Family Program: Dottie West "Country Sunshine" Catchers

Anna Clark
Nov 13, 2018
2 min read

Updated: Nov 22, 2018

This project served as my Internship Capstone at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

While interning with Youth and Family Programs in the Education Department at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, I had the opportunity to design and lead my own Family Program. I was inspired by the Hall of Fame's Inductee Class of 2018: Dottie West, Johnny Gimble, and Ricky Skaggs.

On December 8th, 2018, I led museum guests in creating sun-catcher ornaments inspired by Dottie West's hit single, "Country Sunshine." There were several components that had to be prepared leading up to the event: an event description, a lesson plan, a visual presentation with verbal supporting content, and craft examples. This project was so much fun to complete and I learned a great deal about Dottie West and her contribution to country music.

Family Program Description as Seen on the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Website

In 1973, country superstar and 2018 Hall of Fame member Dottie West released her hit single “Country Sunshine.” Come get in the holiday spirit by creating your own West-inspired sun-catcher ornament. Young artists will explore some of West’s famous costumes for decoration ideas, design their own ornament, and take a piece of “Country Sunshine” home. Ages 4 and up. Taylor Swift Education Center. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members. Limited seating.

Excerpts from Program Presentation

Dottie West grew up in McMinnville, TN and received a Music Scholarship to TN Tech right out of high school. Her music was inspired by artists like Willie Nelson, Lynn Anderson, and Dolly Parton. West was known for her vocal performance and songwriting ability.

She became the first woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her self-written song, “Here Comes My baby Back Again.” She also was asked to write “Country Sunshine,” the song inspiring today’s activity, for Coca-Cola in 1973. Coca-Cola used the song for a TV commercial.

West is considered a crossover artist. She started as a firmly rooted country artist, but as her career progressed, she shifted into pop music. Her style reflected this change. West’s outfits shifted from lace-trimmed southern bell dresses towards glamorously bedazzled suits.