Mary Muse in 2017 at a restaurant near Gruene Music Hall, New Braunfels, Texas. “She knew I would love Gruene,” says Nina Simmons of Muse’s love of hospitality. (Photo courtesy of Nina Simmons)

Mary Kathleen Muse, 67, who retired from the venue industry in 2012 to run the Kerrville (Texas) Folk Festival with her husband Bill, passed away Jan. 23 in San Angelo, Texas. Muse is remembered by many for her joyful spirit, magnetic personality, and passion for people. 

She was a mentor and friend to Lynda Reinhart, CVE, O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Fla., who met Muse when she first joined IAVM. “She helped me learn the ropes,” Reinhart said, adding that they have been close friends ever since, even after Muse left the association. Reinhart loved that “Mary always spoke her mind.” 

Her last venue role was as Director for The Adams Center at the University of Montana in Missoula from 2002-2012. Muse was an active member of IAVM from 2001-2012, serving on numerous committees, including Certification, Universities and External Affairs. 

Born Feb. 5 in Amarillo, Texas, Muse died just two weeks shy of her 68th birthday. Her husband circulated the following tribute the next day: 

“By now, most of you know — Mary Kathleen Muse died last night at 6:30 p.m. in San Angelo, Texas. Mary was born February 5, 1958, in Amarillo, Texas. She died just two weeks shy of her 68th birthday. In between, Mary lived a full, rich life.  

Mary loved people above all else. Although we have little in financial terms, Mary and I have considered ourselves very wealthy by virtue of the treasures of friendship and love of so many incredible people. Because of her beautiful open heart, Mary had the amazing ability to draw a diverse and eclectic group of people to her everywhere she went. And she truly saw the beauty and the worth in everyone, so she did not discard anyone, but rather held them in her heart and in her memory forever. She touched countless lives, and she cherished them all.” 

IAVM’s Nina Simmons is among those she touched and kept. Simmons met Muse at IAVM, and was planning to visit Feb. 10 to help the Muses as Mary battled cancer. Simmons will never forget the fun they had at IAVM meetings. One memory took place at VenueConnect in Anaheim, when the two were among members gathered in the hotel ballroom when an earthquake struck. Neither was from “earthquake country,” Simmons recalls, so they were struggling to remember what to do. They looked at doorways (‘get under a doorway,’ they say), but there were too many people to crowd there. They headed to an emergency stairway, which they knew, as venue professionals, would be reinforced. They were surprised when they learned that the stairway is also built to sway, an architectural precaution in California. 

Their adventure finally led them outdoors, where they spotted another conference group, all police officers, exiting another hotel. “We

Nina Simmons, Carol Moore, CVE, Susette Hunter, Mary Muse, CVE, and Janie Jones on vacation at Ocracoke Island, N.C., Nov. 3, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Nina Simmons)

thought, ‘they know what to do; we’re going where they go,’” Simmons chuckles. They all ended up huddled on an island in the middle of the divided roadway and had a grand time. 

Reinhart, Simmons, Carol Moore, CVE, and Muse are all among an informal subset of the IAVM family known as the Kudzu Queens, named after an invasive vine that also has medicinal benefits. Moore recalls the KQ gatherings, an annual event at IAVM and other times during the year. Mary loved to host the Kudzu Queens in Texas, showing off her stomping grounds and the Kerrville Folk Festival. “She was so articulate,” Moore remembers.    

Bill continued: 

“She loved all of you just as dearly as we all love her. I use the present tense because our love for this beautiful woman will never die. 

Mary’s love of music was boundless. From her earliest years, hearing Western Swing and Country music performed by her Dad, Hal Williams, through her childhood learning to sing and create harmonies in the Church of Christ, to the years we spent through the 1990an s traveling and performing together, to the years that were a labor of love, leading the Kerrville Folk Festival, music was always an essential part of Mary’s life.  

Indeed, The Festival, as she always referred to it, reflected everything that was important to Mary. It values people of every background and identity, it is the birthplace, the nursery, and the hallowed hall of original music. As you all know, it was the place we met, and it was the place we fell in love, and it redefined us for the rest of our lives, connecting us not only with each other, but with the friends that we hold so dear. 

Mary loved laughter. And she operated with the philosophy that a good martini or a glass of fine wine and a smoke, along with thoughtfully crafted music were oils that made life run smoothly. She never really gave up smoking, try as she might. Although never consumed by alcohol, she certainly enjoyed consuming it with good friends. She also considered herself a foodie, and most of our most cherished memories as a couple were wrapped around a great meal. 

