Media Inquiries:
Cheryl Strichik: [email protected]
(615) 822-0789
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 23, 2025) – Generations of American kids grew up racing their favorite football action figures down a vibrating gridiron. This popular pastime will be the center of attention this January, when the MACC and the National Electric Football Game Museum presents the Art of the Buzz. This exhibit, which runs Jan. 25 to Feb. 15, 2025, will feature more than 20 games, which showcase the stories, innovations and technologies that allowed this time-honored table-top sport to endure into the 21st century.
“A lot of people think of electric football as just a game, but it’s also an art form,” says Cheryl Strichik, the MACC’s executive director. “Visitors to our galleries will see action figures painted with exquisite detail. They’ll also see stadium replicas, sports photography and so much more. It’s a thrill to present this exhibition just in time for Super Bowl LIX.”
Founded by game enthusiast Chris LeMay in 2019, the Tennessee-based National Electric Football Game Museum is the first organization of its kind devoted entirely to preserving the history of the game through its vast collection of electric football game sets, game boards, teams, figures, and media library of printed and digital materials. The museum’s holdings are largely built around LeMay’s personal collection, but it also includes many items received through the generous donations of individuals interested in seeing the history of the game preserved for future generations.
Art of the Buzz at the MACC will feature game boards and players designed by LeMay and painted by artist Ron Mango representing Sumner County’s eight high school teams. The exhibition will also feature a replica of Nissan Stadium designed and built by Mango. Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts action figures will be on the game board. Local photojournalist Rick Murray will round out the exhibition with his photographs of Sumner County football teams in action.
The exhibition will open Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 with a Tailgate Party from 3 to 6 p.m. at the MACC. The party will be sponsored by Bryson McCarley Agency. Come join the party and see electric game boards dating back as far as the 1940s.
Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) is a jewel-box art museum and education facility housed in one of Tennessee’s most spectacular antebellum mansions. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the MACC has staged exhibitions featuring everything from the ceramic art of Pablo Picasso to the evening gowns of Princess Diana. The artwork of local artists and military veterans are also on frequent display. As an art school, the MACC offers classes to more than 1,000 children and adults each year. The MACC also provides free arts outreach and healing arts to underserved children, families and military veterans. For more information, visit www.monthavenarts.org or call (615) 822-0789.