ARRAC to hold Open House to celebrate three years of service | Arts & Culture

November 2012 marks the beginning of Alabama River Region Arts Center’s 3rd year.  The first year volunteers worked tirelessly renovating the old Jr. High, painting, scraping old paint, acquiring furniture and setting up policies.  In 2012 ARRAC goals of developing repeatable programs produced the following program structure and continue to improve the facilities and policies.  Annual programs are M.U.G.S. Fest (Feb); Camp ARTumpka (summer); and Christmas Faire (Nov/Dec) programs.  The monthly structures are Blue Grass Jam; Sit ‘n Sew; Sit ‘n Scrap (first Saturday); and Clubs for Kids (Tuesday afternoons).  Still, a wide variety of classes are offered as artists, crafters, musicians, and singers, both experienced teachers and novices bring their talents to the people of the River Region. 

• M.U.G.S. Fest started a community film fest in addition to a collaborative mural painting that has been repeated four times; once at Chamber After Dark, a regular Three Seasons meeting and twice at Camp ARTumpka.
• Camp ARTumpka provided music, clay, found art sculptures, drawing and painting to 22 area and visiting children this past summer.  Resident artists with the help of visiting artists and student volunteers provided a nurturing and fun environment for children to experiment with new instruments and materials.
• Christmas Faire is six weekends of arts and crafts displaying unique handcrafted items such as quilts, jewelry, scarves, wreaths, toys, pottery, and more. made by local artisans all year long, for home decorations and gifts.
• The First Saturday has grown from two to three free programs bringing in over 20 musicians and a growing number of crafters for sewing and paper crafts.
• The Sunday Special showcases local talent to the community while fund raising for the Arts Center.  This program was successful in bringing upwards of 70 people to the Arts Center at one time. 
• Clubs, still $20 per month, now include DragonArt, paper crafting, pottery and quilting.
• Classes range from private to mid-size groups, one-day workshops to on-going classes, and music to pottery or sewing.  We continue to encourage the public to ask for a desired class of interest, suggest a time and day range so that we may contact area artists to fill the need.
• Instructors are welcome to use ARRAC facilities, as long as space is available.  The fee structure was recently reviewed with the current market.  We look forward to offering more attractive rates.

 
We hope that you will join us in kicking off our third year of service.  The Arts Center continues to be a place to provide programs, discover instruments and art materials; develop skills and talents without external pressures; and provide invaluable balance to this community.  Continued support is still greatly needed.  Please be generous with your time, donations and words this year.  To show our appreciation, we hope that you will join us for a Party/Open House for all members - current and past; and for supporters of Alabama River Region Arts Center.  The event will begin December 8th at 6:30 PM after the Christmas on the Coosa’s fireworks.  ARRAC will provide food and beverages as well as music entertainment. Dan Bass and his group will begin their performance at 7:45 PM.  RSVP – 334-578-9485