Along with her chosen family, Mary loved her birth family as well. She is survived by her mother, Barbara Williams, her brother, Ron Williams, a niece, a nephew, and many cousins. Mary’s cousin Steve and his wife Ilse are 2 of our dearest friends. She is also survived by her beloved Jackson and by me. I should tell you that she was able to spend her last night cuddling with Jackson [their pet dog].” 

Moore remembers Bill and Mary as The Two Muses, performing in Kerrville after their touring days in the 90s. Her musicianship was a gift and a passion. “She took the Kerrville Festival to a whole new level with her music and venue backgrounds,” Moore said. Moore was so looking forward to the chance to celebrate 68 with Mary Muse on that Feb. 10 trip, but it was not to be. 

Bill concluded: 

“I have loved this beautiful woman since 1993, and my love for her is the core of my being. I have tried to express my love to her in song many times, but never adequately. On the last day of her life I held her hand for hours and hours and whispered my boundless love to her, but it was not enough. I can’t help thinking of the countless moments in the past 32 years that I could have told her, could have shown her better. I just hope that she understood how deeply loved and beautiful she was.   

Please hold her in your hearts and celebrate this rare and remarkable person.” 

The multi-million-dollar initiative brings acclaimed artists into the heart of Washington, D.C.’s brand-new arena, positioning the venue as a year-round cultural destination

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) today unveiled the Phase One artists selected for the District Arts Collection, a multi-million-dollar, multi-year cultural initiative transforming Monumental’s brand-new arena into a living, breathing civic landmark at the heart of downtown Washington, D.C.

Through original commissions, iconic photography, and historically significant memorabilia, the Collection will weave art and storytelling throughout every level and the exterior of the new Capital One Arena, reinforcing the arena as a shared public asset shaped by fans of MSE’s teams and the community. Created in partnership with leading arts curator Sports & The Arts and supported by sports memorabilia media platform cllct, the District Arts Collection reimagines the modern sports and entertainment venue as a year-round cultural destination—one that reflects the spirit, history, and creative power of the DMV region.

“As we reimagine what a modern arena can be, our focus has always extended beyond the games and events we host,” said Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman, Managing Partner & CEO of MSE. “We are building a place that reflects Washington, D.C.—its creativity, diversity, and energy—and serves the community every day of the year. The District Arts Collection brings that vision to life by elevating artists whose work captures the character of this region and our teams, adding a distinctive artistic layer to the arena environment.”

Phase One of the District Arts Collection features a dynamic group of artists whose work spans disciplines, lived experiences, and generations, each contributing a distinct voice to the evolving story of Washington, D.C.:

• Michael Crossett, a mixed media artist and designer, is known for layered, high-energy compositions that merge digital photography, screen printing, and industrial materials such as concrete and metal. His work explores the intersection of urban life, contemporary design, and nostalgia, creating immersive pieces that resonate across cultures and audiences. Crossett was selected through MSE’s open Call for Artists in spring 2025 and his multi-layered cityscape with three-dimensional wood accents can be found in the Lexus Vaults.
• Candice Tavares, a self-taught wood artist, creates emotionally resonant works that celebrate beauty, identity, and shared humanity. Drawing from her roots in woodworking and her career as a palliative care pharmacist, Tavares uses art as both healing practice and cultural affirmation—challenging narratives and honoring the diversity of hair, skin tones, and family life. Tavares was selected through the Call for Artists and her three Wizards-themed wood pieces featuring Wes Unseld, Bob Dandridge, Elvin Hayes, and John Wall can be found in the Lexus Vaults.
• Riad Hosein, a partially blind BIPOC artist specializing in oil, charcoal, and watercolor, brings a powerful perspective shaped by resilience and global training. After vision loss paused his artistic career, Hosein returned to the medium following advanced study in Spain under master watercolorist Álvaro Castagnet. His work has since appeared in international exhibitions, major film and television productions, and global publications. His three watercolors featuring Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and Mick Jagger can be found in the Lexus Vaults.
• Harry Benson, one of the most celebrated photojournalists of the past century, brings an extraordinary archive of history captured through his lens. Over a career spanning seven decades, Benson has photographed 13 U.S. presidents and countless cultural icons, from Martin Luther King Jr. and Queen Elizabeth II to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. His work is held in prestigious collections worldwide and was the subject of the acclaimed documentary Harry Benson: Shoot First. More than 100 of Benson’s photographs will be hung throughout MSE’s brand-new arena and the adjoining downtown campus.
• Bart Forbes, a renowned painter and illustrator, is widely recognized for his sports imagery and contributions to American visual culture. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, TIME, and major corporate and civic commissions, including more than 20 commemorative U.S. postage stamps. Forbes’ art is also included in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., neighboring Capital One Arena. Forbes’ oil painting depicting Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal celebration can be found in the Lexus Vaults, as well as his watercolor and graphite depictions of Ovechkin standing with his most important awards and trophies over his career.
• Stanley Silver, whose vibrant contemporary and abstract works have been exhibited in leading galleries, museums, and stadiums nationwide, brings richly layered compositions that capture both the personality of his subjects and deeper meaning beneath the surface. His work has also appeared in popular television series such as Entourage, Two and a Half Men, and Ballers, underscoring his broad cultural reach. His mixed media on canvas featuring an aerial map of Washington, D.C. can be found at the entrance to the United Globe Lounge.
• Stephen Wilkes, a photographer, filmmaker, and National Geographic Explorer, is renowned for his Day to Night series, which compresses hours of time into a single breathtaking image. His work blends fine art, documentary, and photography, including projects for National Geographic, New York Times Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Netflix, Rolex, Apple, and Nike. Wilkes’ acclaimed Ellis Island: Ghosts of Freedom helped preserve the historic site and was named one of TIME’s 5 Best Photography Books of the Year.

