Arts council has good year
Holiday Bazaar a HIT!
The SWAAC’s first annual Holiday Bazaar featuring hand-made items and collectibles from more than 20 artisans hosted more than 200 shoppers/buyers in its 17-hours of shopping frenzy time. The Thursday, Nov. 29 event was from 4 to 7 p.m. and held in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce “Hope for the Holidays” downtown event.
The Bazaar was held at the Arts Station at 200 East Division St. in Hope and featured hand-made items and collectibles including: One-of-a-kind egg ornaments in the intricate Ukrainian style (nine of which are still available and on display) painted, original holiday-themed pallets for yard decorations, hand-woven hot pads in a variety of colors, unique, Americana walking sticks, hand-crafted jewelry, painted rocks and bricks, wooden pens, post office mailbox banks, bird houses, wooden urns, bowls and platters, antique cameras, antique bottles from the defunct Hope Beverage Company, plus many other items.
Put Round 2 on your calendar for next holiday season, because this event will be returning during the holidays in 2019.
Council lists raffle winners
A colorful landscape by Arkansas artist Sue Allen Pico was the main item raffled off at the Holiday Bazaar. The winner was Tena Pilkington Carter of El Dorado, a native of Hope. The winner of the intricate-designed bowl from Maine was Dale Hicks from Hooks and the winner of the laser-cut Nativity scene was Mary Johnson of Hope. Congratulations, all!
Special young men
Ben Parkerand Zavier Cakleton, both 11, of Ashdown, dropped by the SWAAC office last week and asked a few questions about our mission. Then, to the surprise of everyone, they each gave a donation to the Arts Council. Narrisa Pack, Parker’s aunt, accompanied them; council members made her aware of how special these two young men are. The council presented them with two bows to put on presents for their thoughtfulness
Bicentennial Poetry Contest
There were few entries in the Bicentennial Poetry Contest but that did not keep the quality of entries from being excellent.
The poem adjudged the best of the best was by Debbie Cole of Texarkana and is reprinted below.
There once was a county created 1818, the 15th of
December,
and although small, it became quite the county to remember.
Located in a corner of Arkansas, in the Southwest
this diamond in the rough would give folks its best.
Named Hempstead, after Edward the American lawyer and pioneer,
he was one of the of the first congressional delegates to
travel from here.
Another two names history buffs may know
(Sam Houston and Davy Crockett)
who stopped here on their way to the Alamo.
The two men met a blacksmith in Washington one night,
who, then, for Jim, designed the famous Bowie knife.
That place has become the famous Old Washington State
Park,
and with many historians, it has left is mark.
The lakes there, such as Millwood, are mighty fine,
Hempstead has the oldest Magnolia tree, planted in 1839.
It also has a city famous for world-class watermelons so
large.
From where Clinton was born and the White House took
charge.
The city’s called Hope and home to Gov. Mike Huckabee,
and to those Klipsch music speakers that sound so lovely.
Hempstead is know for its poultry, soybeans, fruit and cattle.
and the long-ago loss of life in the Wilson’s Creek battle.
From the pages of yesteryear to current events in the county.
Hempstead County can offer to all a magnificent bounty.
Judge’s remarks: “This poem captures the history and unique culture of Hempstead County and I appreciate the effort in research it took to cover the county’s history.”
‘19 SWAAC shows at Hempstead
It’s still not too late to buy tickets for PETER PAN ON ICE!
One of the most anticipated shows of the year will be at
Hempstead Hall, Friday, February 22, 2019. What a Christmas
present for the entire family!
What makes this an extra-special show is not only ice-skating on
the Hempstead Stage but this is the world premier
of the show! The entire cast will be practicing the week prior to
the show at Hempstead Hall.
CALL 870-722-8565 or go to hempsteadhall.com for tickets.
SWAAC SETS SPECIAL CHILDREN’S SHOWS
The Tortoise and the Hare – 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. January 23, Children’s Show but all are invited. Classic tale comes to life! This Children’s Theater on Tour presentation takes this well-known tale and creates a vibrant stage performance for all members of the family.
The Emperor’s New Clothes – 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 2.
You heard it here first – Emperor. No clothes. Blindfolds optional. JUST KIDDING! G+ rating. Kids show but all are invited to attend. Go to hempsteadhall.com for tickets.
New gallery shows on tap
New gallery shows with riveting artists and historical themes are
in the planning stages for January and February at the Art
Station at 200 East Division in Hope. Check your local social
media news sites and the SW Ark Arts Council Facebook page
for details.
For sale at the Arts Council
Pallet painter Jason Smith of the Sutton Community has five holiday-themed pallets at the Arts Center (200 East Division Street in Hope) left from the Holiday Bazaar. Designed for yard decorations, they are $35 (small version) and $50 (larger pallet… shown). Smith will deliver free within 20 miles of Hope. Special orders are also available for messages or gifts, any season or floral or other design. Also available are nine eggs dyed in the unique Ukrainian style by master artist Sue Allen Pico of Clinton. Several of her watercolors are also on display and would make excellent Christmas presents.
Join the Arts Council today!
If you have not renewed your membership or if you know someone who has never been a member, please contact the Arts Council at 870-777-8200 or email to swaac13@gmail.com to get more information.
Our members not only provide general operating money for the Arts Council, they are responsible for providing the fiscal means to allow us to apply for matching grants which provide artists from around the state and other areas to working within area schools, enhancing the artistic opportunities of our children and grandchildren.
If you have a relative or friend who have not been a member, what better time to get on the bandwagon? Members get to attend members-only events at the Art Station and get this newsletter plus advance notice for upcoming shows in order to get the seats you want.
Need a good stocking stuffer gift: Buy that special someone a membership in the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council. Members start at $5 for students, $25 for individuals and $50 for couples.