Hearts for Arts fund-raiser set for Feb. 3

Warmth, color, growth and renewal. These springtime characteristics only a few months away send locals reaching for their paintbrush, charcoals or camerancapturing Mother Nature’s greatest work of art.

Although it may be too soon to talk about the green of spring, for the Houma Regional Arts Council, it’s never too soon to create opportunities for raising money to support Tri-parish artists.

The arts council is selling tickets for the third annual Hearts for Arts fund-raiserna formal occasion celebrating art with food, friends and fun. February is often associated as the month of companionship and romance with Valentines Day in it’s midst, so Feb. 3 seemed like the natural date for the Hearts for Arts.

The arts council has been supporting Bayou Region art programsnfrom local school residencies and workshops to opera and puppet performancesnfor nearly two decades.

Providing grants to local artists and children’s educational programs requires funding from the national, state and local level as well as receiving private donations. The council holds two events throughout the year to raise money: the springtime Hearts for Arts and the College Inn Reunion Concert in the fall.

“The arts are a vital part of this area. Keeping them alive is an issue now more than ever. We are partially supported by money from the LA Division of the Arts and our local government but we need community support as well,” said Glenda Toups of the Art Council.

According to Toups, the mission of the council is to support local artists, either by promoting an art exhibit or supporting continued education to preserve culture through the lens of an artist.

Although the council acts primarily as a granting agency, Toups said there are a number of workshops held for children and adults throughout the year.

During the summer months the council holds a summer camp for kids between the ages of seven and 12. This art camp is more than coloring books and finger-painting; children are taught the basics of drawing, painting, sculpture, paper arts and photography.

Lessons in terminology and technique in each medium of art allow children to experiment and discover their own medium of excellence.

“Sometimes the art produced isn’t the child’s greatest work, but they really get a chance to discover what they like to do best and work in areas of art they wouldn’t usually experience,” said Toups.

The council is expecting a larger turnout at this year’s Hearts for Arts fundraiser. Around 125 guests attended the 2006 event at The Main Affair in downtown Houma. Because of the venue’s capacity and the large number of attendees, guests will be able to mingle freely between both The Main Affair and Castalano’s.

The crew from Castalano’s will create the spread for the evening event. The $50 dollar ticket includes endless hors d’oeuvre and access to an open premium bar, jazz, theater, and an array of artwork to admire or possibly bring home from 8 p.m., wrapping-up around 11 p.m.

Two auctionsna live and silent-will showcase local artists paintings, photos and drawings capturing Bayou Region life. All donations will go to support the council.

The evening will be a completely formal affair. Toups said the council decided to implement a dress code to make the night a special event. Guests are asked to wear black and white with a touch of red.

“We want to make sure that people get every dollar’s worth from the price of the ticket and we thought we would give guests the opportunity to make this a truly special occasion by dressing the occasion up,” she said.

Set IX, a former Vanderbilt jazz band, will play through the night as guests enjoy art demonstrations, food, and theater performances.

Sam & Jim Acting Co. will entertain guests with five minute acts, showcasing a variety of acts and talentnjust another form of art the council strives to support.

In addition to Hearts for Arts, the council is also preparing to accept applications for the Terrebonne Parish Arts Funding Program. Awardees can receive up to $1,500 to support open-to-the-public art programs, with no requirement of a cash of in-kind match. The deadline to apply is March 1.

For additional information on the Hearts for Arts fund-raiser, the grant application process or any of the Houma Regional Art Council programs, contact the council office at (985) 873-6367.