A New Non-Profit Arts Organization Serves The Sarpy County Area
THE SARPY AREA ARTS COUNCIL:
A New Non-Profit Arts Organization Serves The Sarpy County Area
Papillion, Nebraska, 11/1/08 — When architect and Papillion resident Ryan Horner read the Money magazine report on 100 Great American Towns, he was pleased to see his home city at the top of the list– until he read the rating given for arts and cultural opportunities.
Horner said, “I viewed the rating as an opportunity for our community to come together for increased awareness and celebration of the arts and culture for the enjoyment of all the community.”
Horner steadily laid the groundwork for the formation of the Sarpy Area Arts Council over the past several months. Through a series of community information gathering sessions, active networking with Sarpy County like-minded residents and meetings with several city and county officials and leaders, the idea of a county area arts council developed into reality.
To form the council, Horner spearheaded a core group of individuals to aid in the shaping of bylaws and engage in service planning. Another group was established to conduct a search for, and select the founding board of directors for the newly minted organization.
The fundamental purpose of the Sarpy Area Arts Council will be to provide increased visibility and support for existing and emerging arts and cultural offerings in the area, as well as encouraging opportunities for residents dedicated to working in the creative arts.
The Board of Directors is structured to provide a voice for the various residents of Sarpy County. Each city in the county is represented by two members, along with five at-large members who are strongly connected to the community.
The founding Sarpy Area Arts Council Board of Directors include:
Bellevue:
JD Hutton, Artist Services and Communications Manager, Nebraska Arts Council
Dr. Joyce N. Wilson, Professor of Art, Bellevue University
Gretna:
Jeanette McFarling, Art Educator and Professional Artist
Alan Stoltenberg, Mortgage/Business manager SAC Federal Credit Union, Community Leader
La Vista:
Scott Kirpatrick, Business Owner, Legend Insurance
Enid Shownwise, Principal, Papillion-LaVista South High School
Papillion:
Ryan Horner, Architect, Leo A. Daly
Natalie Richardson, Restaurant Owner, Arts Educator and Community Volunteer
Springfield:
Jim Shaw Owner. Soaring Wings Winery, Community Leader
Carl Weiss, Owner, Weiss Studios and Gardens, Professional Artist
At Large (Representing Sarpy County):
Gail DeBoer, President, SAC Federal Credit Union, Community Leader
Magdalena Garcia, Executive Director, El Museo Latino
Dorene Sherman, Community Leader and Volunteer
Tim Smith, Vice President of Commercial Lending, Pinnacle Bank
Jay Worden, English and Theatre Educator, Writer
Anyone who is interested in supporting the growth and enrichment of the arts and cultural identity of the Sarpy area is welcome to join the new organization.
The first general meeting will be held on November 20, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Association and the public is welcome to attend.
For additional information, contact:
J.D. Hutton
Sarpy Area Arts Council
(402) 651-5277
Please visit the SAAC website at: www.sarpyarts.com for more information.