
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 14, 1991                   TAG: 9104160453
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

AN ART ORGANIZATION THAT'S STILL SOUND

IN RESPONSE to Jeff DeBell's March 23 article, there is an art organization in Roanoke that is still fiscally and artistically sound. Now in our 14 consecutive year, Artemis is a small organization that fills a unique but intense need in the community.

The purpose of Artemis is to foster excellence in art and literature in the Blue Ridge and Virginia. To accomplish this, we annually sponsor a traveling art exhibit, a writing workshop and a Spring Reading to celebrate the publication of the Artemis. This journal features artists and writers in the Blue Ridge and Virginia.

Among other innovative programs, we have coordinated projects with the Roanoke city public schools and other school systems, the Acting Company, the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, the Roanoke Symphony, the Roanoke Museum of Fine Arts and the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge.

All of us on the Artemis board are dismayed at the rapid deterioration of the art scene in Roanoke. At a public level, it diminishes our community in many ways. At a private level, many of the people referred to in DeBell's article are friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, some of these organizations have had additional expenses thrust upon them or have assumed expenses beyond their original missions.

Being flexible and innovative, Artemis hopes to continue serving the community with equality programs at a level commensurate with fiscal responsibility. JUDY LIGHT AYYILDIZ ROANOKE

by CNB