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Having a heart for the arts in Tate County
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| By: Melissa Turner, News Editor |
October 06, 2009 |
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Just because Tate County is considered a "rural" area, don't think we don't have our share of culture.
In fact, there is a community group dedicated to bringing arts events to our residents, especially our children, in a way that will enrich their lives.
The Sycamore Arts Council was formed in 1981 by a group of citizens who wanted to "foster, promote and encourage existing cultural and educational organizations and to assist in the establishment of new cultural facilities in fields where none exists."
Now in its 28 year, the Council is continuing its commitment to "a better future for our community through the arts." The organization is now in the midst of its annual membership drive.
In the past, the Sycamore Arts Council has sponsored diverse programs such as history lectures, coloring contests, and the popular "Pickin in the Park" concert series at Gabbert Park.
This year offers a full slate of arts and cultural activities for Tate County.
Many people may not know, but the Sycamore Arts Council sponsors the design and sale of Christmas cards by Baddour Center residents. Local artists supervise and assist the residents, whose artwork is featured in the series of cards each year.
This season, plans include the return of the Pickin' in the Park concert, scheduled for Senatobia's Mayfair celebration in May 2010.
Another community favorite is the Christmas Musicale, held each December at the Historic Senatobia Junior High Auditorium. Several years ago, the Musicale was the debut for a restored Steinway piano which was funded with pennies from area school children - a project dubbed "Pennies for the Piano."
New this year will be sponsorship of "Folklorist History" in conjunction with the 2010 Senatobia Sesqui-centennial Celebration.
Sycamore Arts will also sponsor "Painting in the Park" at Gabbert Park on Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
If you're an artist, bring your supplies and lunch. If you just want to watch artists at work, you can do that too. The event is free for participants and viewers.
The Council also plans to continue its Arts in Education programs, bringing arts education to local schools.
Among the special events slated for the 2009-2010 season is a visit by storyteller Doris Jones, who will present her "Literary Magic" program at all public elementary schools and Magnolia Heights. Other guests planned to visit Tate County include folklorists Andy Cohen and Larken Bryant, and a presentation on the Blues by Wilson Harris.
For the sixth year, the group will also sponsor a county-wide judged student art show at the Northwest Mississippi Community College Atrium.
Sycamore Arts also contributes to an art supply scholarship fund for NWCC students.
Like many community-minded organizations, though, Sycamore Arts can only do these things with the support of those in their communities.
Single memberships for Sycamore Arts start at $42.50, and other contributions are always welcome.
For more information, call 662-202-4492 or log on to www.sycamorearts.com.
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©The Democrat 2009
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