Carol Tatum and Marilyn Ragan, chairs of the gala fundraiser, presented a $35,000 check to the Bologna Performing Arts Center’s Executive Director Roseann Buck and Arts Education Coordinator Laura Howell. The funds have been placed in the Delta State University Foundation to help support the Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute (MSAI).
In January, the Bologna Performing Arts Center held a gala fundraiser at the Cleveland Country Club. “We are grateful to Carol and Marilyn for months of hard-work and to our generous attendees for their support!” says Buck. The elegant evening featured renowned chef and author Robert St. John and Mississippi watercolorist Wyatt Waters.
“The Gala was a wonderful success,” says Tatum. “Robert St. John and Wyatt Waters entertained us with hilarious stories, a beautiful painting, and a delicious dinner.”
Tatum is especially grateful to the gala donors and supporters. “We are pleased with the support of patrons from Cleveland and many other areas of Mississippi.” She is especially delighted that the Gala was able to support MSAI. “We are so happy to donate $35,000 to the Janice Wyatt Summer Arts Institute at the Bologna Performing Arts Center, where many future artists and supporters of the arts will benefit from the program.”
The Mississippi Summer Arts Institute was established in 1998 with the dream of becoming a regional model in arts education. After 14 years, the program is well on its way to fulfilling this dream. MASI offers opportunities in dance, theater, visual arts, music, literary arts, and the recording arts and music industry. The goal of the institute is to encourage promising artists to begin or continue their pursuit in the arts.
MSAI has programs designed for five-year-olds to graduating high school seniors. Campers ages 5-12 come to PLUS camp for a week of high energy and fun. Rising 8th grade students to graduating high school seniors can participate in two series: the Arts Camp and the Delta Music Institute.
Laura Howell, Arts Education Coordinator for the Bologna Performing Arts Center, is appreciative of the donation. “I am so grateful for the resounding support for the Summer Arts Institute. This truly shows our community’s commitment to developing the artistic talents of our young people.” Howell knows first-hand the value that arts education programs offer students. “The study of the Arts develops the ability to think creatively, encourages team work and creative problem solving, increases self-confidence, and prepares students for the future.”
Given the resounding success of the Gala, it is hoped that the upcoming years will bring even more support for programs like MSAI that help to keep arts education active in the Delta.
