Seasons Greetings and Many Thanks!
We’ve Come a Long Way!
As 2020 draws to a close, we at Up Your Arts are reflecting on the experiences we have shared during the last three years … three enthusiastic, exhilarating, and exceptional years. We founded the organization in October 2017 with a very clear mission: to support and enhance creative and performing arts throughout the greater Southport area.
There is so much to promote: live music, abundant galleries and shops, festivals and community events, established theater groups, a college campus focused on the arts, the picturesque location of numerous film productions … our southeast corner of North Carolina is becoming a regional destination focused on the arts. This is a vision we wanted to expand and invite others to do the same.
One true delight emerged over the three years since then. Simply stated, the sheer number of people who joined in our efforts is more than we could have imagined. We want to thank those who have volunteered their time, donated their treasure, or lent their talents. Presented to you here with our heartfelt appreciation, the list just keeps growing.
To 2021 and Beyond!
Up Your Arts will continue to join with local partners in planning great events throughout the year: the City of Southport’s annual plein air festival and Franklin Square concert-in-the-park series, outdoor performances at the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, 4th of July festivities sponsored by the Southport – Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, and Thursday Open Mic Nights at American Fish Company.
Our specialty is unique fundraisers with a commitment to showcasing the best in local talent. These have included an Art Tour in Four Acts and a Valentine’s Day Salute to Love.. The art tour presented uncommon musical experiences and culinary delights by local restaurants in four beautiful downtown Southport homes, and the Valentine’s Day performance by the Southport Chamber Players in the sanctuary of a community church was a joy to attend.
We are also very excited to report a new phase in our partnership with the City of Southport. Recently, Up Your Arts entered into a 12-month agreement with city officials to begin the re-design of the historic Brunswick County Courthouse/former city hall building at Moore and Davis streets. A lot will be happening in 2021 as we begin in-depth planning toward re-adapting the building into a state-of-the-arts community-based performing and creative arts center . . . in the heart of Southport.
You Make All This Possible!
There will be plenty of things to do in the years to come, and our new website allows you to easily engage with future happenings. Submit your calendar events, research the latest arts opportunity, donate your time, treasure or talent, and stay informed – we have your back and want your involvement. Check it out at https://upyourarts.org.
We will keep you informed at every step along the way and we will continue to solicit your opinions and input. Your participation is vital to these efforts. We are in awe of the generosity of spirit that has prompted so many to contribute. The list overwhelms us.
So, to each and everyone listed in the video above (be sure to watch it!) and to anyone we inadvertently omitted, we give our most sincere thanks. We look forward to going forward with you.
Best wishes from current and former members of the Up Your Arts Board of Directors, 2017-2020:
Shannon Ballard, Bruce Bland, Bonnie Bray, Robert Carroll, Shawn Duncan, Carla Edstrom, Spence Hayden, Bob Gentile, Diana Johnson, John Keiffer,
Rick Kranz, Mike Mitchem, Tina Powers, Ken Schnedetz, Diana Setaro, John Tatum, and Emma Thomas