Envisioned as a long-term community investment, the District Arts Collection is being integrated into Capital One Arena in phases as part of MSE’s $800 million+ arena transformation, creating an evolving experience that will grow over the coming years. The artworks unveiled today are on display on the arena’s reimagined event level, including the Lexus Vaults and United Globe Club & Lounge, providing an early look at the Collection in action. As construction continues, the District Arts Collection will expand throughout every level and the exterior of the venue, ultimately featuring several dozen artists. Future artist announcements, installations, and public-facing programs will roll out through the start of the 2027–2028 NBA and NHL seasons. These efforts will establish a fully immersive, arena-wide cultural experience that reflects the creativity, history, and energy of the community.

“Sports & The Arts are excited to curate the District Arts Collection featuring a diverse group of talented artists,” said Tracie Speca-Ventura, Founder of Sports & The Arts. “The collection elevates the fan experience through dynamic storytelling and vibrant installations throughout the venue, showcasing memorable moments through artist interpretations. Our direct collaboration with Monumental has been an outstanding partnership, and the resulting synergy enables the creation of a truly compelling collection.”

In addition to commissioned artworks, the District Arts Collection includes historically significant memorabilia that deepens the arena’s role as a shared civic archive. Among the inaugural pieces is a signed Martin Luther King Jr. ticket folder from United Airlines, on loan from Darren Rovell and cllct, MSE’s Official Cultural History and Collectibles Partner. The artifact—housed in the United Globe Club—originates from a 1963 flight during which King signed the ticket folder of fellow passenger Walter Kramer, a moment preserved as a powerful reminder of history encountered firsthand.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Monumental on this project,” said Darren Rovell, Founder of cllct. “While we obviously plan on bringing in many pieces to Capital One Arena, knowing that United was making such a commitment made it a natural for me to loan this incredible piece to the space.”

Through the District Arts Collection, MSE is setting a new national standard for how sports and entertainment organizations can authentically uplift local culture, positioning the new arena not only as a home for unforgettable games and performances, but as a living gallery and shared landmark for generations to come. Today’s announcement comes as Phase Two of arena construction is underway, a key part of MSE’s broader efforts to revitalize downtown Washington, D.C., and reinforce the District’s status as a global sports and entertainment capital, in partnership with the District. By taking a 360-degree approach to reimagining the fan experience—blending cutting-edge technology, immersive design, and community impact—MSE is creating a high-tech, high-touch venue designed to inspire millions of visitors annually for the next 25 years.

For more information on the District Arts Collection, visit districtmomentum.com/Arts-Collection.

Rendering of Renovated Entry. Photo courtesy Cobb Convention Center Atlanta.

The new logo is a dynamic, radial “C” that conveys energy, movement, and connection—reflecting the Cobb Convention Center’s role as a vibrant hub for events in Cobb County and metro Atlanta. Its layered geometry suggests multiple “C”s within, creating a sense of rhythm and architectural precision. 

