Since the inception of the Arts of Collin County, the phrase “it takes a village” has perfectly described the level of teamwork, collaboration, volunteer hours and investment to develop the 100+ acre arts park and performance hall for all of North Texas to enjoy for generations.
Collaboration is at the heart of the arts park and performing arts hall project planned for the Arts of Collin County. From the start, hundreds of volunteers came together with a vision for a significant cultural space to be shared among the entire region.
The Arts of Collin County has received a significant contribution to the project in the form of an in-kind donation of sandstone, valued at $100,000, from Sunbelt Stone. The sandstone will be used on the interior walls of the Arts of Collin County’s 2,100-seat performing arts hall. Sunbelt Stone is owned by Scott and Lisa Carpenter, formerly of Plano and now a Highland Park resident.
Supporting the arts is good business. Just ask North Texas based businesses AT&T, Hall Office Park, The Westin Stonebriar, Mario Sinacola & Sons and Darling Homes about their experience in investing in the arts to enrich their business community, employees and legacy. The Arts of Collin County will host a two-part session, “Arts for the Arts” breakfast and “Business for the Arts” luncheon to spread this valuable message to other business and arts leaders in the area. Both events will be held February 25, 2010, at The Stonebriar Westin Resort in Frisco. The business luncheon is sponsored by AT&T, Hall Office Park, The Westin Stonebriar, Mario Sinacola & Sons and Darling Homes. Businesses in the North Texas area are invited to attend. Please call 972-335-3330 or go online www.artsofcollincounty.org/rsvp to reserve your place.
The Arts of Collin County Commission Board of Directors and their Executive Director, Mike Simpson have invested months of strategic planning and discussion on the importance of timing to bid Phase 1 of the project. Based on recent results of other capital projects awarded in the three Owner cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano during 2009, the Arts of Collin County decided to bid the project in order to secure the best possible construction price. In addition, by proceeding with the bidding, the Arts of Collin County Board of Directors will establish an exact figure of the final donations needed to be raised to proceed with Phase I.
During the last weeks of December 2009, several Collin County families came forward and donated more than $135,000 to the Arts of Collin County. More than 37 families and individuals donated gifts ranging from $25 – $50,000. More than just the holidays and year-end donations, these gifts signify the community’s appreciation of the contribution of the arts and commitment to investing in a cultural community. The Arts of Collin County is not just about today, but long range planning for sustained economic growth, strong home values and a quality of life rich in creativity, culture and community.
Business woman Sandra Yancey has been appointed as an At Large Member of the Arts of Collin County Commission. Sandra, her husband Kym and their two children have been strong supporters of the arts community for a number of years.
A funny thing has been happening in the studio. After a lifetime of painting in the “black Americana” style, the renowned artist Annie Lee has ventured into the realm of abstract art. Lee started painting at the age of nine when she was accepted into a children’s painting program at the Art Institute of Chicago. Her style has remained consistent, throughout her 60+ year painting career. However, newfound styles emerge from this seasoned artist as she embarks upon a new painting process in the studio of local artist Laura Moore.
Cultural influences converge in the large-scale format oil paintings by Dallas-based artist Jenny DeLaughter in the exhibition, “Life Rhythms”, featured at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios in downtown McKinney, Texas.
DFW Art Models — If you're itching to do some figure drawing, check out DFW Art Models for info, classes and gatherings.
www.dfwartmodels.com
John Palmer — Contemporary self-taught, Houston artist working in a variety of media including paint and sculpture.
www.johnpalmerart.com
