Serving Edom, Van, Ben Wheeler, and Van ISD |
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Dear VZACD Community,
Despite the pandemic, the Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation was able to do a few things this year towards our mission to support and bring arts activities to the district. See below and take a look at our website to explore more. We welcome your ideas and input. Get caught up with what we've accomplished so far in the VZACD Blog which also includes our newsletter archives. We're looking forward to a good 2021!
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TEXAS STATE TOURISM ASSESSMENT
Our tourism committee, led by David Teel, applied for a state tourism assessment of the district. We were able to secure one of only three locations in the entire state of Texas they will do in the coming year.
Representatives from the Texas State Tourism Office, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Music Office, and Texas Commission on the Arts will visit to study the area and make recommendations as to its value as a tourism destination.
Like everything else, timing is subject to how the year unfolds with the pandemic. The state offices are required to adhere to the strict guidelines and traveling here may not be an option for some time.
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BUSINESS (ALMOST) AS USUAL
Kudos to our businesses that adapted this year and kept things going and to the customers supporting them. Our restaurants continue to offer take out, outdoor dining when weather cooperates, and indoor masked and socially distanced options. Shops have provided the same, creating safe environments for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and support the economy. Tourism-level businesses are welcome to post events, sales, specials, etc. on the Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Facebook page to reach visitors. There's also a page for district businesses to network with each other, share job opportunities and in general to offer support to your neighboring businesses. Go to VZACD Business Community for discussions on community development efforts.
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SHARON GILCHRIST STUDENT ART CONTEST
Door Controls USA holds an art contest each year for Van ISD students in honor of the late Sharon Gilchrist. This year's winning art is above. The artist is 15 year old Van High School student Jared Hernandez. The art appears on the cover of Door Controls 2020 Christmas card going to thousands of people around the world. It is also appearing in the Vandal Voice Holiday Book.
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LITTLE FREE ART SHOPS
The Little Free Art Shops are out and lots of Van ISD kids are getting free art supplies. Locations are at Brookshire's in Van, Edom Art Emporium in Edom, and The Forge in Ben Wheeler. We would love to see what the kids are creating so if you are picking up art supplies, please post their work on the Van Go Arts Club Facebook page, email info@VanZandtACD.com, or text (903) 312-9556.
If you would like to contribute to this project please feel free to add new or gently used art supplies to any or all of the boxes. There is also an Amazon wish list called VZACD Art Box Supplies. Ship to yourself and deliver to a box or ship to the address provided and we'll add them for you. Donations can be made by check to Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District with "Little Free Art Shop" in the memo or donate by credit card on www.VanZandtACD.com/Join-Us.
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VAN GO ARTS CLUB
Join Facebook group Van Go Arts Club to keep up with topics relating to Van ISD communities, kids, and arts education.
ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Many artists and organizations remain willing to provide demonstrations to students. Teachers and other group organizers can learn more about them under the Education tab on www.vanzandtacd.com.
APPLY FOR FUNDS
Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation offers compensation for opportunities for children who demonstrate a financial need and an interest in the arts. Funds may also be made available for teachers or others leading group arts activities like classes, contests, or field trips. Learn more HERE.
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"Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else."
— Sydney Gurewitz Clemens
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Membership
The mission of the Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation is to help create thriving communities in the southeast corner of Van Zandt County that we can all enjoy and keep fun and healthy for generations to come. We do this through two initiatives: economic development through tourism, and arts education for our children in Van ISD. The three towns of Edom, Van, and Ben Wheeler share the school district and pooling their fun things-to-do attracts many more tourists and that means more success for all in the district.
Membership in the Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation makes you a part of strategic efforts to improve our district. THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS. WE LOVE BEING ON THIS TEAM WITH YOU.
If you are not yet a member, please join others like Door Controls USA, The Forge Bar & Grille, County Line Magazine, Tankersley Real Estate, Allyson & Mike DeCanio, Gaile Robinson, Randy & Sherrie Martin, Edom Art Emporium, P.A. Geddie, Jim & Alexandra Prevratil, Don Gilchrist, Dragonhead Retreat, Georgia Christensen, LeAnn Sellers, Glenda Mae's Daylily Farm, Thoughts•Words•Images, Arbor Castle Birdhouses, Wood Haven Cabins, Mariposa Cabin, Potters Brown, Bill Hullum CPA, East Texas Sip & Shop, 4B Products, The Old Firehouse in Edom, Kerian Massey, Cabin in the Woods, Marilyn Pippin, Country Charm Bed & Breakfast, Bill & Linda Ayers, The Palate Dining Room, Melinda Wacaser, Karen Crawford, David Teel, and numerous others committed to making our district the best place to live, work, and play. Tax-exempt dues start as low as $50 per year. PLEASE BECOME A MEMBER TODAY.
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About the Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation |
The Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting tourism and education opportunities in the southeast corner of Van Zandt County — a distinctive arts and cultural sector of the county that includes Edom, Van, and Ben Wheeler, as well as the Van school district. Our mission is to enhance and promote the value of the district’s creative and economic life by engaging artistic, cultural, educational, and commercial neighbors through programs, events, and initiatives. More tourism opportunities and arts education means better communities for residents and future generations.
NOTE: We have a vacant director position open and need to fill preferably with a Van ISD person to help keep our communications flowing well with the school. The right person should have a passion for the arts and how they positively affect children's lives. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact P.A. Geddie, (903) 312-9556 or email info@vanzandtacd.com. We meet six times per year.
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Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jill Dutton, Van ISD Education Foundation
P.A. Geddie, County Line Magazine
Summer Gilchrist Haltom, Door Controls USA
Kristi Johnston, Southside Bank, Van Parks & Recreation, Van PTO
Kerian Massey, Edom Art Emporium/Kerian's Art
Samantha Owens, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
David Teel, Former Texas Tourism Industry Association CEO
James Wilhite: Mariposa Cabin, Wilhite Landscape, Edom Chamber
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