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.

In the last year, the Arts of Collin County formed fundraising teams in each of the Owner cities of Allen (which also includes member city Fairview led by Mayor Sim Isrealoff), Frisco and Plano. The groups are volunteers of interested citizens who meet bi-monthly with Mike Simpson, executive director. The primary objective of the teams is multi-fold: brainstorm fundraising ideas, identify donor prospects, participate in fundraising events and donor meetings and be ambassadors for the project.

The teams have provided valuable feedback to the Arts of Collin County and serve as an important stakeholder – the citizens of the Owner and Member cities.

“The Fundraising teams function as important ambassadors in the community building awareness and generating opportunities with new donors,” states Mike Simpson, executive director of the Arts of Collin County.

“All of our Plano team members have a rich history of volunteering in so many capacities, always serving to enrich our community. They bring this high quality focus to the Arts of Collin County that allows them share how this project would make our cities wonderful places to live. It is a honor to part of the Arts of Collin County,” states James Muns, former Mayor of Plano and member of the Plano fundraising team.

The current fundraising teams are as follows:  (by alpha order by city)

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/ 121 just east of Custer Road at Exchange Parkway, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, sculpture garden, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute, view the virtual tour of the project and learn more, visit www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

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 includes volunteers’ at all levels of the organization. One such group is the Advisory Committee, comprised of 19 appointed representatives that serve 2 year terms with no term limits. The terms alternate so each year there is a balance of members with previous committee experience and new appointees. Their backgrounds include fine arts education, nonprofit arts organization leaders, facility management, elected officials and active community volunteers. The primary role is to provide input on the planning, policies and programming of the facility and to be the voice of various community interests in this process. During the design and fundraising phase, the Advisory Committee has provided feedback on the design of the arts hall and park as well as development of the buy a seat and paver program, marketing materials and served as volunteers at fundraising and community events. The committee meets bi-monthly at the Arts of Collin County office with Buzz Kolbe, Advisory Committee Chair and Executive Director Mike Simpson.

The committee is appointed by the Arts of Collin County Board of Directors. The 19 members are comprised of 1 representative from each Owner and Member city, Collin County, a representative from each Owner City School District of Allen, Frisco and Plano, Collin College, an arts organization from each Owner city, 2 At-large members from each Owner city and 1Ex-Officio Representative of the Board.

The current Advisory Committee listed below has renewed for another term.

• Debbie Stout, City of Allen
• To Be Appointed, City of Frisco
• Lissa Smith, City of Plano
• Aaron Chowning, City of Melissa
• Stephen Arnold, Town of Fairview
• Matt Shaheen, Collin County Commissioner
• Anthony Gibson, Director of Fine Arts, Allen Independent School District
• Dr. Daryl Trent, Director of Fine Arts Frisco Independent School District
• Ms. Kathy Kuddes, Director of Fine Arts, Plano Independent School District
• Dr. Gaye Cooksey, Dean of Fine Arts, Collin College
• Stefanie Best, Allen arts groups
• Julie Daniels, Frisco arts groups
• Alice Hobbs, Plano, arts groups
• Cherie Fruehan, At large – Allen
• Kathy Litinas, At large – Allen
• Rhonda Martin, At Large – Frisco
• Terry McCracken, At large – Frisco
• Buzz Kolbe, At Large – Plano (Chairperson)
• Barbara Buehler, At Large – Plano
• Dr. Betty Bell Muns, Ex Officio Representative

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/ 121 just east of Custer Road at Exchange Parkway, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, sculpture garden, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute, view the virtual tour of the project and learn more, visit www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

“Sunbelt Stone is excited to be a part of the Arts of Collin County and the impact it will have on our region,” stated Carpenter, founder and President of Sunbelt Sandstone. “We are very proud to be able to showcase our stone on this tremendous property for generations to come.”

The Sunbelt Stone sandstone donation brings the Arts of Collin County one step closer to a possible groundbreaking in April or May of 2010.

“We are in the final stages of assembling all the pieces of financing for the project and these significant private donations will help us reach the full funding goal very quickly. We are continuing to work closely with the Owner Cities to finalize the agreements by the end of March,” states Mike Simpson, executive director of the Arts of Collin County. “The Arts of Collin County is grateful to Sunbelt Stone and the Carpenter family for their contribution. The interior sandstone will be major focal point of the performing arts halls and will showcase Sunbelt’s quality,” continues Simpson.

Located on 155 acres on Formation #3 in San Saba County, Sunbelt Stone’s quarry produces some of the richest colors and structural properties when compared to other sandstone formations. Therefore, it is preferred sandstone for architects, builders, landscapers and masons because of the vast colors and minimal waste produced from working with the stone. As a local, natural product, the eco-friendly sandstone fits into the sustainable design of the Arts of Collin County project.

Editor’s Note: High-Res Image Available Upon Request

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and an additional $12 million financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/ 121 just east of Custer Road, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, sculpture garden, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute, view the virtual tour of the project and learn more, visit www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

The Arts for the Arts Breakfast will connect arts organizations from all over North Texas with the Arts of Collin County to facilitate a discussion on partnering to build a support network to promote the arts. Over ?arts organizations have been invited to attend. The breakfast is generously underwritten by The Westin Stonebriar.

