GSD presents Arts in the Park

— More than 200 persons lined the shores of Loch Lomond in Bella Vista the evening of September 18 when what is planned to be an annual “Arts in the Park” celebration was held in Tiree Park.

Presented by the Gravette School District, the event featured the Gravette High School Concert Band, the Select Choir, the High School Drama and Forensics students and students from Middle and High School Art and Drama Departments.

Following the serving of a barbecue meal the Hogtown Hot Club trio (Jim Greeson, Ed Nicholson and Mike Johnson) presented opening music followed by presentations by High School Drama and Forensics students, directed by Ian Galloway.

Art work by the middle and high school students was displayed for the enjoyment of the crowd who milled and visited and got acquainted with the talents of Gravette youth. Thomas Allison and Lori Walker are middle school art teachers; Mollie Hendrick teaches high school art.

The musical program opened with the Choir’s presentation of “The Star SpangledBanner” followed immediately by the GHS band with a selection of songs from James Bond movies. Rachel Galloway is choir director and Mike Johnson directs the GHS band.

The band and choir then collaborated on a “Phantom of the Opera” set including five numbers. The program ended with a rousing rendition of "God Bless the USA" by the band.

Table decorations were created by seventh and eighth grade students rounding out an evening highlighting the Gravette School District: “The PRIDE of Arkansas.”

Committee members involved with the planning of the evening were Thomas Allison, Ian Galloway, Patrick Hall, Mollie Hendrick, Mike Johnson, Ruth Poemoceah, Jack Skillett, Debbie Skinner, Marilou Edwards, Rachel Galloway, Jo Ellen Hastings, Suzanne Jessup, Andrea Kelly, Lisa Singleton, JoAnn Skillett, Lori Walker and chief chef Mitch Wilber.

The committee said special thanks goes to the Highlands Methodist Men, the Bella Vista Police and Lake Departments for their assistance as well as to the various businesses and individuals whose sponsorship underwrote the event.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the various departments of the school.

News, Pages 13 on 09/29/2010