ROCKWALL (December 26, 2013) Development of the arts in Rockwall has been a long and sometimes winding road but thanks to organizations such as the Rockwall County Alliance for the Arts, the once uphill journey is starting to be more of a downhill ride.
“We’re here to give focus to coordinating the arts for our citizens,” explained Dr. Kathleen Morrow, president of Alliance for the Arts for the last seven years. “We want the best in arts for the community. All of us can contribute to the arts.”
With a vision to unite arts, culture and the community to enrich the lives of residents, the non-profit Alliance serves as an umbrella for seven organizations: Rockwall Community Playhouse; Rockwall Children’s Choir; Rockwall Art League; Lakeside Civic Chorus; Rockwall Music Fest; Rockwall Summer Musicals; and the Rockwall Community Band.
“We’ve worked hard to work together,” Dr. Morrow said. “It’s just been wonderful to see organizations come together and share together and support one another.”
Under Dr. Morrow’s direction and with a dedicated Board of Directors, the Alliance has become a cohesive unit in the art community – a group determined to inspire artistic talents and to develop creative passions.
Alliance board member Jayne McFadin, “Head Music Geek” at The Music Shop, brings a musical arts perspective to a board that Dr. Morrow referred to as “well-rounded.”
“We’re from all different art forms, and we’re together to offer a more well rounded vision of the arts,” she explained.
What Rockwall needs now, Dr. Morrow said, is a Cultural Arts Director to coordinate all groups including the school districts. She referred to alliance figures showing the arts affect 10,000 Rockwall families – beginning with children participating in music and dance, to adults participating in art classes, to special needs residents participating in visual and performing arts.
Betty Hoaglund, president of the 80 member Rockwall Art League, said from her perspective lack of a permanent space is also something the local art community needs.
“You’ve got to have a brick and mortar presence,” she said, “and it’s been hard in Rockwall. If you don’t have that, there’s no place for people to go.”
Hoaglund, Claudia Holt and Doug Agee recently opened Artists’ Gallery on the Square in historic downtown Rockwall. It is, said Holt, Rockwall’s only “true working gallery.” She knows first hand that continued development of the Rockwall art community is important.
“People are buying art. Rockwall needs to expand the art programs,” she said. “There’s a need for it.”
Twenty years ago art in Rockwall consisted primarily of the Hubbard Music Series and ArtVentures, a visual arts educational facility for children. Its owner, Joetta Currie, came to Rockwall in 1999 when, she said, there was little support for the arts from the public or local government.
“But as Rockwall grew so did our awareness of the arts and its importance in our community,” said Currie, an originalAlliancemember. “Many tireless, talented and determined people have worked hard to create a cultural arts scene. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and feel so fortunate to have been a part of it.”
The Alliance was formed in 1999 when City of Rockwall officials wanted its art committee to become a non-profit organization, allowing the group to apply each year for city funding.
Former Rockwall Mayor Bill Cecil is among those cited for helping the Alliance achieve its success.
“The arts are alive and thriving throughout Rockwall and appreciated by all,” said Cecil. “To better understand this phenomenon, just request a monthly Calendar of Events from theAllianceand see all the wonderful opportunities available for all ages!”
Mayor David Sweet is also a strong supporter of the arts.
“We are blessed to have so many artists involved throughout Rockwall,” said Mayor Sweet. “I’m amazed at how much talent is in our community.”
This year, the Alliance hired an executive director, Lisa Campbell.
“We want theNorth Texasarea to know, whether you are artist, admirer or audience member, you will find an enriching cultural arts environment here in the Rockwall area,” she said.
By Blue Ribbon News special contributor Judy Evans, an award-winning journalist that spent her career in Rockwall as a reporter, editor and columnist working with The Rockwall Success/Rowlett Record and The Dallas Morning News.
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