Chat: Council director answers questions
Originally published 01:29 p.m., May 30, 2008
Updated 01:29 p.m., May 30, 2008
Emporia Arts Council Executive Director Melissa Windsor answered readers’ question in an online chat Thursday. Here is a transcript of the session:
Q How soon will the Granada Theatre be open? I think that you do an awesome job with the kids !
A The Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance is the organization that owns and oversees the Emporia Granada Theatre project. While the Emporia Arts Council plans to partner with the EGTA for many of our performances, “When will the Granada Theatre open?” is a question for the EGTA. The Emporia Arts Council is certainly excited about the opening of the theater, too! We appreciate your positive feedback about our involvement with area children. EAC works hard to seek new ways to improve and grow our art educational programming. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a special word of appreciation to the Emil Babinger Charitable Trust for their continued support which allows EAC to enhance educational opportunities for children and families, as well as conduct outreach activities with our new Art Mobile.
Q My children participate in some of your classes during the summer and I was wondering if the EAC ever considered doing a separate summer long program kind of like art camp. Instead of Camp Alexander or Salvation Army Day Camp or a baby-sitter, parents could enroll them in a sort of an academy of the arts for the summer ... no offense to the other programs intended. Maybe offer a flat weekly fee and hire “camp counselors” so that the art instructors weren’t baby-sitters. Just wondering....
A There are state licensing regulations for running all-day programs. You must have a certain number of working water fountains, toilets, and proper storage for lunches. We would want to offer qualified instructors and need to be able to assure health and safety standards. This is definitely something we could look into once we are at our new location, but at this time, our building is not capable of handling a camp operation.
Q What programs does the arts council offer during the summer?
A In our brochure you will discover some exciting new classes for youths such as Experimenting With Paint with Amber Woods, Passport to the Arts with Brandi Smith, and wheel throwing, ceramics and hand-building classes with Alex Caro, along with old favorites such as mono prints and mixed media with Patrick Rush. You will find more than 60 exciting classes throughout our brochure for all ages. If you would like to be on our mailing list to receive information from the Emporia Arts Council, please stop by our office at 618 Mechanic or call us at 343-6473 or e-mail us at info@emporiaksarts.org.
Q Can you give an update on your fundraising campaign for a new building?
A We continue to move forward to raise the remaining funds for the construction of our new arts center. We have approximately $500,000 remaining to raise. Our current plans estimate construction for our new facility to be completed by November 1, 2010. We will keep you informed of our progress and final plans! And, it’s not too late to make a pledge or gift to EAC’s “Arts @ The Council” campaign. For more information, call me at 343-6473 or e-mail me at director@emporiaksarts.org.
Q Why do you need a new building?
A There are really four main reasons for the new Emporia Arts Council facility. The new arts center: 1. Addresses severe space limitations and accessibility issues of our current location. 2. Maximizes investments and creates synergy between the Emporia Arts Council and the Emporia Granada Theatre. 3. Enhances the community’s strategy of an Arts and Entertainment district in downtown Emporia. 4. Increases the profile and exposure of EAC, and thus, increases the impact arts and cultural programming have in our community and region.
Q How many people does the arts council serve every year and what are the goals of the arts council?
A Last year EAC served over 8,700 children and 8,500 adults in our service area. Our annual goals and overall mission are based on EAC’s ability to successfully answer and support the following belief statement. We believe a dynamic EAC:
F Expands the vision and values of children and families.
F Increases and strengthens our sense of community and neighborhoods.
F Enhances educational opportunities of children.
F Influences entrepreneurship and helps business people think outside the box.
Q What are of some the big events the arts council has coming up?
A There is always something happening at EAC! It’s going to be a busy summer. EAC is partnering again this year with the Emporia Public Library, Friends of the Library, Emporia Main Street and the Lyon County Historical Museum bringing Brown Bag Concerts every Wednesday at noon during June and July in the Emporia Public Library courtyard. Our first concert on June 4 features The Bubbleman. The ArtMobile will also be participating in Live in the Lot on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. On Friday, June 6 at 8 p.m., Daniel Hart (former Emporian) will be returning to Emporia with his North Carolina based chamber rock band, “The Physics of Meaning” to put on a concert in the EAC Black Box Theatre. Tickets are on sale now and are only $10.
The Flint Hills Art Guild will have their annual gallery show from June 17 to July 5 with the artist reception on June 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. From July 8 to 19, EAC will host The Emporia Gazette’s “Rack Attack” exhibit featuring newspaper boxes turned into art by local artists. Dale Hartley will be featured in the gallery from July 22 to Aug. 8. Her artwork incorporates fire and landscape paintings and clay works to represent a wide-open, undulating country with tallgrass and natural noises. The Presbyterian Manor’s “Art is Ageless” annual show will be at the gallery Aug. 9-15. Margaret Buie will exhibit from Aug. 16 to Sept. 20. Margaret uses watercolor techniques to create strong compositional elements in her works. Many of her works were inspired by her travels around the world and all are visually stimulating. Mark your calendar for our first 2008-2009 performance on Oct. 9 — it’s The Golden Dragon Acrobats!
Q Does the arts council have memberships? If so what does a membership get you and what does it cost?
A EAC offers season ticket memberships for individuals and businesses. Each membership includes season tickets for each of EAC’s performances throughout the 2008 – 2009 Season (October – April). Our season ticket prices start at $90. If you are interested in getting more information or becoming a member, please call EAC at 343-6473 or e-mail us at info@emporiaksarts.org.
Q The new building on Commercial will be so exciting! Someone told me it will replace the 3 buildings north of the theater. I read where it was only 2. Which is correct?
A We are still in the design phase of the overall project. EAC owns one building directly north of the Granada Theatre and is keeping all options open for future planning. We’ll keep you posted as plans develop and are finalized.
Q My 8 year old would love to explore photography. IS there a chance of this kind of programming?
A Absolutely. We are looking at adding photography classes this fall. Please feel free to call or e-mail us with your information and we’ll keep you posted.
Q Would the EAC consider bringing more mature, or more “artsy” art to the community? It seems sometimes to be all “country and kids”. How about something on the level of the Lied Center in Lawrence? A traveling Modernist exhibit? More ballet? Thanks.
A We strive to provide a wide variety of art offerings and appreciate your input. We often try to coordinate our performances with the other performing arts centers in our area in order to afford a high quality performance level. If you have specific suggestions, please let us know! Often budget and timing play a key role in determining our schedule. I’m happy to report that our performance attendance is growing — with a 40 percent increase in attendance this last season over the prior year’s attendance. We’ll keep trying to improve to meet the needs of our community!