The Mayor’s Ball, held Jan. 17 and sponsored by the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, raised a net of $27,349 with sales of $42,375 less expenses of $15,026.
“This was the best yet, and I hope that you will do it again next year,” said attendee Nanda Patel. “Seeing everyone in their ball gowns having fun and dancing was great.
“That it supported a cause that I believe in, is even better. I think that this is the most fun event that we in Gadsden. Event Coordinator Deb Hawkins did a great job,” Patel continued.
Mark Condra, Chairman of the Foundation, said that a check for 50 percent of the profit, $13,674.61, will be given to the new Gadsden Boys and Girls Club.
The remainder will be used by the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation to provide youth services. “We currently have Parker Hunt as our artist in residence, and Parker will be teaching art at the Boys and Girls Club on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays until the summer.
“When summer arrives, the Foundation plans to offer youth art programs at the 6th Street pool pavilion, and to assist the YMCA with art in one of their summer camps.
“Additionally, Parker will be offering free youth art classes, called Creating Young Pablos” on Saturdays at the Hardin Center. For the next four weeks, classes will be held from 1 until 2 p.m.,” Condra said.
Classes to be offered include: Creating Young Pablos
Lead by Parker Hunt
New classes every Saturday from 1 p.m until 2 p.m.
Admission for classes is free. Classes are open to ages 6 – 12 Adult supervision required.
Each class will strive to allow each and every student to show their own creativity while also learning new and easy techniques.
Jan. 25, 2014
Class I Finger Painting
We will start off this semester with not caring. With that in mind finger painting is just that. Express how you feel with fun bright colors you can hang on your wall.
Feb. 1, 2014
Class II Pinch Pots
Create your own ceramic pot that we will glaze and fire. This will provide great space for all your spare change.
Feb. 8, 2014
Class III Crayon/Paint Etching
Explore a traditional form of art in a new easy way. We will cover your paper with crayon, put a layer of black paint on top and you can etch your masterpiece.
Feb. 15, 2014
Class IV Plaster Molds
In this class, we will explore new materials and tools to create take home texture molds.
We will press different objects into clay and make plaster molds of them.
Submitted by Bobby Welch