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Reproduced from the Marshall Mountain Wave -- Published March 12th, 2009.
For 19 years the Ozark Heritage Arts Center has been a fixture for arts and history in Searcy County. However, the recent financial crisis has jeopardized the chances of reaching 20th anniversary. Executive Director Gary Hall stresses the gravity of the problem, “At this point we desperately need financial help to keep our doors open.” The Ozark Heritage Arts Center opened in 1990 as a venue for arts, entertainment and historical preservation. Housed in the Old Leslie High School Gym Building, the OHAC is a 1938 WPA building. The Center houses a museum, which chronicles the history of Searcy County, a gallery that features monthly rotation art exhibits and a 349 Seat theater. The Center offers concerts, art shows and theatrical productions and is used for various public events including pageants and meetings. In the past, money has come from benefactors and ticket sales, but recent downturns in the stock market have eliminated some of the sources of income for the Center. “We are applying for grants,” Hall emphasized, “including arts funding as part of the President’s Stimulus Package. But it takes time for the grant evaluation and awards and our need is immediate.” Recent activities at the Arts Center have included free and paid concerts, a Beauty Pageant and Talent Show. Upcoming events include more concerts, and Easter Egg Decorating Contest, a Gallery exhibit from the Arkansas Arts Center, a production of “The Rainmaker”, a two-day Gospel Music Festival and the 12th Annual Fiddle Contest. “With so many great events planned and much more to come, it would be a shame to be forced to close the doors.” Hall continued. “I think if people knew how little it would take to help us out, they might be more apt to give.” Average monthly operating costs for the Center are about $2500.00. Yearly OHAC memberships are available for as low as $25.00. “People who visit the OHAC for the first time are amazed by the building and what it has to offer. It is truly a testimony to the people of Leslie and Searcy County.” Hall stated. “We’ve hit a financial bump in the road. We can get over it but we need help. I believe in OHAC and I believe it’s goals are solid and important to our heritage. Heritage is non-renewable but it is sustainable. We need money but we can always use volunteers as well. I just believe closing the Center should not be an option.” For more information on how to help keep the Ozark Heritage Arts Center alive, call 870-447-2500 or email at ohac@windstream.net . To view the centers website go to: www.ozarkheritageac.org .
The Searcy County Chamber of Commerce supports the Ozark Heritage Arts Center and asks to please do what you can to help them thru this difficulty. This is a resource for our county that is worth saving !! |