By JANET McGREGOR
Contributing Writer

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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