Eufaula Area Arts Council held a Town Hall meeting on July 27 to help organize an important transition, following the pandemic and other events that have created a mandate for re-examination and how to sustain community arts projects available.

“Art programs promote a healthy town by encouraging many types of people to work together toward a hopeful and common outcome as well as promoting tourism”, said Glenna McBride, Arts Council Executive Director.

The meeting took place in the Chamber of Commerce building.

Selina Jayne-Dornan led the Town Hall meeting and said it is vital to attract new members. It was also mentioned there is a need to expand marketing activities and programs to develop a better reach and impact of the arts in and near Eufaula.

She delivered a community survey to everyone present to help understand their needs and desires of what kind of art is important to them.

The survey results mentioned that art exhibits, music concerts, theater performances and art classes need to occur more often. The survey also pointed to educational programs, community events, youth programs and supporting area artists as important.

Selina discussed the need to increase local participation in the arts.

Since the 1990s, the annual strategic plan for Eufaula Area Arts is to act as a gateway to the arts to provide educational outreach opportunities for this community.

Several ideas were mentioned to support new initiatives and expand existing programs.

One project idea mentioned was creating an event near the Winter Solstice on Eufaula Cove.

“The winter solstice project was successful several years ago and it is possible to restore and expand it”, said Glenna.

If you want to be a part of a Winter Solstice project or any other project Eufaula Area Arts has, there is a signup sheet at the Chamber of Commerce building, or you can text your name to 918-617-1689 and mention the project you would like to be a part of. Local artists are encouraged to mention a talent you would like to share.