Hello to all of you!
Over the past couple of years many beautiful creative people have come together to make the book, "Words of Courage" possible.  The book is a collection of poetry written by Grayfred B. Gray, Angela Washington, Deborah Bishop and many more, intimate writings and visual art by Yvette Renee Parrish and also includes a music CD with music and lyrics by Jenai and Billy Montana as well as Joie Scott.
This has been a labor of love being that the common thread that weaves in our lives is that we are all survivors of domestic or sexual violence (or both) or know someone who is.   The majority of the proceeds will benefit The Mary Parrish Center (a center for victims and survivors of domestic violence), to assist them in continuing to provide legal services, counseling, clothing, and housing amongst many other needs.
Much love and peace,
Yvette Renee Parrish

Special bulletin:
Community art created by children from 2 to 82 at Williamson County Fair 2006 was
auctioned and sold  at the Spring Hollow Benefit for a total of $700.00. 
Proceeds will help fund future community art project.

The Community Art Project is back this year.        Join us at Williamson County Fair
 Call for Art                       http://williamsoncountyfair.org/competitions/fine_arts

A letter to anyone interested in the arts:

Every member of the Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission (“WCCAC”) is a volunteer.  We are an all volunteer organization.  The upside is that everyone associated is very passionate about bringing arts into everyday life.  We believe all the arts should be available and accessible in public and recreation areas as well as business spaces.  The diversity of our projects showcases our passions. This is the first half of our third year as an organization. 

We have strengthened our Board and are endeavoring to improve our ongoing major projects, such as, the now, two full days of the colorful Blue Grass on the Harpeth Competition and Festival and the amazing Cultural Arts Pavilion at the County Fair, filled with professional level fine original art, children’s’ drawings, professional and children’s’ photography.  The performing artists on stage in the pavilion, according to many fans, are on a par with the main stages.  

A favorite feature of children from two to eighty-two is the Community Arts Project. This year it will feature four x four canvas collages and mosaic  stepping stones, large garden pots and other pieces, which after traveling eight months around the County’s public buildings, many pieces will be installed at the Five Points Memorial in Franklin.  This will also give us further opportunity to permanently recognize our sponsors.  We are collaborating with renowned public planner and artist Sherry Hunter Warner on additions to the Memorial.  The plan is to include a water feature, benches, shrubs, lighting and fun pieces that children may play on.  The Memorial is beautiful.  We plan to make it a more people friendly place.

Our open house “meet & greet” meetings have been a great success.  We have fun, a diverse musical variety, delicious refreshments and camaraderie brought by many generous members.  Our programs have been filled with the most interesting speakers. It was our pleasure to honor Tommy Jackson for his outstanding contributions to the community.  We will continue the open houses in September. The place will be announced.  Meanwhile we are the host on June 6, 2007 for the free concert provided by the Nashville Symphony’s Chamber Quartet at the Franklin Columbia Library.  The reception is. At 6:00pm.  The program is at 7:00 pm.   There will not be open meetings in July and August as we will be very active at the Blue Grass on the Harpeth July 27-28, 2007 on Franklin Square and the County Fair August 3-11 2007.

Karel-grace Dye,
Chairman
 Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission

2007 events list:

Membership Christmas Party - December 16th, 2005

Bluegrass Festival at downtown square - Franklin TN July 29th & 30th, 2005

Williamson County Fair - Cultural Arts Pavilion August 4-10th, 2005
(Juried Fine Art & Photography show, Student art exhibition, performing arts Stage showcasing local musicians singer/songwriters and local dance clubs)

Factory wine festival at "The Factory in Franklin" - November 2005

Nashville Strings Chamber Orchestra at Williamson County Library - April 10th 2006

Open Membership meeting at he Factory in Franklin - July 6th 2006

Bluegrass Festival - July 28th 2006

Williamson County Fair - Cultural Arts Pavilion August 4-12th, 2006
(Juried Fine Art & Photography show, and Community Arts Project. Performing Arts Stage showcasing Local Dance talent, singers, and musicians.)

Natchez Street Fair with Jammie Jams - August 5th, 2006

WCCAC Student Chapter Kickoff Meeting at the Factory September 7th, 2006 6:30 P.M.
(Ages Kindergarten-12th invited. There will be live music & dance.)

WCCAC Projects