch, Mia & Paul Henley, Jennifer & Joel Hobson, JJ & Jay Keras, Janie & Michael Lowery, Linda & Neely Mallory, Jena & Justin Miller, Kate & John Monaghan, Maggie & Andrew Philips, Paula & Steve Sandone, Caroline & McCown Smith, Paige & Will Thompson, Abbie & Duncan Williams, Barbara & Lewis Williamson, Stephanie & Spence Wilson, Libby & Gary Wunderlich, Jennifer & Will Yandell
*as of 5.16.22
Honoree: Tommie Smith Dunavant
Tommie Dunavant and her late husband, Billy, founded Conservation Through Art in 2005. They have generously provided support and leadership to both ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited since that time. Tommie was instrumental in the publications of First Shooting Light and Wild Abundance. She also created "Women in Camo" to support ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited. Tommie served on the boards of Christian Brothers University, Rhodes College, and the National Coalition of Pastors' Spouses. Until recently, she served on the Board of Slingshot Memphis where she and her husband were seed funders. As the head of The Dunavant Foundation, she oversees and actively supports many causes and organizations in Memphis. Being a psychologist, she is particularly proud of the Tommie Dunavant Behavioral Center at Church Health. Tommie's greatest assets are her energy and constant encouragement of others.
She is grateful to be recognized as the 2022 honoree in memory of her dear Billy and in recognition of all the women who have contributed to the success of Conservation Through Art.
About Conservation Through Art
Conservation Through Art (CTA) is a biennial event, co-hosted by ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited, which raises money for two of our region’s greatest assets: wildlife and the arts. Founded in 2005, CTA brings together arts patrons and wildlife enthusiasts in creating a collective philanthropic legacy. In fact, over the last thirteen years, this partnership has raised $6 million – helping to conserve thousands of acres of wetlands and provide grants for 80 local arts groups and artists.
These two unlikely partners – ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited – share a commitment to sustaining treasures which enrich lives from generation to generation. Whether it’s an awe-inspiring dance performance or a spectacular sunrise on the marsh, the arts and the outdoors serve to connect us to one another.
Past Honorees
2005: Harry Phillips
2006: Billy Dunavant
2008: Allen Morgan & Henry Morgan
2010: George Dunklin & Steve Reynolds
2012: Trow Gillespie & Chuck Smith
2014: Spence, Bob & Kem Wilson
2016: Johnny Morris & Bill Rhodes
2018: John Hull Dobbs, Jr.
Founders & Advisory Council
Tommie & Billy Dunavant
Elizabeth & Trow Gillespie
Snow & Henry Morgan
Susan & Chuck Smith
Anne & John Stokes
About the Beneficiaries
ArtsMemphis is the local leader in driving financial support and forging connections for local artists and organizations, investing over $88 million since its inception in 1963. ArtsMemphis works to expand the foundation of art in Memphis and surrounding areas by granting $2M+ annually to more than 65 arts organizations and hundreds of artists.
Celebrating 85 years of continental conservation and headquartered in Memphis since 1992, Ducks Unlimited has become one of the largest and most respected conservation organizations in North America. Our conservation projects traverse the continent, but closer to home DU is on the forefront of acquiring and then restoring 1,500 acres of wetlands on the banks of the Mississippi River that is accessible from the Big River Crossing pedestrian bridge.The Big River Park, when completed, will offer Memphians extensive recreational opportunities.