Local Arts Leader Katee Tully to Relocate to Mexico

News Summary

Katee Tully, a significant figure in Tallahassee’s arts community, is moving to Mexico in June after three impactful years. Known for her role as a ‘pollinator’ of creative initiatives, Tully has fostered artistic growth and community engagement through projects like the Word Garden. Her departure is viewed as a loss to the cultural landscape of Tallahassee, where she supported local artists and young women. Although leaving behind a thriving arts scene, Tully is optimistic about the new opportunities that await her in San Miguel de Allende.

Tallahassee – Katee Tully, a key figure in the local arts community, is set to relocate to Mexico in June, marking the end of her impactful tenure in Tallahassee. Tully has been an influential presence in the city’s arts scene, making significant contributions through various roles and initiatives aimed at enriching the cultural landscape.

Over her three-year return to her hometown, Tully has become known as a “pollinator,” generating new ideas and projects to foster artistic growth and community engagement. She emphasized her commitment to supporting young, career-oriented women at Florida State University, as well as local artists, through her initiatives, including the development of the Word Garden. This community space has become a hub for poetry readings and music gatherings, attracting monthly audiences of 60 to 70 residents passionate about the arts.

Former Florida State Representative Marjorie Turnbull remarked on the loss of an inspiring force for arts and culture in Tallahassee with Tully’s departure. Tully’s efforts have not only revitalized individual creativity but have also enhanced the overall community spirit among residents engaged with the arts.

Tully’s journey into the arts landscape began well before her time in Tallahassee. Before returning in 2022, she previously lived in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she played a crucial role in developing the St. Petersburg Arts District. There, she held the position of Director of the Morean Arts Center and was recognized as a respected potter. Her extensive background includes experience as a master jeweler and academic officer, as well as serving as President of Continuing Education for New York.

During her career in New York, she was selected to serve on a commission focused on helping the city rebuild following the September 11 attacks, showcasing her commitment to community recovery and development.

Tully’s return to Tallahassee was motivated by personal circumstances, including the illness of her mother, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a divorce. Since her arrival, she has been dedicated to sharing her passion for arts with the community, fostering opportunities for connection and expression within Tallahassee.

Despite her accomplishments and the connections she has built, Tully has expressed concern regarding the current political climate in the United States, which has played a role in her decision to leave. She has indicated a strong need for a supportive environment where she can replenish her energy, likening her capacity to contribute to having “spoons” to share with others.

Set to settle in San Miguel de Allende, a colonial city in Mexico renowned for its flourishing artistic community, Tully has purchased a home where she intends to host friends and immerse herself in the local culture. Her departure has drawn heartfelt responses from friends and community members, many of whom will miss her active presence and contributions.

Looking ahead, Tully remains optimistic about her new chapter in Mexico, anticipating the new connections and experiences that await her in her new home. Her departure from the Tallahassee arts community emphasizes the lasting impact she has made during her time in the city, and her legacy will continue to inspire those she has worked with.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: Katee Tully Starts New Chapter in Mexico
• Wikipedia: Tallahassee
• Tallahassee.com: A Queer History of Tallahassee
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
• Tallahassee.com: Anhinga Press Celebrates 51st Anniversary
• Google News: Tallahassee

Author: HERE Tallahassee