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Comments from a cog
Promoting and sponsoring cultural programs in all areas of the arts for the general community betterment is the purpose of the Emanuel Arts Council, as stated in its bylaws. "Community betterment?" you may ask yourself. What does that mean? Well, I'll tell you. Having the arts available to the people of Emanuel County and its surrounding areas greatly enhances the quality of life here. Not only is it more interesting for those of us who live here, it can encourage people (and businesses) to move here. With gallery openings at the Kalmanson and Gallery RFD along with art exhibited in various venues and a live concert in downtown Swainsboro, the Second Saturday Art Strolls have created interest in our little city and made it a destination for those who want to explore unique opportunities to experience the Arts. In fact, during his remarks opening the recent Arts Emanuel festival, Swainsboro Mayor Charles Scwhabe stressed the importance of the arts in our community. In general, the public may not know how much the EAC actually does. I am sometimes amazed at what is happening here. Are you aware of the LaPetite Series for Young Audiences? This program brings live, professional performances to school-age children in Emanuel County. An opportunity not usually available to youngsters in rural areas, it is coordinated each year by the EAC and the Emanuel County Board of Education. Guided gallery tours with accompanying workshops are also available for groups of children and others. There are Super Saturday Arts and Crafts workshops for kids each month; other workshops are being planned for adults. Live performances with local artists and professional touring company are organized by the arts council. Each month free Art Stroll concerts are coordinated by the Gallery RFD and funded by the Downtown Commission for Arts and Commerce. The Emanuel Arts Council is a member of this commission, along with Gallery RFD, Daniels Chevrolet, The Forest-Blade, Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, Radio Jones, Mill Creek Foundation, Nordson Foundation and Georgia Rural Economic Development Center at East Georgia College. Community theatre productions and live musical performances such as the Emanu'Ole Opry and upcoming Dayfall concert are facilitated by the EAC. See all that is produced by the machine known as the Emanuel Arts Council and all of its proud little cogs. Occasionally, however, we have to grease the gears so that we can keep running smoothly- and that grease is provided by our members. Not only do we need financial support of the membership, we need for you to come out to events and be part of the arts experience. And volunteers are always welcome; they would be the additional gears that enhance the operation of our machine. Belts and pulleys would represent the support given to us by local government, the Emanuel County Commission and the City of Swainsboro. Okay this is turning into "The Little Arts Council that Could." Rather than becoming even more engrossed in my image of arts council as machine, I will just invite you to join us. For more information, you can call (478) 237-2592 or visit the Arts Center at Green and Church Streets in Swainsboro. You can also learn about us at EmanuelArts.org. Joan Dunn is an artist, member of the Emanuel Arts Council Board of Directors and President of the Emanuel Artists Guild. She is interested in learning about creative arts efforts throughout the area. Contact her at joan-of-art@nctv.com.
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