Luncheon keynote speakers include Holly Reed, Regional Vice-President of External Affairs for AT&T who will share her perspective on why supporting the arts has been good business and the AT&T’s experience with the positive economic impact of the arts. She will also touch on the importance of companies investing in the quality of life of the communities they serve and where their employees live, work and raise families.

Following Reed Bernard Weinstein, Ph.D, Associate Director Maguire Energy Institute – Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, will address the financial and economic benefits of the arts and “Why the Arts are Good for Business.” Mike Simpson, Executive Director of the Arts of Collin County will share good news about the progress and “Paving the way to groundbreaking in Spring 2010.”

An investment in the Arts of Collin County benefits local companies, local employees and the overall quality of life that encourages economic growth to thrive and North Texas to sustain its national leadership role as a desirable hub for business and one of the “best places to live.” Additional philanthropic business, foundation and individual support are needed to make this a reality. In just the last 13 months, more than $3.3 million has been raised in the private sector.

The Arts of Collin County is not just about today, the project supports and enhances long range planning for sustained economic growth, strong home values and a quality of life rich in creativity, culture and community.

For an invitation to attend either Arts for the Arts or Business for the Arts, please call214-495-5810.Seating is limited and advance reservations are required. For more information about the Arts of Collin County, please visit www.artsofcollincounty.org.

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and an additional $12 million financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/ 121 just east of Custer Road, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, sculpture garden, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute, view the virtual tour of the project and learn more, visit www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

In November 2009, bid packages were sent to contractors and on December 9, 2009 bids were opened at the offices of Hunt Construction Group, the construction manager on the project. Hunt Construction Group team members and Mike Simpson opened bids from 265 contractors for over six hours. Hunt Executives stated it was the largest response to a bid they have ever seen.

The result: a cost reduction of over 24% versus the projected cost in May of 2008 and a savings of over $16 million in cost projections from early 2009. “Based on everything we had seen in other capital bids, this was the absolute best time to go to bid,” stated Mike Simpson, Executive Director of the Arts of Collin County. “Our total estimated cost in late 2008 and early 2009 was projected in the $86 million range, and now the initial guaranteed maximum price has come in at $69.9 million – we are ecstatic,” Continues Simpson. The final Guaranteed Maximum price will be presented by Hunt Construction Group by February 26.

The initial maximum price allows prospective donors to have a clear understanding of what the current fundraising goal is. “We want all the companies and individuals considering donating to the project to know just how close we are to breaking ground,” explained Bobby Baggett, President of the Arts of Collin County Board. “Before, we had been stating over 80% of the funding was in place. With the current construction bids, we can now announce that we are 95% of goal. Not only is this fantastic news for the North Texas arts community but it’s also a very timely project that will contribute greatly to the region’s continued economic recovery and growth. By taking advantage of this window of opportunity for these historical cost savings, this also ensures that we are delivering a financially prudent project for our three Owner cities, donors and citizens,” continued Baggett.

“The Arts of Collin County still needs an estimated $5 million to break ground and we are finalizing a plan to make that happen,” states Mike Simpson. “We plan to break ground by April or May. The Arts of Collin County has been successful in raising over $10.4 million in donations, however, some of that amount is payable in pledges during and after the construction period projected to go from 2010-2012, and just like any capital project involving pledges, not 100% of those pledges can be counted toward getting construction started. “Eighty-two percent of our pledges are from businesses and we are confident these dollars will be paid over the construction period,” said Simpson.

“The Arts of Collin County is now urging everyone to step forward and donate to this project. We still have major naming rights available for the 100+ acre site, including the arts park, performing arts hall and the theater itself, plus many other exciting elements.” Simpson said, “We know several companies and individuals will now step forward and make these important, significant contributions. Just as the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts did not have their major naming sponsor (now the AT&T Performing Arts Center) until about 30 days from grand opening. The Arts of Collin County is confident that high profile naming opportunities will be committed now that ground breaking is only two or three months away.”

Kevin Cain, Project Executive of Hunt Construction Group stated, “We are ready to go. We have some great companies dedicated to making this one of the finest performing arts centers in the state. It is a beautiful design, on a fantastic site with great accessibility.”

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and an additional $10 million financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/State Highway 121 and just east of Custer Road, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute and learn more, visit the ACC website at www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

Additional philanthropic foundation, business and individual support are needed to make this a reality for the community today and for generations to come. This investment is an investment that benefits families, local employees and the overall quality of life that allows economic growth to thrive and North Texas to sustain its national leadership role as a desirable hub for business and “best places to live.”

“By supporting the Arts of Collin County, Collin County families and corporations are demonstrating their leadership to ensure our region offers quality of life, cultural development and economic impact for generations to come,” states Mike Simpson. “The Arts of Collin County Commission is grateful for their support.”

