Interview with Lauren Fancher, July 10, 2017

Partial Transcript: I came to Athens in September 1978...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about how she came to Athens, Georgia. Fancher talks about her educational experience and recalls the influence that the painter and director James Herbert had on her career choice.

Keywords: Athens, Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia; Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication; James Herbert

Partial Transcript: So, he was a great influence...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about the impact that her teachers at the University of Georgia had on her career. Fancher recalls some of the later famous artist who attended the University of Georgia, and the ways they served as inspiration to the rest of her graduating class.

Keywords: Patrick Klein; Randall Bewley; University of Georgia

Partial Transcript: Finished in '85, with a degree...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about the jobs she held shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia and the many jobs that were available to students around the time.

Keywords: El Dorado; Rick Hawkins; graphic design; work

Partial Transcript: And now, Athens has...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about the ways in which the job market around Athens, Georgia changed, as businesses became more technologicaly driven. Fancher talks about some of her interactions with members of well-known bands such as the B-52's and R.E.M.

Keywords: Micheal Stipe; Peter Buck; R.E.M

Partial Transcript: So it was a...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher describes Athens culture of the 1980's, as Athens was an isolated city. Fancher explains the ways in which R.E.M.'s fame changed the atmosphere of Athens in what she perceives to be a negative way.

Keywords: Athens, Georgia; B-52's; Pylon; R.E.M; dowtown, Athens

Partial Transcript: I have a number of friends...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about some of the old infrastructure around Athens, and how it was used by the local community as housing, clubs, and even for performances.

Keywords: Athens, Georgia; Stitchcraft; The Downstairs

Partial Transcript: I have to admit, that probably after...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher continues talking about how she came to start the band, The El Caminos along with her friends. Fancher explains what she brought to the band as the band's pianist.

Keywords: B & L Warehouse; Gene Spencer; Georgia Theater; Gwen Carter; John McMann; Kim Roe; The El Caminos; Tina Watley

Partial Transcript: So I bought songs, we...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about some of the music that the band El Caminos covered. Fancher talks about the changes in El Caminos, as members left, fought, and new members were added. Fancher shares a story about donating shoes to Gwen Carter and Kim Row.

Keywords: Gwen Carter; Hank Williams; Jack Harrison; Johnny Cash; Kim Row; Off the Wagon; The Potter's House; The Star Room Boys

Partial Transcript: The Star Room Boys really...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about the rise of country music in the United States. Fancher recalls that she became less involved in Athens music scene around the 1990's. Fancher talks about the art community around the city, as many artists had a culture that captured the "old" style of Athens. Fancher continues describing some of the art projects she did throughout Athens.

Keywords: Bill Paul; Patrick Kein

Partial Transcript: And then later, it was called the FuseBox...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher continues talking about some of the art shows she hosted around Athens. Fancher describes an art show held at the Morton Theater and the significance of the theater in reference to African American history.

Keywords: Bob Rousseau; Patrick Klein; The Grill; The Morton Thearte

Partial Transcript: So we formed a group we....

Segment Synopsis: Fancher lists some of the members of the Athens's art shown group called Apparatus. Fancher recalls how she applied for a grant through the Georgia Council for the Arts and received funds which allowed the Apparatus to put on additional shows around Georgia.

Keywords: Bill Paul; Charles Radliff; Heather O'Keeffe; Patrick Klein

Partial Transcript: You that is a sort of...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher shares a story about her experience putting on a show in an economically stratified community of Augusta, Georgia.

Keywords: Augusta, Georgia; Bill Paul; Georgia Council of the Arts

Partial Transcript: And I was like, whoa...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about how one of her shows held in Augusta, Georgia caused a disruption among the Athens community. Fancher explains how one of the featured artist, Bill Paul withdrew his work from the art show, and eventually accused Fancher of censoring his art work. Fancher describes how she didn't agree with the concepts behind Paul's work.

Keywords: Augusta, Georgia; Bill Paul

Partial Transcript: I don't regret that his work...

Segment Synopsis: Fancher talks about how Bill's actions during the show in Augusta, Georgia affected his future as an artist. Fancher reflects back on her career and some of the difficulties she has faced in working with some of the extreme personalities of artists around Athens, Georgia.

Keywords: Athens, Georgia; Augusta, Georgia; Bill Paul