ART -- a pART of all of us

(File Photo) SMU's studio served as the site for last year's inaugural Arts on Grand telethon, featuring live entertainment, interviews and plenty of art work.

Arts on Grand is asking the community to call in during their second annual telethon held live on the Spencer Channel (SMU Cable Channel 3) from 1-5 p.m., Sunday, May 3. The telethon is a fundraiser and membership drive dubbed "ART--a pART of all of us," and is aimed at raising $15,000 for operational funds for Arts on Grand.

"The Spencer Area Arts Council and Arts on Grand have always been grassroots organizations. Like so many Spencer organizations, they were started because people sensed a need in the community, and decided to take action to fill that need. We rely on memberships, grants, fundraisers, sponsorships, gallery sales, tuition, and rental income from our apartments to pay the bills. The largest part of our budget goes for operations--basically, keeping the doors open. This part of the budget is not typically supported by grants, which is why memberships and fundraisers are so important," said Executive Director Martin Arthur.

Curtis Dean and Jill Barr will host the program, which will feature live entertainment, demonstrations, and interviews, as well as informative videos about Arts on Grand.

People may want to issue challenges to organizations of which they are members or to the community at large, or pledge money for a specific purpose.

"Last year, someone pledged money to not hear Curtis sing," says Barr, "so this year we thought we'd try to offer other entertainment -- but we'll still take the pledges."

"Arts on Grand is the best cultural entertainment value," Irene McCoy, president of the Spencer Ares Arts Council said. She described it as "affordable entertainment for the whole family."

"At Arts on Grand, we support all the arts. We have a very active -- and growing --writers' group. We host Music in the Gallery and other live events at Arts on Grand throughout the year. Every spring and fall we partner with Carey's Electronics to present a series of 'Films for the Cinematically Disadvantaged.' Each September, we move to the Art Barn at the Clay County Fair for nine days, where we may provide the only personal contact with the arts that many fair attendees may have during the year--especially those who come from smaller and more isolated communities. This summer, we'll be a presence at Mainstreet Market as well," said Arthur.

Any donation amount will be accepted, and one lucky donor will win a beautiful original print donated by Spencer artist Anthony Vodraska. The print can be viewed at Arts on Grand until May 3, or online at www.artsongrand.org--click on "Projects & Special Events." J T Toad's in downtown Spencer will provide coffee during the Telethon.

* Arts on Grand is a fine art gallery and home to Spencer Area Arts Council, a non-profit organization founded in 1979. Learn more about available classes and exhibits at 262-4307 or online at www.artsongrand.org.

How do I donate?

To donate funds to Arts on Grand during the telethon, please call 580-0500 between 1-5 p.m., Sunday, May 3. Pledges can also be delivered to the gallery at 408 Grand Ave., Spencer.

Membership benefits

Members of the Spencer Area Arts Council (Arts on Grand) receive many benefits, including a quarterly newsletter, invitations to special events, and discounts on classes, tickets for special events, and purchases of $10 or more in the Gallery Shop. A basic membership starts at $25 for individuals and $10 for students. A family membership is just $35, while artists can join for $15. The ART -- a pART of all of us fundraiser will be seeking donations on several levels, including basic membership. Other donation levels include Friends at $50, Contributors at $100, Donors at $250 and Patrons at $500 or above.