Hope Lions Hear Program On the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council

The Hope Lions Club heard from Jennifer Block, Executive Director of the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council on January 23rd.  Block explained how she came to the Arts Council and noted that she herself is an artist.  She noted the Arts Council is working on their 37th year.

Block talked about a number of Arts Council programs.  First up she talked about the “Arts In Education” program.  This program involves a professional artist who does an activity with local school students.  This program shows how the students can focus what they’re learning in the classroom into art.  The Arts Council serves about 700 students in the AIE program.  She said the Arts Council looks forward to helping the Hope Public Schools with some performing arts and journalism as they utilize their $15 million dollar magnet grant.

Block talked about some summer programs such a drama workshop.  She also talked about the “Art Park” behind Tailgaters and noted the Arts Council has started a community theater group.  Block also noted the Arts Council has a Youth Arts Show and Competition which features cash awards.

Block says the Arts Council will have several gallery shows this year and they’re also working on a fiction podcast.  The plans for the podcast are for it to be up and running next winter.

The Arts Council will hold a Sweetheart Dance which will allow young ladies to come with any family member.  Tickets are now available for that event.  She also talked about a show the Arts Council is sponsoring at Hempstead Hall called “Fairytales on Ice”.  This program is set for February 24th and tickets are now on sale at Hempstead Hall.

For information on the Arts Council you can call 777-8200.