Conservation Through Art is a biennial ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited event to celebrate two of our region’s greatest assets: the arts and outdoors. This unlikely partnership has brought together outdoor enthusiasts and arts supporters to raise $6 million to sustain community treasures that enrich lives from generation to generation. From new wetland conservation efforts in our own backyard across the Big River Crossing, to grants for hundreds of artists and over 60 local arts organizations, our shared Memphis-rooted mission continues.
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, Katie & John Monaghan, Maggie & Andrew Phillips, Paula & Steve Sansom, 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
2022 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.
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 primary arts funder in the Mid-South and exists to strengthen our community by meeting the ever-changing needs of Memphis artists and arts organizations. The arts are essential in driving our economy, enhancing quality of life, improving youth development, providing healing and connection, bridging differences, and sparking innovation. ArtsMemphis grants over $3M to 60+ organizations and hundreds of artists annually. ArtsMemphis has invested over $90 million since its inception in 1963, expanding the foundation of art for our city.
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 are accessible from the Big River Crossing pedestrian bridge.The Big River Park, when completed, will offer Memphians extensive recreational opportunities.
Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors:
[as of 8.31.2022]
Presenting Sponsor
Lead
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Dobbs, Jr.
Mrs. Tommie Dunavant
Entertainment
Mempho Music Festival/nexAir
Partner
Mr. and Mrs. George H. Dunklin, Jr.
Supporting
Mahaffey Event & Tent Rentals
Mike Tutor and Michelle Snowden
Table
Big River Park Conservancy
Boyle Investment Company
Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Connell
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dobbs
Dunavant Enterprises, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Floyd
Mr. and Mrs. P. Trowbridge Gillespie, Jr.
Mallory Alexander International Logistics
Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Smith, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent D. Smith, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Henri L. Wedell
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan F. Williams
Mr. and Mrs. William M. Yandell III
Patron
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Braden, Jr.
Buster's Liquors & Wines
Colliers
Diversified Trust
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Edge
Mr. and Mrs. G. Douglas Edwards
ESO Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Henley
Hollywood Feed
Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Mavar
Mr. and Mrs. McNeal McDonnell
Mimi Morton
RKA Construction, LLC
Mr. and Mrs. McCown Smith
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Stokes, Jr.
Ware Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E.L. Wilson V
Host
Dr. Lale and Mr. Oscar Adams
Mr. and Mrs. Drew Cowan
Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Cowan
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Crump
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Danehy
Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Gooch III
Mr. and Mrs. Joel Hobson, III.
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Keras
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Lowery
Old Dominick Distillery
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Pettey III
Mr. and Mrs. Stepen C. Reynolds
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Schaeffer, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Turley, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Gil Uhlhorn
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis C. Williamson, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Spence Wilson, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Kent Wunderlich