From left to right, Jackie Koney, Todd Bowen, Fawn Callen were sworn in as new members of the Vicksburg Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The board also elected new officers at its February meeting. They are John DeBault, president; Mike Oswalt, vice-president; Fawn Callen, treasurer.
There was considerable discussion about how best to staff the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center at 200 S. Main Street, which has been organized under the umbrella of the DDA. The Center has undertaken a number of events already that have been staffed by volunteers and one paid staff person that was hired in 2015.
Syd Bastos presented options that included hiring at least three other people part-time to make things hum along in the right direction. She is the operations manager and asked for help in the form of a gallery coordinator and a visual artist coordinator. The Center has been averaging about $500 in sales each month along with rental income and other incidentals, which Bastos says she hopes will pay for itself in the near future.
The latest events at the VCAC include the following that are scheduled for March:
Thursday, March 17, 6-8 p.m., St. Patrick’s Day at the VCAC
“Rascals and Romantics–Irish Music, Food and Shenanigans,” gleeful pair Leigh Fryling and Phil Timko return to the VCAC in a celebration of their shared Celtic roots–and some good green fun. Join them for traditional Irish pub sing-alongs, ballads and rollicking shanties in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The first musical set is for the romantics, a medley of well known and loved Irish tunes. The second is for the rascals, full of wicked jokes and even more wicked and whacky lyrics. Irish eyes will be smiling, toes tapping, and hearts laughing. While enjoying this festive entertainment, enjoy traditional Irish fare and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $10/person or $25 for a family of 4. Stop by the Gallery to purchase tickets or call Syd Bastos at (269) 501-1347 to reserve your place.
Saturday, March 26, 10-6 p.m., Artist Open House
Stroll down to the VCAC to visit with our resident artists as they share the techniques they use to create their art. Spend some time with award winning artist, Pam Davidson, as she demonstrates her creation of eclectic whimsical art with acrylic paints. Try your hand at pottery techniques under the skillful direction of our potters Lisa Beams and Dina Hadley. Acrylic painter Kathleen Kalvig will show you how to create your own unique masterpiece on a mini canvas. Free event.