Washington County Arts Council Announces Annual Meeting

The Washington County Arts Council (WCAC) invites the public to its Annual Meeting,  September 28 at 6 p.m. at the Washington County Public Library. The Board of Directors will be planning and discussing upcoming events after a brief business meeting and welcomes public input and ideas on serving the community and supporting the Arts. 

“We (the Board) are always open to ideas and programs that help our community experience the Arts through participation and hands on events. We are looking for a few good people to serve on our Board who believe in promoting the Arts which connect us with past, present and future as well as with each other,” states current WCAC president, Karen Roland.

Currently new paintings are on view at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce offices on 5th St. The Chamber has partnered with the Arts Council in providing a public space in which local artists can show their work on a continual basis. Ray Walden, Dale Estka and Karen Roland have paintings on display in the lobby and hallway but a new group of artists have joined in the display. “Folk Art by the Art Folk” is featuring paintings from the art program led by Beth Watford at the ARC of Washington-Holmes Counties, Inc. in Chipley. The ARC of Washington-Holmes Counties promotes opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to participate in the same life events as do the other citizens of Florida. All paintings are for sale by contacting the artist.

Over the past year the WCAC promoted the Arts through a variety of events. Last November. The Arts Council organized a bus trip to Colquitt, Georgia to view the town’s famous murals, enjoy a wonderful buffet at the Terrer Inn and experience live theatre at the home of “Swamp Gravy” by attending an evening performance of “May Haw”.

 Local artists were provided with a marketplace for their original art and handcrafts at the Annual Chipley Christmas Festival in December. In February of this year, the WCAC offered a series of photography workshops by Emmanuel Vann culminating with a hands-on workshop at the Falling Waters State Park, “Legends & Lore Festival” in April. The Arts Council also had a photo display featuring Avery Wood of New Mexico and attracted Plein Air Artists from Tallahassee, Niceville, Panama City as well as locally to paint the living history. This afforded festival-goers an opportunity to see a painting made from start to finish and interact with the artists during the process.

The Washington County Arts Council awarded its annual $500 college scholarship to Chipley High School Senior Cecil Mathis based on his outstanding essay and his pursuit of a Fine Arts Education. He has enrolled in Chipola this fall.

Our “Summertime Magic” Art Show during the Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival in June drew artists and art from throughout the region to compete for prizes. An Awards Reception featured delicious refreshments sponsored by Community South Credit Union.

At the Annual Outdoor Expo in Chipley, November 20 & 21, the Arts Council in partnership with Pippin Appraisal will be hosting a photography display featuring entries from our Youth Photo Contest. Ribbons and prize money will be offered and the contest is open to students in Washington County.

Future plans are in the works also for a dance in February and another bus trip to an Arts event. Please bring your ideas and enthusiasm to the Annual meeting. All are welcome. For more information please visit www.washingtoncountyarts.org.