As the project gets closer to reaching its fundraising goal, groundbreaking is in sight for Spring. The guaranteed maximum price for construction will be announced in February. With this final investment figure, the Arts of Collin County and owner cities can proceed with approval to break ground for phase 1 which includes a 2,100 seat state-of-the-art performing arts hall and arts park nestled among 100+ acres located at the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Exchange Parkway where the cities of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano meet. . Based on today’s market and low construction costs, the remaining funds needed are expected to between $8M and $10M.

A virtual tour of the project is available for viewing at www.artsofcollincounty.org also where online donations are accepted.

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 100+ acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, up to $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and an additional $17 million financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at Sam Rayburn Tollway/ 121 and Custer Road, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, sculpture garden, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute and learn more, visit the ACC website at www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

Sandra Yancey

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.

“As a Plano resident, I have a strong interest in this project. Our collective communities are built on wonderful principles and values and our infrastructure in leading edge,” states Mrs. Yancey. “The only missing element is a world-class arts center, and I would like to contribute to bringing it to our community.”

Yancey is best known for founding eWomenNetwork in 2001, an online networking database that connects women business owners and professionals. As CEO, Yancey has won numerous awards including Business Women’s Network and Microsoft’s 2005 Entrepreneur Star Award, Women’s Regional Publishing Association’s 2005 Advocate of the Year award and Enterprising Women’s Enterprising Women Advocacy Award in 2006. Yancey also founded the eWomenNetwork Foundation in 2001 and has donated thousands of dollars to women’s non-profit organizations and scholarship foundations.

“As we expand the Board to seven members, we looked for members with a corporate network and experience in fundraising as well as passion for the arts,” states E. Michael Simpson, Executive Director of the Arts of Collin County. “Sandra’s experience with nonprofits will add to the collective resources of the board.”

The Arts of Collin County Commission Board of Directors expanded from five to seven members in April of 2009 with two members representing each of the three Owner cities, Allen, Frisco and Plano and one at-large member. With Yancey’s appointment, the final At-Large Member position was filled.

“The Arts of Collin County Commission welcomes Sandra Yancey to the project. Her extensive experience in nonprofits, business development and collaboration will be an asset to our team,” states Bobby Baggett, President of the Arts of Collin County Commission Board of Directors.

The remaining representatives include Mr. Nick Barretta of Frisco, Mr. Bobby Baggett of Plano, Mr. Jim Minyard of Frisco, Dr. Betty Muns of Plano, Mr. Charles Nies of Allen and Mr. Craig Sundell of Allen.

For more information about the Arts of Collin County, visit www.artsofcollincounty.org.

About The Arts of Collin County

The Arts of Collin County (ACC) is a nationally recognized, innovative, public-private partnership to develop a 124 acre arts park. Co-owned by the cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, with operational support by member cities, Fairview and Melissa, the development of the arts park is supported with $57 million in bond monies, $3 million in Collin County Open Space Grant funds, and an additional $17 million financial support from private individuals, corporations and foundations. Located at State Highway 121 and Custer Road, the arts park will be completed in phases, with a 2,100-seat performing arts hall, performance meadow, and hike and bike trails included in Phase One. To contribute and learn more, visit the ACC website at www.artsofcollincounty.org or call 214-495-5810.

Abstract work by Annie Lee

Annie Lee: New Originals
Laura Moore Fine Art Studio
February 3 – March 10, 2010

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.

Moore says, “I’ve been blessed to be a part of this” [painting alongside Lee in her downtown McKinney studio.] Over the course of the last several months, Lee has wanted to push the development of her work by moving into a new style far removed from her trademark faceless figures. “I’m always painting something because I have to, for somebody, but this is fun! I’m usually so uptight. It’s totally fun to let loose. It feels like a relief to do abstracts.” Moore likewise has enjoyed the opportunity to paint with this art legend and relishes each opportunity to absorb, watch and learn alongside Lee including the occasional tidbit of painterly wisdom offered by Lee, such as, “Don’t you know a painting will tell you when it’s done?”

Lee’s work has long been a staple in any African American art collection and indeed does grace the collections of Will Smith, Bill Cosby and Eddie Murphy to name but a few of her notable collectors. This world premier of Lee’s abstract art is a must see and provides an interesting testament to this phase in Lee’s artistic career.

The resulting show “Abstracts by Annie Lee” opens with an artist’s reception on Saturday, February 13th 7-10 p.m. at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, 107 S. Tennessee in historic downtown McKinney. The exhibit will be on display through March 10th. Gallery is open Mon-Sat 1-5 p.m.

Laura Moore Fine Art Studios
107 S Tennessee
McKinney, Texas 75069
www.lauramooreart.com

DeLaughter, a native of South Korea, has been deeply influenced by the contrast in cultures. The customs and nuances of a five thousand year old society were oddly displaced when she arrived in the U.S. The earthy, rich colors and close relationships of small densely populated villages were challenged by a new and impersonal urban landscape. Human figures are engaged in the activities of daily life, but within a shadowy background from the primitive past. Bold, but imprecise brush marks leave a measure of ambiguity … like life itself.

DeLaughter lives in Dallas and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Fine Arts at Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas.

“Life Rhythms” is on display from November 14th – December 9th with an opening night reception from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 14th at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios located at 107 S Tennessee in McKinney.