Friends of the Arts: Membership Creates Opportunity

Friends of the Arts, Inc., the support organization for the Orange Beach Arts Center, is barely a year old and yet much has been accomplished in that short time. Working closely with O.B.A.C. Coordinator, Wanda Price, and the City of Orange Beach, the Friends have supported, organized and encouraged an increase in activities at the art center.

In their first year the Friends and the O.B.A.C. began the Visiting Artist and Special Exhibits Series; took on the supporting role for the Children's Spring and Summer Art Camps and the Orange Beach Festival of Art; renovated the grounds of the O.B.A.C.; opened the state's only public access glass studio; organized an After School Arts Program (A.S.A.P) to begin Jan 2010 in the newly renovated art studio adjacent to the main building. Included in the Visiting Artist's Series is the Emerging Artists' Exhibit, which features graduating artists from area colleges and universities. The Art Camps and After School Program provide the opportunity for children to experience visual, theatrical and musical arts.

The Friends received their first grant from Alabama State Council on the Arts this month and raised over $3000 at their second annual 'Light Up the Arts' event. Wintzell's Restaurant designated F.O.A. as recipients of their Grand Opening proceeds. Early in 2009, the Tip Seas fundraiser started the year off with a nod from local businesses. It has been a very busy year but do not expect things to slow down. The Friends still have many projects up their sleeves.

Community support is vital to the growth and development of the art center. The Orange Beach Arts Center is a place not only for the community to experience art in many different forms but also for the entire country. Having the state's only public access glass blowing studio, The Hot Shop, has put our art center on the map. The Friends intend to use this attention to bring more interesting and exciting art projects to Orange Beach.

With your support, we can co-create an ever-improving artistic environment for children and adults. Joining F.O.A. is easy: just go to www.orangebeachartcenter.com, click "Be a Friend" and follow the instructions. Credit cards are accepted. Alternatively, simply call 251.981.2787. Become a fan of Friends of the Arts, Inc. on Facebook and receive reminders of upcoming events. Remember, membership creates opportunity.