Stepping back into “normalcy” from the global pandemic in community activities has provided remarkable relief to North Augusta in ways that cannot be truly measured. We all longed for opportunities to come together to share, appreciate and enjoy the benefits of the talented artists in and around our community. Thankfully, we did in 2022!
The dedication and commitment of the Board of Directors of the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council is immeasurable. Each and every person brings their “A” game to the table as we plan and execute activities that support the arts on every level. I am immensely proud to have had a seat at the table. Our membership has remained strong throughout the pandemic and beyond, with evidence shown in
our attendance records during the various offerings provided by the NACAC this past year. We launched 2022 with our Student Art Show and Springfest and had extraordinary success in both endeavors, boasting a record number of entries and attendees at our opening receptions, in partnership with the Arts and Heritage Center.
In recognition of our budding artists, we awarded scholarships to local high school students pursuing music and arts degrees in college. We will also provide grants to support local public school arts teachers to purchase necessary supplies for class projects.
We were fortunate to have been selected to receive our very first Kevin and Britany Kisner Foundation grant, to support children in our community in their quests to train with local experts in the field of dance. “The Gift of Dance” scholarship committee worked diligently, under the leadership of Mrs. Alphia Dunbar, launching the parameters and guidelines for applications, and selecting and executing the grant in compliance with the Foundation’s request. To date, 45 children will be afforded this opportunity, thanks to the commitment of the committee in partnership with the Kisner Foundation.
Sincere thanks goes to the Music in the Park committee again this year led by Mr. Wayne Hoey for providing 10 performances for our community at the Maude Edenfield community center. Neither heat nor rain hampered the excitement of our board, the Music in the Park committee, or the attendees!
These events were financially supported by the City of North Augusta and by additional, often anonymous, financial gifts to the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council, whose support make these events possible.
The North Augusta Cultural Arts Council welcomed 5 new board members to the table this year, boasting a full slate of active leaders from the community: Mrs. Bernetta Moore, Mrs. Kris Miller, Mrs. Carolyn Baggott, Mr. Garland Gooden, and student board member Miss Whitney Page. As we continue to serve our community we will look to once again bring creative minds and passionate hearts to our work, with members reflecting our community’s desires and interests in supporting the arts.
Rounding out 2022 the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council hosted the Prism Concert at the First Baptist Church in September, an annual favorite for loyal music goers, under the direction of NACAC Board Member Mr. Richard Brasco. Well over 200 attendees enjoyed the resurgence of this performance after the “pause” from the pandemic. And in November we will once again stand with pride in saluting our
veterans at the annual Veterans’ Concert Monday, November 7 at Grace Methodist Church. Mrs. Angela Davis and her planning committee are to be commended for their dedication to assuring this event is a success each and every year.
The board looks forward to hearing from the Nominating Committee this evening when they present their recommendations for board leadership in 2023. The ever-evolving interests and needs of the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council will be evident in the committee’s selection process and will no doubt be whole-heartedly supported by the board for this coming year.
As your outgoing President, I leave this seat with a sincere appreciation for the work and service each and every member of the board gives to our community. You are to be commended for your leadership and I trust that next year and the years beyond bring as much joy and happiness to each of you as this opportunity of service has brought to me. Most sincerely, --Kathryn Martin