We’re glad the Journal noted the upcoming Arts Day by publishing the information we sent.  Now, here’s the part they cut out. It says some important things, like “the arts impact the economy” and “the Berkeley Arts Council has been working for our community”:

“We think it’s important to emphasize the impact the arts can have on economic development, education and cultural growth in Berkeley County,” reports Malinda Shaver, president of the Berkeley Arts Council. The organization works to expand arts opportunities for residents and to support artists and artisans. “Visiting the Capitol helps to make the legislators aware of the progress we’ve made over the past three years,” Shaver added.

Something about the quotation marks, I guess.  Anyway, we’re headed to Charleston, along with Heritage Craft Center and ArtBerkeley people to get the message to our legislators.

Artists, performers and instructors will be featured at the Berkeley Arts Council’s second Arts Expo, scheduled this year for November 10.

To be considered as part of the grant application, please reply by email by February 14th with a description of your proposed activity.

The Berkeley Arts Council will be submitting a grant application to fund this project, which includes a stipend and expense reimbursement for participating artists.

Once we receive your proposal, we need your submission and contract with the paperwork in hand (or in printable form, by email) by February 21st. We will have to complete the application before going to Charleston on Feb. 27 for Arts Day at the Capitol.

Your challenge is to come up with a creative activity that kids five and up, teens or adults can participate in. Spontaneity encouraged!  Hands-on skills are one option; music, dance and theater offer good possibilities for small groups. Performances and demonstrations can be part of the mix.

More information (including a video and photos from last year’s Expo), a submission form and contract can be downloaded from the Arts Expo page.

We want to Amplify the Arts and encourage everyone to find satisfaction in a creative activity.  Please let us hear your ideas!