For those who are not

necessarily artistically, musically or theatrically

talented, but would still like to support the arts, the

Endowment Committee for the Cultural Arts (ECCA) is as

close as you can get to "one-stop shopping."

Many local artists, musicians and talents from all of the

arts are also members of the ECCA.

The ECCA, a not-for-profit

organization, is actively involved in all aspects of the

arts. The group was formed in 1982 to promote and support

the arts in Fayette County. It is the oldest county

organization focusing on increasing awareness and

improving the visibility of the arts in the community.

The group is responsible for raising and contributing

substantial amounts to support local.

Each year the organization

selects students in the local schools to receive grants

and scholarships to help them pursue the arts. They have

donated over $10,000 to the Peachtree City and

Fayetteville libraries, as well as $40,000 for the

Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater's light and sound

system. They have donated just under $70,000 to Fayette

County schools and awarded over $15,000 for local

scholarships.

Fayette Community Theater

is their "Partner in the Arts." The ECCA

supports the group through financial assistance and other

promotions. Many active members of the theater group are

also active members of the ECCA. Additionally, the ECCA

has helped to obtain grants for the Theater from the

governor's Grass Roots Arts Program.

To raise money, the ECCA

hosts a number of fund-raisers each year. Their yearly

Valentine's Ball and Christmas party are two

well-attended, fun events. The Valentine's Day Ball is a

black-tie affair with an auction and entertainment.

In the fall of the year the

organization holds a membership party to thank current

and to encourage new members. This year the ECCA has

partnered with Designer Furniture Showcase for a

membership party with a "new-twist" per chair

Sandra Jungers.

The event, "An Act of

Art," will be held "under the stars and

tents" at Designer Furniture Showroom in the

Willowbend Shopping Center. The owners of the Showroom,

Bill and Betty Hodges, are longtime supporters of the

arts.

As part of their

contribution to the ECCA, they will be opening the

Showroom, which one ECCA member noted was in itself

"a wonderful display of furniture art," to

display art.

The Fayette Community

Theater will present a short one-act comedy, "Not My

Cup of Tea." Local artists will have their art on

display and sale. Some of the local artists who will be

donating or displaying art include Silvia Feenaghty,

Cynthia McMorries, Tom Powers and Angela White.

Additionally, talented

Fayette County musicians will entertain attendees

throughout the evening and various actors will be in

character and costume to add to the fun of the evening.

Affairs of the Heart Catering will be serving a

first-class menu to round out the evening.

There will be door prizes,

art work, jewelry and other items will be raffled off to

help support the arts. The event is an invitation-only

affair, however those interested in being placed on the

invitation list can stop by Designer Furniture Showrooms

or can call Lyda Miller at 770-487-6444.

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