From the July Newsletter The Difference Is You by John Willingham Yadkin Arts Council 2003-2004 Board President
Every so often the genius of Madison Avenue creates a cute little jingle or clever catch phrase that captures the imagination of the American public. As unsuspecting TV viewers, we first encounter one of these gems in an advertising campaign for some product or service that corporate America wants us to buy. The ad works so well that immediately it sticks in our head. We find ourselves repeating it over and over again. But what makes this jingle or phrase so special is that it transcends the product being pitched, and becomes applicable to other aspects of daily life. It is the “in” expression for a period of time. One of the more recent such expressions that comes to mind is Verizon Wireless’s “Can You Hear Me Now.”
For 2004/2005 the Yadkin Arts Council has picked the new catch phrase “THE DIFFERENCE IS YOU.” Our hope is that this clever twist on words will get inside your head. We particularly like this tag line because it best explains our organization. Look around Yadkin County to see what the Council is doing. Numerous concerts, a new gallery, the Harvest Festival, the Fiddlers’ Convention, the In School Arts Programs….. we are touching so many folks in this county. We are growing. We are making a difference in your lives. And, through your support, you are making a difference in the Yadkin Arts Council. Whether you attend concerts, festivals, and other events, or contribute your dollars, or work as an artist, you are making a difference. It is a difference that preserves and nurtures our unique and special way of life in this county. Dare to be different, dare to be unique. The difference is in you.
THE DIFFERENCE IS YOU. Busy Summer Days by Tamara Collins Yadkin Arts Council 2003-2004 Board President
Summer is here and the Yadkin Arts Council has several fantastic events planned. The Kruger Brothers performed at a benefit concert fro the Arts Council on June 18th. These incredible bluegrass musicians played for an enthusiastic audience. The Kruger Brothers are wonderful entertainers and everyone had a marvelous time. We are very fortunate to have had them kick off our Third Annual Summer Concert Series.
Our second concert this summer will be the musical theatre performance of Pump Boys and Dinettes. It was written by some wonderful musicians from Chapel Hill, NC. It is a country rock and roll musical review which is based on the friendships of several gas station attendants and their friends that run the local diner next door to the gas station. The show features a live band, singing, dancing and tons of fun. This is one you do not want to miss. Show dates are July 16th and 17th at 7:00 PM and the Yadkin County Park
Our final show of the season features the incredibly talented Elkin based band, The Mixed Emotions. They play many well known tunes and some wonderful beach music numbers. The show is August 21st at 7:00 PM and the County Park.
Due to the growth of our Summer Concert Series and the addition of our new Hotlon-Prim Art Gallery, the Yadkin Arts Council is in need of volunteers. We are here to serve our community. People of Yadkin County are always willing to help each other. It is our hope that you will help us. Thank you to those of you that have helped in the past and will in the future.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Mike Orsillo at the Yadkin Arts Council. He can let you know about all the opportunities available.
While we are on the subject of volunteers, John Willingham is one volunteer that deserves a special thanks. He has spearheaded our Summer Concert Series. John is stepping down as President this year and will serve as Vice President in 2004-05. Please thank him for all he has done and his continued commitment to our community. We would have not made such strides without his leadership.
The Arts Council wants to provide arts experiences to all the citizens of Yadkin County. It is our mission to enrich the lives of the members of our community. We are very excited about the coming year. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Thank you to all of you who support the Yadkin Arts Council. We look forward to seeing old and new faces. ENJOY THE ARTS! You Can Make A Difference - 2004-2005 Patron Campaign by Mike Orsillo, Executive Director
Our 2004-2005 Patron Campaign is officially underway. Even though we are at the beginning of our campaign, I would like to challenge each and every one of our donors to not only make a donation but to also increase their donation from years past.
I have been onboard as the Executive Director of the Yadkin Arts Council for just over one year now. I am still as excited as I was a year ago. A lot has happened at the Arts Council in that short time. We simply could have not accomplished all these things without the generous support of our wonderful community. Another successful Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival, Summer Concert Series, Bluegrass Competition, School House Rock, Jr. in all our schools, Spring Arts Competition, our incredibly successful In School Arts Experience Program, and the opening of the new Holton-Prim Gallery, just to name a few.
The 2004-2005 season brings some rather lofty financial challenges. Because those challenges face us, we have had to look for other sources of support. Part of that is a $10,000 increase in our 2004-05 Patron Campaign Goal. While these challenges are great, they are not insurmountable. Your Arts Council will continue to deliver the important goods to our community with YOUR help.
So, as our patron campaign begins, please look deep into you hearts and pockets. THE DIFFERENCE IS YOU! If you aren’t a patron, please become one. If you are and have given the same for years, please consider increasing your donation. Our expenses go up every year! And then ask your friends and neighbors to join you in supporting your Arts Council. With your support, I know we can accomplish our goal.
As always, thank you in advance for your generous support of The Yadkin Arts Council.
For more information on the Patron Campaign, please contact the Arts Council Office at 679-2941 or by email at yadkinarts@yadtel.net.
