Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Punch bowl purchased in memory of Bemis

A silver punch bowl will be purchased by the Artesian Arts League in memory of Jane Bemis.

This was decided at the February 7 meeting of the League. Peggy Lloyd said she found a silver-plated punch bowl at Table Manners in Texarkana for $650, but its on sale for 25 percent off.

The bowl, she said, comes with 12 cups, a ladle and etched tray and can be bought for $527.72 with tax.

Buying the bowl set was discussed by League members before it was decided to purchase it and keep it at the Prescott-Nevada County Library for use on special occasions.

Judy Duke, League president, said application for the Leagues art scholarship have been sent to counselors in all schools in Nevada County. The applications are due in by April 16. Those interested in pursuing a career in the arts, in some way, are encouraged to apply.

Lloyd said she met a man in Old Washington and talked with him about the Civil War letters at the Depot Museum. She told the League he is interested in doing a readers theater and wants to direct it. This will be discussed further at later meetings.

She asked if the League would be interested in doing some kind of fund raiser at the annual Jonquil Festival this year. A booth there costs $100.

Barbara Lowdermilk told the group the Perot Theatre is putting on Thoroughly Modern Millie on March 23, but the web site didnt list prices. The League members, at the January meeting, talked about possibly going somewhere in March to catch a play, or some other artistic endeavor.

Duke will get information about cost and send letters to League members with a deadline for those wanting to go. This would be for League members and their significant others only.

There was discussion about having a garden tour and tea in April.

Janis Hill said having it on a Sunday afternoon would be a good idea and could help increase participation from the public.

Last year the event was held in May, in conjunction with Arkansas Heritage month. Lloyd said this was a bad month because there was a lot of other activities going on at the same time. She added having refreshments somewhere along the way on the tour would be a good idea.

Duke pointed out there are only three weekends available for the tea and tour in April with Easter being April 16.

It was agreed to hold the Garden Tea and Tour Sunday, April 23, from 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served at the home of Betty Turner. Tickets for the event will be $10 each.

League members discussed a summer performance and decided on a vaudeville style follies. The follies will be held sometime in June, with the tentative date set for June 23.

No further action was taken on this matter, as it will be discussed in depth at the March meeting.

Duke said the League is a 501c3 organization, which means its a non-profit entity. Because of this status, the League can apply for grants.

There are several grants available, she said, dealing with the arts, including some funding for summer programs. Most of the grants, she added, are non-matching, with some available for this year.

We need to do something to promote the arts for young people, she said.

In talking about promoting the arts, Duke pointed out Arkansas Heritage month this year spotlights arts and artists. She had talked with Lloyd and Joyce Gibson, librarian, about a photography contest, with entries displayed at various locations around town.

Hill suggested including paintings to the contest. The Leagues decision was to have two categories, one for photos, the other for paintings. The format for photos is 8x10, mounted on 11x14 matting. The paintings must also be mounted on this format.

Deadlines will be set at the March meeting.