Mondee Tilley

Staff Reporter

The Surry Arts Council will host the annual ArtsBall on March 2 at Cross Creek Country Club. This event includes a silent auction, dinner and live music by the Band of Oz.

Preview bidding opens at noon and all are invited to participate in the silent auction that will feature 300 items.

All of the proceeds from the event are used to provide free 2012-2013 cultural arts programs for the schools in Surry County. During the year, more than 20,000 students in schools in Surry County have been reached with cultural arts programs supported by the proceeds of the ArtsBall, the Mayberry Days Bake Sale and designated grant funds, according to Tanya Jones, executive director for the Surry Arts Council.

Jones said last year they auctioned off everything from a car donated by Patterson Automotive group to a chicken coup from Leonard Aluminum. She said the schools donated things like picnic tables made in shop classes and tutoring services. She said local artists donate work as well as businesses and individuals that offer services such as a massage and personal training.

“One of the hugely popular things last year was that people donated meals in their homes. That was real successful. Chip Calloway hosted a dinner at his cabin. Julie and John Adams served an Italian meal. Babs and Lee Merritt served a fig dinner prepared by Chef Chris Whishart. Mary Emily and Wayne Cook hosted a fondue dinner,” said Jones.

She said last year about 170 people attended.

“The ArtsBalls are always well attended because people know that 100 percent of the money goes back to the schools,” said Jones. “If you want to have a good time with the Band of OZ, you will be supporting school programs. It’s a great party. We are going to have a really nice meal, this is not a buffet.”

Current-year school arts programs funded by these events include “The Nutcracker” performed by New York’s Ballet for Young Audiences; Felix Pitre, a TheatreWorks USA artist who features “Songs and Stories from Latin America;” Mike Wiley’s performance of “Jackie Robinson;” Barter Theatre’s performance of “Romeo and Juliet;” performances by “Poetry Alive,” Ira Bernstein and Riley Baugus’s presentation of “Appalachian Roots,” Bright Star Children’s Theatre’s performances of “The Ugly Duckling,” “Dickens Tale” and “Maximus Mars;” a 12-week in-school traditional arts (TAPS) residency at Cedar Ridge and White Plains Elementary schools.

“These programs would not be possible without the generous support of donors throughout the community, area schools, and the support of those attending,” said Jones.

Sonia Dickerson, teacher quality coordinator for the Surry County Schools, is chairing the 2012 ArtsBall and is working with more than 30 volunteers.

Jones said if anyone wants to donate items for the auction, to call the Surry Arts Council. She said all donations are tax deductible.

The cost of the evening is $75 per person. For further information and/or reservations, contact the Surry Arts Council at 786-7998, arts@surryarts.org, or www.surryarts.org.

Reach Mondee Tilley at mtilley@heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1930.