The Seminole Arts Council invites and encourages everyone in the area, especially those interested in the arts, to attend the Grand Opening of their recently acquired Art Center, conveniently located on the northeast corner of Main and Broadway (Hwy. 270).

The Grand Opening will begin at noon this Monday, March 3, at the Art Center. This event will give area residents an opportunity to visit and enjoy this very special place that is being developed for artists of all levels to connect and share their ideas and energy, learn from each other, and find new inspiration to explore.

Grand Opening visitors can also learn more about the many important projects the Arts Council has planned for the future. This includes various workshops, crafts, and exhibitions. Other community contributions include a monthly “cleanup day,” developing a “pocket park” where downtown shoppers can relax and the Arts Council can stage special outdoor events, and similar team efforts.

Of course, visitors are welcome to drop in any time the Art Center is open, Monday - Friday from 2 - 7 p.m., to watch artists as they work on their latest project or enjoy the growing collection of art on display. Day passes and membership packages are also available that offer various levels of access to the center’s art supplies to create your own artwork and other perks.

The Arts Council, which was reformed in 2015, has spent the past ten years working hard to promote the Seminole community and provide a positive atmosphere where creativity and artistic expression is nurtured and thrives. And even though they can take great pride in the many outstanding accomplishments they’ve already achieved, they are much more focused on shaping the future of the Seminole community in a positive way.

A short list of the many projects the Seminole Arts Council sponsors includes an “Open Mic” night the first Saturday of each month. Musicians, comedians, poets, storytellers and other entertainers are encouraged to share their talents and gifts with the public in this fun-filled event, and the public is welcome to enjoy at no charge the wealth of talent that performs. A monthly theme helps add to the fun and helps participants decide what they will be performing.

The next Open Mic event will be this Saturday, March 1, from 6 - 8 p.m., and the theme is “Mardi Gras.” In addition to the open mic entertainment, there will also be a “Kings Cake” Contest. Everyone that is interested is invited to enter their version of this traditional Mardi Gras dessert pastry, decorated in purple, gold, and green. Entries will be judged and a winner will be announced. There is no entry fee to perform or enter the Kings Cake Contest (although donations are certainly welcome). Simply show up and join the fun.

The Arts Council is also responsible for the Annual Mural Initiative, which is brightening up the community with impressive artwork displayed on buildings all over town. In fact, well known and highly respected mural artist Rick Sinnett is currently creating a new mural on the south side of Seminole Street Donut shop (formerly known as Daylight Donuts) on Milt Phillips Avenue.

Sinnett began the project on Monday, and he believes he will be able to complete the work in two weeks, provided weather cooperates. A ribbon cutting ceremony for this latest addition to the community’s collection of public art is planned for March 24 at noon – all are welcome to attend.

To help pay for these and many more ambitious projects, the Seminole Arts Council, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, regularly hosts events that often put the “fun” in fundraising. For example, on March 8 and the second Saturday of every month, they will host a Bingo game from 6-8 p.m. at the Seminole Municipal Building (401 N. Main). Winners receive a wide variety of prizes, from art to groceries and household supplies to concert tickets.

On Tuesday, March 4, Arts Council board members and volunteers will be the waitstaff at Mazzio’s Pizza, pledging all of their tips to bringing art, music, fun and community pride to Seminole. The group will also be hosting a fry bread taco sale on March 7, and have already started taking orders.

There are many other fundraisers coming up that will be announced in the near future. The Seminole Arts Council appreciates any and all support they receive, whether it’s participating in their fundraising events, volunteering to help, purchasing a membership or making a donation. You don’t have to be an artist yourself to appreciate what the Arts Council is doing for the community and to get involved in helping them succeed in their efforts. Your support is an investment in making Seminole and the surrounding area an even better place to live and raise a family.