|
Date 6-6-06
Contact Angela Kilcrease 601.266.4988
WITH PHOTOS
HATTIESBURG—Partners
for the Arts at the University of Southern Mississippi announces
the addition of 12 new board members as it begins its 2006-07 membership
campaign.
These community
leaders and arts patrons will assist the board’s newly elected chair,
Charles Thomas of Hattiesburg, and sitting board members in building
a bridge for the arts between the university and south Mississippi.
Joining the
board are first-time members Kristie Fairley, Chip McArthur, Rodney
Richardson, Carolyn Roberts, and Joe White—all of Hattiesburg—and
Kim Whitt of Moselle.
Returning members,
after a rotation off the board, include Alice Gray of Sumrall and
David Halliwell, Dr. Aubrey Lucas, Rebecca Stark Johnson, Jimmy
McKenzie, and Anita Murphey, all of Hattiesburg.
“Partners for
the Arts has truly been a progressive partner with the College of
Arts and Letters,” said Dr. Elliott Pood, dean of the college. “This
group has built a much needed support base for the arts at Southern
Miss, greatly benefiting not only its students and faculty, but
the entire community through its outreach efforts in recent years.”
The organization
was founded in 1997 as an alliance between the community and the
Department of Art and Design, Department of Theatre and Dance, and
the School of Music.
“Partners for
the Arts reaches the community through performances, master classes,
workshops, exhibits, and artist lectures,” Thomas explained. “Our
mission is to support the many wonderful arts programs that are
in place at Southern Miss by providing additional opportunities
for artistic growth for its students and faculty artists.
“As patrons,
we are able to enjoy the end product of our efforts, either through
performances seen or national recognition gained, knowing we have
contributed in part to that success.”
In the past
two years, the organization has sponsored museum exhibitions, a
master class with renowned flutist Sir James Galway, and dance guest
artist residencies. It also has provided support travel funding
for choral and theater ensembles to national competitions and appearances.
“We consider
ourselves the Eagle Club for the arts at Southern Miss,” Thomas
said. “Membership is open to everyone and provides that ‘something
extra’ to insure the tradition of the university arts programs continues
to grow.”
The board is
a cross section of the community, combining many personal and professional
facets that bring a wealth of expertise to the organization. “These
new faces, along with the returning veterans of the organization,
will add yet another perspective in our continuing efforts to give
the arts at Southern Miss much needed support, which in turn greatly
benefits all of us culturally,” Thomas said.
For more information
about becoming a member of Partners for the Arts, call the College
of Arts and Letters at 601.266-5922 or 601.266.4545.
Click to enlarge
Charles Thomas
| 
