At a glance
This year’s other recipients include:
• Cumming First United Methodist Church, for its Festival of the Arts
• Forsyth Central High School, for a children’s a play
• Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department, for art on the Big Creek Greenway
Three groups received funding for musical projects:
• North Georgia College and State University, for its symphony orchestra
• The Cumming Playhouse, for the installation of an elevated band stand and stage flooring
• Northside-Hospital Forsyth Auxiliary, for Healing Sounds, a therapeutic music program
The Forsyth Conference Center was filled with smiling faces Thursday as several area organizations received grants to help bring arts to the county.
More than $50,000 was awarded during the Forsyth County Arts Alliance luncheon.
"Those who serve on this board have a passion for the arts in this community and it’s a joy to be sitting here today in celebration and giving away money to the deserving groups," said Andy Burt, alliance chairman-elect.
Among the recipients was the Sawnee Artists Association, which received two grants totaling $7,695.
Since the alliance began giving out grants in 2008, the association has always received at least one, said Charlotte Gardener, association member.
"It’s a great feeling to know that the grants are out there to be applied for," she said. "And in the future, there will probably be more funds as the economy improves.
"We reach a lot of people and we’re just delighted to be a part of this."
Gardener said she was pleased to see the variety of this year’s grant winners.
"There’s something here for everyone," she said.
Among first-time recipients was the Lanier Technical College Foundation.
The $15,000 grant — the largest presented this year — helped pay for original works of art for the college’s new conference center.
The 22 pieces hanging throughout the center were inspired by Forsyth County.
Carol Spires, the foundation’s executive director, said they started collecting the artwork last year.
"The foundation had to front a bunch of money to do the project in hopes that we would get the grant," she said.
"The good thing about the permanent art display here is we have so many thousands of people coming through this facility that get to enjoy it, and are hopefully motivated to go out into the community and see some of these sites for themselves."
Burt told recipients to stay in touch during the next year and let the alliance know about upcoming events and projects.
"We want to be involved in what you are doing," he said. "It’s really been a pleasure these last few years and for many years in the future, to be able to be a part of this community with y’all and to expand the arts.
"Thanks for all you do."