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Arts Council holds its first-ever open house THOMASVILLE - The Arts Council of Thomasville (ACT) hailed its First Annual Open House a success Saturday evening, Feb. 21. Local artists exhibited their work throughout the Champion House, the site of the event, while local performers entertained supporters with a variety of musical and theatrical performances. "This is really a gala," said Nina Tocci, ACT vice-president. "It is meant to be an evening of great entertainment for the public and our benefactors. We want everyone to know that we are interested in promoting every aspect of the arts. We hope to offer a medium for writers’ workshops, stage and voice performances and artists." "We were very pleased about the turnout, considering that it was our first event of this kind, meant to introduce the 2004 season and raise money," said Margie McKinley, Council treasurer. Appointed in February 2003 by the City of Thomasville, the purpose of the ACT is to promote literary, theatrical and educational events for Thomasville and surrounding communities. "We were particularly excited about our art exhibitors. This is the first time artists have had such a venue for exhibiting their work," McKinley explained. Several local artists displayed portraits, landscapes and still life art. Alice McGuffie’s edible chocolate art added a unique twist to the evening with a display of assorted chocolate delicacies. Entertainment for the evening spotlighted several local vocalists performing a variety of Broadway show tunes. George Weeks performed songs from "Oliver’’ and Carousel." Katie Craddock, dressed as the Glamour Cat, performed "Memory" from the acclaimed musical "Cats." Other performers included a reunion of the "You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown" cast, Bridgette Shewmake, Karen Dean and Greg Clardy. The council touts itself as an alternative to Thomasville’s already thriving sports program. As with most endeavors of the artistic forum, public support and sponsorship is vital. The council established a contribution program in consideration of the area’s varied socioeconomic means. The council has non-profit status as an entity of the City of Thomasville. Contributions will be used to pay royalties on productions and to sustain the council’s annual program of events. "We are ultimately working hand in hand with the city and civic center committee to obtain an auditorium for stage productions and an art gallery," said Dean. "We must perform smaller productions until a large enough facility is available for use." The group currently performs in the Thomasville High School Cafeteria. McKinley looks forward to the Thomasville Book Festival scheduled for May 15 Sponsored by the Council, the book festival will recognize local writers and feature Kathryn Tucker Windham. In addition to the council’s scheduled season, the group will entertain on the Thomasville Theater stage during the Rose Festival in October. Performances will include musical numbers and excerpts from ACT productions. For more information about participating in one of the Council’s upcoming events, contact Dean at 334-636-2639. To contribute to the Art Council of Thomasville write to ACT, 117 Wilson Avenue, Thomasville, Alabama 36784.
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