• Exhibit Halls – New tunable LED lights with three color temperatures and color-changing capabilities; a new Grab N’ Go market in Hall A and renovated fixed food outlets in the additional three halls; renovated restrooms 
• Ballroom and prefunction– new carpet, wall coverings, chandeliers, wood finishes, restrooms, lighting systems and speakers 
• Rotunda – new terrazzo flooring, glass railings, wood finishes (complete) and signature sculptural chandelier (April 2026) 
• New fixed and digital signage throughout 
• Renovated, state-of-the-art kitchen with all-new equipment, pastry kitchen and expanded pantry 

• An exciting new, two-story grand entryway  
• A new, 7,200-square-foot junior ballroom   
• 11 new meeting rooms and an executive boardroom, totaling 24,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting room space with enhanced graphics and technology   
• A unique, 11,000-square-foot outdoor event courtyard and a separate garden, both allowing natural lighting to penetrate interior conference room spaces  
• New, connected parking with covered, all-weather access into the expanded facility   
• Overall addition of 13,000 square feet of indoor event space 

Heather Peeples, Fiscal & Operational Support Manager, Orange County Convention Center

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Peeples as its new Fiscal and Operational Support Manager. Peeples was officially appointed by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and the Board of County Commissioners during the Jan. 13 board meeting.

Peeples will be responsible for day-to-day oversight of the OCCC’s financial and administrative functions including budgeting, client billing, procurement, internal audits, payroll, and the continuation, development, and implementation of fiscally responsible operational practices within the Center. She will function as the division’s manager ensuring fiscal operations, contract administration, sourcing, lease administration, and quality assurance sections operate as a unified system.

“Heather has consistently demonstrated the insight, integrity and strategic thinking needed to guide our fiscal and operational functions,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “Her appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to support the Center’s long‑term success and ensure we remain strong stewards of public resources.”

Peeples has served the OCCC since January 2023 as a Quality Assurance Specialist, where she strengthened operational efficiency and policy development across the organization. In that role, she conducted reviews of administrative and operational functions, recommended improvements, supported the development and refinement of Center‑wide policies and procedures, researched industry best practices and emerging technologies, collaborated with staff to develop and monitor performance metrics, and served as the primary liaison to the Orange County Comptroller’s Office on audit inquiries.

Prior to joining the OCCC, Peeples held key public‑sector roles including Parks Support Service Manager for Brevard County, Florida, and Senior Policy Analyst for Leon County, Florida, where she gained extensive experience in policy analysis, operational planning, and organizational improvement.

Peeples is a two‑time alumna of Florida State University, earning bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and Political Science, followed by a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy Analysis.

The department of Special Event Facilities at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is thrilled to announce that Kristina Hill has been appointed Executive Director of College Park Center and Texas Hall, leading two of the University’s most prominent venues for athletics, performances, and special events.

Hill has served as the Director of Event Operations since 2023, leading both the Event Services and Production Services teams. During this time, she led bookings for both venues and built strong partnerships with our campus partners, external clients, and our city and regional stakeholders. She took over as interim-General Manager in the fall of 2025, and led the team through an exceptionally busy season, providing steady leadership and an unwavering commitment to our clients.

“I’m thrilled to have Kristina leading our amazing team,” said Chris Fulton, Assistant Vice President of Auxiliary Enterprises at UTA. “She is an exceptional venue management leader who brings both high standards and a people-first approach to everything she does. Kristina leads with heart, she looks for excellence in every detail, and she has a proven ability to build relationships that elevate the experience for our campus, our community, and every guest who walks through our doors. Just as important, she understands the incredible talent and dedication of this team, and I know she will continue to champion them as we build on the outstanding work already happening at CPC and Texas Hall.”

Before joining UTA, Hill brought more than a decade of experience in event coordination and hospitality, including roles with Harmony Wedding Chapel, Arlington-based iEntertainment, and the Hurst Conference Center, where she managed over 2,500 events, ranging from weddings to graduations, galas and more.

“It has truly been so rewarding to lead this team over the past few months,” said Hill. “I love what I do, and working alongside colleagues who are equally passionate makes the work incredibly meaningful. I’m honored to step into this role permanently and excited to see where we will go in the years ahead.”

Hill earned a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of North Texas in 2012. A  self-proclaimed college sports enthusiast with a passion for hospitality, she is excited to lead the continued success and growth of College Park Center and Texas Hall.

Please join us in welcoming Kristina Hill as the new Executive Director of UTA Special Event Facilities!