Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau unveils new image

The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau is starting off 2010 with a bang. A re-branding campaign was launched at the beginning of the year, which will create a consistent look for the CVB and help to promote Murray in a new way.

The main aspect of the new image is a new Web site and a new logo. "We saw a need to update our site compared to the other tourism sites we looked at," said Stephanie Butler, event coordinator. "This will be more design-friendly and offer detailed event information and photos." Butler and Erin Carrico, CVB executive director, worked with Justin Kimbro of K-Squared Designs to make the site and new logo a reality.

"The new logo represents an abstract tree with limbs and leaves. The tree is a symbol for home and can be interpreted in many forms," Carrico said. "That was the whole idea; the logo fits everyone. Whether you are a student making Murray your home during the semester, parents raising a family, or a couple retiring for a lifetime, it feels like home."

The site is now live, and can be viewed at www.tourmurray.com. The site, as well as the logo, will change seasonally.

In addition to the site and logo update, an e-newsletter has been created. It contains information on upcoming events along with past event wrap-ups and photos. The e-newsletter will be released quarterly and a sign-up form is located on the new Web site.

For those that want to be up-to-date on Murray happenings, the CVB has created a Facebook and Twitter page. The pages are updated on a regular basis and contain event information, pictures and more. "The Facebook page has been growing beyond expectations, we already have over 2,100 fans," Butler said. "We wanted to be connected to people and the different kind of person than the one that visits our Web site."

This new image coincides with the release of the 2010 Visitor Guide, which contains detailed information on accommodations, dining, culture and recreation in Murray. The guide also contains event listings for all of 2010. The guide is available at www.tourmurray.com, and in hard copy as well.

To receive a 2010 Visitor Guide, or more information on the CVB, visit www.tourmurray.com or call 800.651.1603

Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau
201 S 4th Street
Murray, KY 42071
800.651.1603

A special thanks to Kyser Lough for article materials.



Murray is home to local and national art influences

In each mind a definition of art lies. Murray is a community of many minds, and therefore many definitions. From its various galleries, clubs and individuals, Murray forms a unique world of art. Each paint stroke, woven thread and photo shoot blends a fresh take on our community.

Murray State University’s Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery is a free gallery where one can enjoy classic works, student originals or national juried shows. The Curris Center Gallery offers a home to a variety of art works, and is free to the viewing public as well.

After spending eleven years in New York City, Jennifer Fairbanks recently returned to Murray to open her own art gallery, Gallery 109 & Fairbanks Studio. Go see one of the many exhibits featured throughout the year, including work from local, national and international artists. Classes, such as drawing and oil-painting for beginners, are conducted weekly.

The Murray Art Guild, a local, non-profit educational and cultural organization, offers classes and workshops to help develop the talents of local artists. Classes range from photography to drawing to rug weaving, and are taught for multiple skill-levels. For those who enjoy viewing art more than creating it, the guild displays several shows at the Robert O. Miller Conference Center, located on the court square.

Whether viewing one of the many unique works of art in one of the galleries or developing skills during a hands-on class, Murray creates an abundance of opportunities to immerse oneself in art.

MSU Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery
Price-Doyle Fine Arts Building
15th and Olive Streets
Murray, KY 42071
270.809.6734

Murray Art Guild
500 N 4th Street
Murray, KY 42071
270.753.4059
MSU Curris Center Gallery
Curris Center
Chestnut Street
Murray, KY 42071

Gallery 109 & Fairbanks Studio
109 N 3rd Street
Murray, KY 42071
917.710.3694

 



Main Street Merriment spreads Holiday cheer

Although the night of December 4th, 2009 was cold, downtown Murray was full of warmth. Many local residents and families gathered together on the Court Square to kick off the Holiday season.

The night began with the lighting of the community Christmas tree, some old-fashioned caroling, and a visit with Santa Claus. Soon after, all headed over to the Robert O. Miller Conference Center to enjoy good music, food and friends. Just across the street was Dicken's Alley, where many people enjoyed the magical display of decorations and lights. Also in the alley were warm food, pony rides and storytelling. Businesses around the Court Square featured various musical acts for visiting patrons.

The Christmas cheer continued through the next day withthe Rotary Club Christmas Parade, where many locals gathered despite the coldtemperatures to watch various communityorganizations, churches and businesses display their Holiday spirit.

Main Street Merriment and the Christmas Parade kicked off the Holiday season with a bang. Don't miss out on this tradition in 2010; be sure to attend both events, held the first weekend in December.

Murray Main Street
270.759.9474




Lance Allison
Executive Director, Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce

How long have you lived in Murray?
38 years, my whole life.

What is your favorite Murray memory?
Childhood- Dicken's Alley when it used to be near where the Murray Ledger building is now. They roasted a pig and had puppet shows. Grown-up- My MSU undergrad commencement was held outside in the quad. It was special and had a really neat atmosphere. To my knowledge, it was the first and only time graduation was held there.

What is your favorite restaurant in Murray?
I have so many it is hard to choose!

If you had $75 to spend in Murray, where would you spend it?
I would buy some books from Book and Bean, have lunch with my wife at one of my favorite restaurants and take my kids to play at Virtual Kade.

If you could describe Murray in three words to someone who has never been here, what would they be?
Caring, safe and progressive.


 

Upcoming Events

Feb 4: MSU Basketball v. Tennessee State
Regional Special Events Center
270-809-5577

Feb 5-6: Motocross
Expo Center
270-809-3125

Feb 6: MSU Basketball v. Austin Peay
Regional Special Events Center
270-809-5577

Feb 8-11: "The Jungle Book"
Lovett Auditorium
270-809-4421

Feb 11: Kappa Evening of Chocolate
Murray Woman’s Club
270-753-9640

Feb 16: MSU Basketball v. SEMO
Regional Special Events Center
270-809-5577

Feb 12-14: Lawn, Garden and Farm Show
Regional Special Events Center
270-809-5577

Feb 19-March 7: "Seussical"
Playhouse in the Park
playhouseinthepark.net

Feb 19-20: Bull Blowout
Expo Center
270-809-3125

Feb 21,23 & 24: "Romeo & Juliet"
Murray Shakespeare Festival
Lovett Auditorium
270-809-2397

Feb 22: Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Presidential Lecturer
MSU Lovett Auditorium
Murraystate.edu

Feb 23: "Knight of the Burning Pestle"
Murray Shakespeare Festival
Lovett Auditorium
270-809-2397

Feb 27: Murray Bridal Show
Regional Special Events Center
270-809-5577

Feb 27-28: AQHA Horse Show
Expo Center
270-809-3125

Feb 27-28: Road Race and Crit
MSU Cycling Team

March 27-28: Murray State Kentucky Lake Invitational
Murraystate.edu

March 5-7: Hunt Seat Horse Show
Expo Center
270-809-3125

March 10: Visual Evidence Exhibit
Opening Reception
by Murray Art Guild
Robert O. Miller Conference Center
270-753-4059

March 12: Playhouse Disney LIVE!
Regional Special Events Center
270-809-5577

March 15-18: Working
Actor’s Studio Theatre

Wilson Hall, 3rd Floor
270-809-4421

March 19-21: Pony & Horse Pull
Expo Center
270-809-3125

March 27-28: AQHA Horse Show
Expo Center
270-809-3125


Want more? For details on the events listed, and the most up-to-date events, visit our Calendar of Events Online.





 



Murray, Kentucky logo